Arepas con queso are delicious savory corn cakes stuffed with melted cheese and cooked until crispy and golden on the outside while soft and fluffy on the inside. Popular across Latin America—especially in Colombia and Venezuela—these comforting corn cakes can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
With their rich corn flavor and gooey cheese filling, arepas are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether served plain with butter or filled with meats, vegetables, or beans, they are one of the most beloved street foods in Latin cuisine.
Why You’ll Love These Arepas
Cheesy and comforting
Each arepa is filled with warm melted cheese that makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Crispy outside, soft inside
Cooking the corn cakes on a skillet or griddle gives them a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
Family-friendly
Handheld, slightly sweet corn cakes with melted cheese are always a hit with both kids and adults.
Versatile
Arepas can be served plain, stuffed with cheese, or filled like a sandwich with meats and vegetables.
Quick and easy
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, homemade arepas come together in about 40 minutes.
What Are Arepas?
Arepas are thick cornmeal cakes made from precooked corn flour, shaped into discs and cooked on a griddle or skillet. They have been a staple food in Latin America for centuries and are especially popular in:
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
- El Salvador
Once cooked, arepas are often sliced open and filled with cheese, meats, beans, or vegetables—similar to a sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 cups masarepa (precooked white cornmeal)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cotija cheese, finely crumbled
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1¼ cups warm water (plus more if needed)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Oil or butter for cooking
What Is Masarepa?
Masarepa is precooked ground cornmeal used to make arepas. It has a mild corn flavor and soft texture when cooked.
Important:
Masarepa is different from regular cornmeal and masa harina. The most popular brand is P.A.N., which is commonly available in international grocery stores.
How to Make Arepas con Queso
1. Prepare the dough
In a medium bowl, combine masarepa, salt, crumbled cotija cheese, butter, and warm water. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms.
2. Rest the dough
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
3. Divide and shape
With lightly wet hands, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
4. Add the cheese filling
Place a few tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center of one circle. Cover with another dough circle and seal the edges. Gently press to form a thick disc.
5. Cook the arepas
Heat oil or butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Air Fryer Arepas Option
You can also cook arepas in an air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease the basket.
- Cook arepas for 5 minutes, flip them, then cook another 2–3 minutes until golden.
Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.
Filling and Topping Ideas
Although arepas con queso are delicious on their own, you can fill them with many different ingredients.
Filling Ideas
- Refried beans
- BBQ pulled pork
- Chicken tinga
- Carnitas
- Shredded beef
Toppings
- Guacamole
- Salsa roja
- Lime crema
- Pickled jalapeños
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store cooked arepas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Place cooled arepas in a freezer container with parchment paper between each one. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
Tips for Perfect Arepas
- If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.
- Wet your hands before shaping the dough to prevent sticking.
- Always use masarepa, not masa harina.
- Cook on a cast iron skillet for extra crispiness.
- Don’t worry about shaping—they’re easy and fun to make!
Final Thoughts
Arepas con queso are one of the most comforting and versatile dishes in Latin American cuisine. With their crispy golden crust and soft cheesy center, they’re perfect for any time of day.
Once you learn how easy they are to make at home, these delicious corn cakes might quickly become a favorite family recipe.