Arepas con Queso Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
217 kcal
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Cuisine
South American
Arepas con Queso Recipe
Description
This recipe starts by mixing masa harina with crumbled cotija cheese and kosher salt, then adding warm water and melted butter to form a pliable dough reminiscent of firm playdough. After resting and kneading, the dough is divided into balls, flattened, filled with shredded mozzarella, and carefully sealed. Each arepa is then patted into a thick patty.
Cooking is done on a hot cast iron skillet or electric griddle until a crisp golden crust forms, while the interior remains soft with melted cheese. Alternative cooking in an air fryer yields a similarly browned exterior with less oil, requiring monitoring and occasional flipping for even cooking. The combination of cotija and mozzarella cheeses contributes a salty tang and gooey texture inside.
Arepas work well as handheld snacks or part of a meal paired with toppings or sides. Their chewy corn base and warm cheese make them satisfying and flavorful. The ability to cook via different methods adds flexibility to preparing this dish.
Adjusting the size of dough balls and cheese quantity can affect cooking time and texture. Smaller patties and moderate cheese help achieve more consistent results, especially when air frying.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white masa or yellow masa
- 1 cup cotija cheese , crumbled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided, low moisture, part skim
- 3 ½ cups water warm
- ¼ cup butter melted, unsalted
- butter more, for the griddle
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 cups white or yellow masa , 1 cup cotija cheese and 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt.
- Stir in the 3 ½ cups warm water and melted¼ cup unsalted butter to form a soft dough. It should be the consistency of homemade playdough.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and soft. It should hold its shape, but be easily worked.
- Divide the dough into 16 equal balls.
- Pat each ball of dough into a 5 inch circle that is about ¼” thick.
- Place one heaping tablespoons of the remaining mozzarella in the middle of the patty.
- Sandwich another piece of dough over it and seal the edges by pinching. Seal well.
- Pat the dough into a patty that is about 3-4 inches wide and a ½” thick.
- Repeat with remaining balls of dough so you have 8 total. Set aside.
- Heat a 12” cast iron skillet over medium high heat or an electric griddle at 325°F.
- When the skillet is hot, place a small pad of butter on the skillet and spread it around to coat the surface.
- Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool while you continue cooking the rest. Keep in a warm oven.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
- Arepas can be cooked in an air fryer at 350°F by greasing the basket, cooking for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking 2-3 more minutes for even browning.
- Smaller dough balls and about one tablespoon of cheese each yield best results with air frying.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 217 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 217kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 405mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 106mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 317IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 234mg | 23% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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