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Arepas con Queso Recipe

These EASY Arepas con Queso are savory, cheese filled corn cakes cooked on a griddle. This South American treat is delicious with any meal!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 217 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Bread
Cuisine: South American

Ingredients

  • 4 cups white or yellow masa
  • 1 cup cotija cheese , crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 2 cups low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese , shredded, divided
  • 3 ½ cups warm water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted
  • more butter for the griddle

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 cups white or yellow masa , 1 cup cotija cheese and 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt.
  2. 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.
  3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and soft. It should hold its shape, but be easily worked.
  5. Divide the dough into 16 equal balls.
  6. Pat each ball of dough into a 5 inch circle that is about ¼” thick.
  7. Place one heaping tablespoons of the remaining mozzarella in the middle of the patty.
  8. Sandwich another piece of dough over it and seal the edges by pinching. Seal well.
  9. Pat the dough into a patty that is about 3-4 inches wide and a ½” thick.
  10. Repeat with remaining balls of dough so you have 8 total. Set aside.
  11. Heat a 12” cast iron skillet over medium high heat or an electric griddle at 325°F.
  12. When the skillet is hot, place a small pad of butter on the skillet and spread it around to coat the surface.
  13. Place the arepas on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.
  14. Transfer to a wire rack to cool while you continue cooking the rest. Keep in a warm oven.
  15. 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 made in the Air Fryer. Simply preheat it to 350°F. Grease the basket and then cook for 5 minutes. You might have to flip them and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the opposite side for even browning.
  • Exact cooking times may vary depending on your Air Fryer and also the size of the arepa. These work best using a smaller ball of dough and only a tablespoon of cheese. These instructions are also included in the notes section of the recipe card.

Nutrition Information

Calories 217kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 405mg (17%) Potassium 106mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0.4g (1%) Vitamin A 317IU (6%) Calcium 234mg (23%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 217

% 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.