Cheesy Arepa Delight is a fun dish made with fluffy cornmeal cakes filled with gooey cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them super tasty!
Every bite is a cheesy hug to your taste buds! I love to enjoy them fresh off the pan with a sprinkle of salt. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pre-Cooked Cornmeal: This is the base of your arepas. Look for “masarepa” in the store. If you can’t find it, you can use regular cornmeal, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that stretchy goodness. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based cheese. Queso blanco is also a lovely choice for a different flavor!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works well here. Sunflower, canola, or even olive oil can be used. I personally prefer olive oil for a richer taste.
How Do You Make Perfectly Stuffed Arepas?
Stuffing arepas can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make your discs thick enough to hold the filling but not too thick. Aim for about ½ inch.
- Use generous cheese portions; it should feel filling but ensure you can still seal the edges well.
- Press down the edges firmly to keep the cheese from leaking out when cooking.
Don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries to get it just right! Enjoy the process and remember to keep the heat steady for the best flavor.
Cheesy Arepa Delight
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or queso blanco)
- Optional garnish: fresh herbs or arugula
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make these delicious cheesy arepas from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt. Then, slowly add the warm water while mixing with your hands. Keep mixing until you have a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to let it hydrate fully and become easier to work with.
2. Shape the Arepas:
Once the dough has rested, divide it into 6 to 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc that is about ½ inch thick. This thickness helps them hold the filling while cooking. Make sure to keep them even!
3. Stuff the Arepas:
Take one disc and place a generous amount of shredded cheese in the center. Then, cover it with another disc of dough and carefully pinch the edges together to completely seal the cheese inside.
4. Cook the Arepas:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, adding just a bit of vegetable oil to coat the surface. Place the stuffed arepas in the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want them to become golden brown and crispy, with the cheese melted and gooey inside!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, take the arepas off the heat and serve them warm. You can garnish with fresh herbs or arugula if you’d like, but they are delicious on their own. Dig into your cheesy arepa delight and enjoy every bite!
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Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and queso blanco are great options, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative. Just make sure they melt well!
Can I Make Arepas in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Store it tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just shape and stuff the arepas as directed. They make for a quick and easy meal!
How Do I Store Leftover Arepas?
Store any leftover arepas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through. This helps maintain their crispy exterior!
Can I Freeze Arepas?
Yes, arepas freeze quite well! After cooking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in a skillet!
