Description
Arepas con Queso are delightful Venezuelan-style corn cakes filled with melted mozzarella cheese, featuring a crispy golden crust and a tender, cheesy interior. Made from pre-cooked white cornmeal and Cotija cheese, these stuffed arepas are cooked on the stovetop or an electric griddle, making them a perfect savory snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups masarepa (pre-cooked white cornmeal)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, finely crumbled
Dairy & Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened), plus more for cooking
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
Liquids
- 1 1/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
Cooking Fats
- Oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the masarepa, salt, crumbled Cotija cheese, softened butter, and warm water.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms with the consistency of homemade play-dough. The dough should not be sticky. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Check Dough Consistency: Flatten a small piece of dough between your palms; if the edges crack, the dough is too dry. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is pliable.
- Shape Dough Balls: With lightly wet hands, divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Roll each into a ball and then pat each into a 5-inch diameter circle about ¼ inch thick.
- Fill and Seal Arepas: Place a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of one dough circle, leaving a ½ inch border. Top with another dough circle and seal the edges, pressing lightly to form a disk about ½ inch thick. Repeat for all.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, spreading it evenly. Alternatively, heat an electric griddle to 325ºF and coat with butter.
- Cook Arepas: Place the arepas on the skillet or griddle. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove arepas from heat and serve warm. Optionally, add additional butter on top for extra richness.
Notes
- Use warm water to help the dough come together smoothly.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more masarepa cornmeal gradually.
- Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Serve fresh and warm for the best texture and melty cheese experience.
- For a crispier crust, cook at a slightly lower heat for a bit longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Keywords: Arepas con Queso, Venezuelan Arepas, stuffed arepas, cheesy arepas, cornmeal arepas, mozzarella arepas, Latin American snack
