Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa) or arepa flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or queso fresco
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Whisk warm water and salt, then gradually mix in cornmeal until dough is soft and cohesive.
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions and shape into discs.
- Fill or mix in 1/4 cup cheese per arepa, then seal and flatten again.
- Cook on a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until crust is golden and cheese is melty, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Optional: finish briefly in a hot oven (375°F/190°C) to melt cheese completely.
Notes
- Rest dough 5-10 minutes for optimal texture
- Keep arepas slightly thick for a soft interior
- Use pre-melted cheese for easier filling
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Method: Stovetop skillet; optional oven finish
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa (about 70 g)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
