Description
Delicious and authentic Arepas con Queso, a traditional Venezuelan and Colombian dish featuring cornmeal cakes stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. These crispy, golden arepas are perfect for a savory snack or meal and come together quickly with simple ingredients and stovetop frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Arepa Dough
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups masarepa (preferably P.A.N brand)
Filling and Cooking
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the hot water, softened butter, and kosher salt. Stir until the butter is mostly melted to create a warm, flavorful liquid base for the dough.
- Add Masarepa Gradually: Slowly add the masarepa to the wet mixture about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to avoid lumps.
- Form Dough: Knead until fully combined, ensuring the cornmeal is hydrated evenly. The dough should be soft and moldable like playdough but not sticky. If too wet, add more masarepa a tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
- Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, about 1/4 cup each, rolling each into a smooth ball.
- Stuff with Cheese: Create an indentation in each dough ball and fill with approximately 1 tablespoon of shredded or sliced mozzarella. Close the dough over the cheese and roll gently to seal.
- Flatten Arepas: Pat each ball into a flat cake roughly 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Roll on a hard surface to make edges even and smooth.
- Prepare Remaining Arepas: Repeat the stuffing and shaping steps swiftly with the remaining dough to prevent drying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Warm oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add arepas and fry for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, adjusting heat as necessary.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Turn the arepas and continue frying for another 3-5 minutes or until both sides are golden and cheese inside starts to bubble.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove arepas from the pan and place on paper towels to drain any extra oil. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky salt to enhance flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the arepas immediately for best taste and melty cheese experience.
Notes
- If dough is sticky, gradually add more masarepa until it reaches a soft, non-sticky state.
- Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution and best frying results.
- Serve with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella for creamier melting, or low-moisture mozzarella for less water content.
- Ensure oil is hot but not smoking to prevent burning the arepas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Keywords: Arepas, Venezuelan food, cornmeal cakes, stuffed arepas, mozzarella cheese, fried arepas, snack recipes, Latin American cuisine
