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Arepas con Queso are savory, cheesy corn cakes that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Made with masarepa (precooked corn flour), these arepas are perfect as a snack, breakfast, or side dish. With gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside and a hint of cotija cheese in the dough, they are a simple yet delicious treat, perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups masarepa (precooked white cornmeal)
½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
2 oz (½ cup) finely crumbled cotija cheese
1 tablespoon butter (softened)
1¼ cups warm water (plus more if needed)
8 oz (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
Oil or butter for cooking

Directions

Make the dough: In a medium bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, cotija cheese, butter, and warm water. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 8 even pieces, rolling each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a ¼-inch thick patty.
Add cheese filling: Place a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center of each dough circle. Place another dough circle on top and seal the edges, pressing lightly to form a disk.
Cook the arepas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add a little oil or butter. Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Once cooked, serve warm, optionally with butter on top. Enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 512
Fat: 20g (31% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (63% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 56mg (19% Daily Value)
Sodium: 833mg (36% Daily Value)
Potassium: 313mg (9% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 60g (20% Daily Value)
- Fiber: 7g (29% Daily Value)
- Sugar: 2g (2% Daily Value)
Protein: 24g (48% Daily Value)
Vitamin A: 420 IU (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 521mg (52% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)

What Makes Arepas Con Queso Special?

The beauty of Arepas con Queso lies in their simplicity and versatility. These corn cakes are made with masarepa, which is a specially processed, precooked cornmeal that gives them their signature texture—soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The dough is easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and the addition of cotija cheese adds a layer of richness to the base.

However, what truly elevates these arepas is the gooey mozzarella cheese filling. As the arepas cook, the mozzarella melts, creating a deliciously cheesy core that oozes out when you take a bite. This cheesy center, paired with the crispy exterior, creates a satisfying contrast of textures that will leave you craving more.

The Role of Masarepa in Arepas

Masarepa is a key ingredient in making authentic arepas. It’s a type of cornmeal that has been precooked, which means it doesn’t need to be cooked for hours like traditional cornmeal. It’s finely ground and soft, which helps create the light, smooth texture of the arepas. The benefit of using masarepa is that it allows for quick preparation while still achieving the characteristic soft, dense texture that arepas are known for.

If you’ve never tried masarepa before, it’s worth looking for in Latin American grocery stores, as it’s the secret ingredient that sets arepas apart from other corn-based dishes. The dough comes together quickly when mixed with warm water, salt, and a bit of butter, making it easy to prepare even if you’re new to making arepas at home.

The Cheese: Cotija and Mozzarella

In Arepas con Queso, two types of cheese are used, each bringing a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Cotija cheese, a crumbly and salty Mexican cheese, is incorporated into the dough to provide a savory, slightly tangy flavor. The cotija cheese is mixed with the masarepa, butter, and salt, creating a dough that has a rich depth of flavor even before you add the mozzarella filling.

The mozzarella cheese, on the other hand, is used as the filling. Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully, creating a gooey center inside the arepas. As the arepas cook, the mozzarella becomes melty and creamy, creating a perfect contrast to the crispy, golden exterior of the corn cake.

Together, the cotija and mozzarella provide a satisfying balance of salty, creamy, and savory flavors that make each bite of Arepas con Queso incredibly indulgent.

The Cooking Process: Crispy and Golden Perfection

The key to perfecting Arepas con Queso is achieving the ideal balance of texture—crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. To do this, the arepas are cooked in a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat, ensuring that they cook evenly without burning. A little oil or butter is used to coat the pan, helping the arepas develop a golden brown crust while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.

When cooking the arepas, be sure to flip them carefully, as the cheese inside can make them a bit delicate. Each side should cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the arepas are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. The result is a crispy, cheesy corn cake that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside a meal.

Serving Suggestions: Versatile and Flavorful

Arepas con Queso are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be paired with other ingredients to create a complete meal. Here are a few ways you can serve them:

For Breakfast: Enjoy Arepas con Queso with a side of fresh fruit or eggs for a savory and filling breakfast.
As a Side Dish: Serve these cheesy corn cakes as a side to grilled meats, chicken, or fish. They pair wonderfully with dishes like grilled chicken thighs, carne asada, or pork tenderloin.
As a Snack: Enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a fun, tasty snack.
For Lunch or Dinner: Add sliced avocado, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime to make a more substantial meal. You can also serve them with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.

The versatility of Arepas con Queso makes them an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re having a casual meal at home or preparing something special for guests, these cheesy corn cakes are sure to be a crowd favorite.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Arepas con Queso offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The cornmeal in the masarepa provides complex carbohydrates that fuel your body, while the mozzarella and cotija cheeses deliver a good amount of protein and healthy fats. The fiber content from the masarepa helps promote digestion, and the calcium from the cheese contributes to healthy bones.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that these arepas are rich in fat and calories, particularly due to the butter and cheese. They are best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. To lighten up the recipe, you could reduce the amount of butter or use a lighter cheese option, but part of the charm of Arepas con Queso is the indulgent combination of buttery, cheesy flavors.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Irresistible Treat

Arepas con Queso are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that perfectly balances crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, including masarepa, cotija cheese, and mozzarella, you can create a comforting snack, breakfast, or side dish that will be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re serving them as a special treat for yourself or sharing them with friends and family, these cheesy corn cakes are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

The beauty of Arepas con Queso lies in their simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy them on their own, or dress them up with various toppings and fillings. With their delicious texture and cheesy filling, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any table.