Arepas de Queso
I had never even heard of these fantastic nibbles until I went to Colombia. Arepas de Queso are cornmeal cakes filled with cheese. They’re a national dish of Colombia.
Arepas. Yummy, tasty, simple arepas. Oh how I love thee.
I was first introduced to this yummy carb on my first trip to Bogota and Cevecheria. They are so tasty and yet so simple. It’s like a thicker corn tortilla type flavor, but so much better than I’m describing it.
I had never even heard of these fantastic nibbles until I went to Colombia. Now, I want to master them and make them at home. The ingredients? Three. Water, masarepa (precooked corn flour), and butter. Four if you want to add salt. Five if you add cheese. In any event, they’re not complicated, but I just recently found the masarepa in my grocery. Granted I wasn’t looking at international foods stores, but was THRILLED when I found it on my regular grocery trip.
And then it vanished. *sigh*
BUT I went to another grocery store and voila! There it was, sitting on the shelf, with that angelic halo around it. I think I heard angels singing when I found it. Trust me. You think I’m mad now, but just wait until you try these delicious nibbles.
I’m one of those people that like the corn tortillas better than the flour ones; especially if they’re fresh. I like the flavor of the corn and find that it enhances the flavor of the dish. Something about the hearty flavor of the corn with it’s slight sweet flavor that I truly enjoy.
And enjoy these I did!! The first cheese one I had was at the airport in Bogota. I stopped for coffee at Juan Valdez and saw these gorgeous gems just screaming, “EAT ME!” Since I hadn’t had any breakfast, I easily obliged! I still remember the warm arepas with it’s delicious white corn flavor and the creamy, salty cheese inside. Mmmmmm. *drooling*
There are a few countries that make a version of this. Venezuela makes a larger one and stuffs it; arepas rellenos. There’s smaller ones called arepitas. They’re more of an appetizer type size. Think chips and salsa but with really thick, buttery chips. And not all of then are savory. There are sweet versions, too!!
Don’t forget to scroll down and view all the other Stuffed, Wrapped and Rolled recipes from the rest of the crew!
Arepas de Queso
I had never even heard of these fantastic nibbles until I went to Colombia. Arepas de Queso are cornmeal cakes filled with cheese. They’re a national dish of Colombia.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup masarepa, precooked corn flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- 2 to 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine the masarepa and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the water and let stand 3 to 4 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the dough forms a firm ball. If the dough cracks when making the ball; add more water. If the dough is difficult to handle; try adding more masarepa. The consistency is just right when the dough forms a nice, uniform ball without much difficulty.
- Form one 3" ball of dough. Place between parchment or plastic wrap and flatten with a heavy pan.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Swirl until melted.
- Cook the arepas about 4 to 5 minutes or each side or until lightly browned on the outside. Allow to cool slightly, then carefully cut a slit and pry the arepas open. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crumbled cheese inside and return to the pan; cooking until the cheese has melted on the inside.
- Serve warm with Hogao.
Starters and Snacks
- Easy Apple Dumplings by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Endive Stuffed with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey by Shockingly Delicious
- Arepas de Queso (cheese stuffed cornmeal cakes) by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Puff Pastry and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Entrees and Mains
- Stuffed Whole Baby Savoy Cabbages by Food Lust People Love
- Tamales de Rajas y Requeson (Roasted Poblano Tamales) by La Cocina de Leslie
- Crab Louie Stuffed Chicken by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Rustic “Wrapped” Tart with Ramps by Delaware Girl Eats
- Ham, Turkey and Cheddar Turnovers by Magnolia Days
- Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breasts by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Ham and Cheese Crescent “Roll” Stromboli by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
All things Sweet
- Chocolate Hazelnut Rugelach by Desserts Required
- Orange Chocolate Swiss Roll by Noshing With The Nolands
- Flourless Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies by Pies and Plots
I've never even heard of these but just from your photos and description alone, I'm drooling! I love anything carb-o-licious and especially if it has corn flour. I love that you were determined to recreate this dish after eating it in Colombia!
LOVE arepas, and these look fabulous!
I've never had one of these, but I might have to try one soon!
I had seen these on one of the cooking channels, but for some reason decided I couldn't make them. You give me the courage to try! They look just as good as the ones on TV!
I have never heard of such a thing, but these look delicious!
I love arepas – lived in Venezuela as a child – so I always move about the planet with Harina PAN in my shipment. You never know when you can't find it in the next country. And then you are sad. 🙂 I think you've already experience what I'm talking about. 🙂
I would love to try this recipe but have never seen or heard of masrepa. My question would be the same as Julie's, is it the same as masa harina or closer to corn meal or grits? Could anything be used a a substitute and how would we go precooking it for use. Also, in the recipe it says to add the milk. I didn't see an amount for milk in the ingredients. Thank you for introducing me to a new dish and one way or another, I'll try to figure this out. 🙂
I agree with Betsy…we have lots of yummy arepas here in South Florida! Love that you recreated it at home
I agree with Betsy! I've had some delicious arepas here in South Florida. I love that you recreated this delicious treat at home!
I'm incredibly familiar with Mexican food, and some Caribbean food, but I'm definitely still learning about Central and South American cuisines, and I've been really wanting to try arepas for a while now. Question: is masarepa the same thing as masa harina?
Living in South Florida, we have plenty of opportunities to eat arepas. I tried making them at home once and it was a total disaster. Your recipe looks sooooo user friendly that I am going to give homemade arepas another shot!
Thank you, Christie for sharing this authentic and do-able Columbia-style cheese tortilla. Your recipe is a keeper! Every bite I imagine does bring back great travel memories for you =)
In the spring, summer and fall in NYC we have tons of street fairs with people selling mozzarepas. Exactly what you made. Probably not the best for you but I can never resist the combination of sweet corn and mozzarella. I love this and need to try it at home!
Carbs and cheese are two of my favorit things! This looks so good!
Oh my. I have got to try one of these and soon. Yum.
This looks similar to a papusa which is one of my favourite things. Can't wait to try it.
Love how these are an homage to places you've visited!
I'm totally making these! I had something similar a few years ago in Ecuador and I just LOVED them.
Mmmmm…love anything with a cheesy filling!!!
Wow! I'm going to have to look for that ingredient, these sound so delicious and interesting!
These look delicious!
YUMMO!!!!! These look amazing! Found you via Sunday Suppers 🙂
I have been wanting to make these! Pinned to my Foodie Bucket List board, so now I have to! 🙂
I love it when I find a dish I have never head of before. This sounds intriguine and if I can find that corn flour they are giong into my shopping basket. Thanks for sharing.
These look delicious! Can't wait to try the recipe!
Love Arepas and can't wait to try your recipe!
Sounds easy enough! Totally trying these!
Ohhh. Arepas I miss them so much I am from Venezuela but since I left I haven't ate them ever again :'(
I have never heard of this dish, it looks really good and I would love to try it! Yum!!