Best Cheese Arepas Recipes

CHEESE-STUFFED AREPAS

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Stir together 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the corn meal into the water, using your fingers to stir and combine, until a soft and moist dough forms.
• Divide the dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each into a patty about 5-inches wide and 1/4-inch-thick.
• Put a cube of mozzarella in the center of each patty. Fold the dough over the cheese, making sure the cheese is completely covered and sealed. Pat it back down until 3-inches wide and 1/2-inch-thick (see Cook's Note).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook the corn patties, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side (making sure the oil is hot for each batch). Transfer to a cooling rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the edges are crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.

FRIED MASA CAKES WITH CHEESE (AREPAS DE QUESO)

Steps:

• Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in butter.
• Combine arepa flour, salt, sugar, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
• Add hot milk and stir until combined. Let mixture stand until milk is absorbed enough for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
• Form dough into 12 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten between palms into 3 1/2- to 4-inch patties (about 1/3 inch thick).
• Heat ‚ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately low heat until hot, then cook 3 or 4 arepas until cooked through and golden in patches, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make more arepas in same manner, adding oil as needed.

CORN AND CHEESE GRIDDLE CAKES (AREPAS)

Steps:

• Put the cornmeal and salt in a food processor and process until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cheese and butter.
• Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until almost boiling. Gradually stir enough of the milk into the cornmeal mixture to make a very thick batter. Stir in the corn.
• Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium heat. Drop half of the cornmeal mixture, 1 heaping tablespoon at a time, in 6 mounds in the skillet. Flatten slightly and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Spray the griddle cakes with nonstick spray and turn. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, transferring them to a platter when they are done; keep warm. Repeat with the remaining cornmeal mixture to make a total of 12 griddle cakes. Serve with Pico de Gallo, if using.

COLOMBIAN CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add 3 cups warm water, mixing with your fingers, then work in 4 tablespoons of the butter. Knead to a soft dough.
• One cup at a time, knead in the cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if the mixture seems dry. Taste the dough (some cheeses are very salty), then knead in salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough feels soft and smooth, with no lumps. Set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.
• Heat the broiler or a grill over high heat. Divide dough into 11 portions, roughly 5 ounces or 1/2 cup each. Roll into balls between your palms and set aside on a tray covered with a damp kitchen towel. Flatten each ball into a thick circle, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, flat on both sides. Return to tray and keep covered.
• Line broiler or grill rack with aluminum foil and brush foil lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange arepas on foil and cook about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and speckled - about 10 minutes per side. Serve immediately, for breakfast (like corn muffins) or as an accompaniment to soups or stews (like corn bread).

AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN

Steps:

• Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chili if using.
• Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3- to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.)
• Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream.

CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Finely grind cornmeal in blender, 1/4 cup at a time. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in cheese, 2 tablespoons butter and salt. Add enough boiling water to mixture to make very thick batter. Stir in corn.
• Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat with some of remaining melted butter. Working in batches and using 1 tablespoon batter for each corn cake, drop batter onto skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Serve hot.

CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl and gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a stiff dough.
• Add the cheese and knead the dough for a few minutes then form into 4 balls.
• Flatten the balls to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Heat oil in a large frying pan.
• Add the arepas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden, turning 3 or 4 times.
• Drain on kitchen paper.
• To Serve - split the arepas in half, place on serving plates and garnish with avocado, tomato slices and olives.

CREAM CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Mix milk, cream cheese, and salt in a mixing bowl; whisk together until smooth and foamy. Add sugar and arepas flour to milk mixture; mix with a spatula until dough is soft, thick, and workable, about 1 minute.
• Divide dough into 4 portions (for the 4 wells in the maker). Form each quarter into a ball and use wet hands to gently shape it into a thick patty about 1/2-inch thick. If you see little cracks on the outside, the dough may be a little too dry; add more milk.
• Heat arepas maker; lightly coat wells of the arepas machine with vegetable oil.
• Place patties into wells of maker, close lid, and let cook through one cooking cycle of machine, about 5 minutes. For a crisper crust, flip arepas, using a wooden spoon or spatula, and repeat cooking cycle for 5 more minutes. Patties will be crusty and browned on both sides and the insides will be cooked all the way through.

COLOMBIAN AREPAS WITH HAM AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Making the Arepas:.
• I a large bowl combine masa with cheese,baking soda and salt. Slowly pour the warm water in and stir well. Using your hands,knead until smooth dough forms. Form into 6 even balls,flatten into circles, about 4 inches in diameter.In a cast iron skillet or flat top grill, melt half of the butter on medium heat.
• Working in batches,if necessary,cook Arepas until golden brown, about 3 minutes.Add remaining butter,turn Arepas and cook 2-3 minutes until golden. Set aside.
• Making the Sandwich:.
• Slice the arepas in half horizontally. Layer on the ham,cheese and tomato, season with salt and pepper. Top fixings with remaining Arepas halves. Heat half the butterin a skillet or flat top grill. Cook Arepas in batches,about 3 minutes, until golden. Add remaining butter,turn,cover and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and Arepasare golden. Serve with Salsa on the side.

3-CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Combine cornmeal and water in a bowl.
• Add cheese and then buttermilk.
• Heat a non-stick skillet (low).
• Roll mixture into a ball and place in pan and flatten into a pancake, about a 4 inches circle.
• heat for about 5 minutes, continually checking that it does not burn.
• when it is golden brown flip over to other side for about five minutes.
• shred additional queso blanco on top and serve.

GRILLED AREPAS WITH FARMER'S CHEESE (OR QUESO BLANCO)

Steps:

• In a blender, process the corn kernels and chicken stock until smooth. Pour the cornmeal into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and sour cream. Pour in the chicken stock and corn mixture while stirring with your hands or a wooden spoon. Add the grated cheese. Form mixture into a ball. Then separate into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a pancake about 1/4-inch thick and 2 inches in diameter (but rub your fingers around the edge so that it maintains its thickness). At this point you can cover the arepas with a damp kitchen towel and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before grilling.
• Light a fire in a charcoal or gas grill. Brush the arepas lightly with the melted butter (for flavor and to prevent sticking). Grill the arepas until golden, about 3 minutes on each side. They should be toasted on the outside, but soft in the middle. Let cool to room temperature. Before serving, top with a spread of the farmer's cheese.

CREAM CHEESE AREPAS RECIPE - (4.1/5)

Steps:

• Mix milk, cream cheese, and salt in a mixing bowl; whisk together until smooth and foamy. Add sugar and arepas flour to milk mixture; mix with a spatula until dough is soft, thick, and workable, about 1 minute. Divide dough into 4 portions (for the 4 wells in the maker). Form each quarter into a ball and use wet hands to gently shape it into a thick patty about 1/2-inch thick. If you see little cracks on the outside, the dough may be a little too dry; add more milk. Heat arepas maker; lightly coat wells of the arepas machine with vegetable oil. Place patties into wells of maker, close lid, and let cook through one cooking cycle of machine, about 5 minutes. For a crisper crust, flip arepas, using a wooden spoon or spatula, and repeat cooking cycle for 5 more minutes. Patties will be crusty and browned on both sides and the insides will be cooked all the way through. Note: You can make arepas using a heavy skillet over medium heat; spray with cooking oil, place arepas into the hot skillet, and cook until bottoms are crusty and brown, about 5 minutes. Flip arepas and cook other side until browned, 3 to 5 more minutes.

GRILLED AREPAS WITH CHEESE

Steps:

• Place corn kernels and chicken stock in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
• Pour the cornmeal into a large bowl.
• Stir in the sugar and sour cream.
• Stir in corn mixture.
• Add cheese.
• Form mixture into a ball.
• Separate dough into 8 pieces.
• Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten into a pancake about 1/4-inch thick and 2 inches in diameter ( rub your fingers around the edge so that it maintains its thickness).
• Preheat grill.
• Brush the arepas lightly with the melted butter.
• Grill the arepas until golden, about 3 minutes on each side. They should be toasted on the outside, but soft in the middle.
• Let cool to room temperature.
• Before serving, top with a spread of the farmer's cheese.

OLOMBIAN CORN AND CHEESE AREPAS

Steps:

• Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Gradually add 3 cups warm water, mixing with your fingers, then work in 4 tablespoons of the butter. Knead to a soft dough. 2. One cup at a time, knead in the cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water if the mixture seems dry. Taste the dough (some cheeses are very salty), then knead in salt to taste, 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough feels soft and smooth, with no lumps. Set aside to rest for at least 15 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. 3. Heat the broiler or a grill over high heat. Divide dough into 11 portions, roughly 5 ounces or 1/2 cup each. Roll into balls between your palms and set aside on a tray covered with a damp kitchen towel. Flatten each ball into a thick circle, 3 1/2 inches in diameter, flat on both sides. Return to tray and keep covered. 4. Line broiler or grill rack with aluminum foil and brush foil lightly with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange arepas on foil and cook about 4 inches from the heat source, turning once, until both sides are golden brown and speckled - about 10 minutes per side. Serve immediately, for breakfast (like corn muffins) or as an accompaniment to soups or stews (like corn bread).

AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN

Steps:

• Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chile, if using.
• Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3-inch to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.)
• Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream.

AREPAS WITH CHEESE AND CORN

Steps:

• 1. Put cornmeal in a large bowl with salt and cheese. Put milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steam rises, then add butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir into cornmeal mixture until a thick batter is formed. Fold in the corn kernels, scallion, cilantro and chili if using. 2. Let batter rest until it thickens into a soft dough, about 15 minutes. Gently form 3- to 4-inch balls from mixture and flatten with palm of your hand to a 1/2-inch-thick disk. (You can cover and refrigerate disks for a few hours if you like.) 3. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook arepas, working in batches, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes on other side. When all arepas are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice them through the middle. If desired, serve with butter or stuff with beans, vegetables or sour cream.

CHEESE AND BACON MINI AREPAS WITH MAYO AND CILANTRO DRESSING

Steps:

• Mix cornmeal and salt with the water, knead until there's no lumps and the mixture's consistency is soft and uniform.
• Add the cheese along with the bacon bits. Keep mixing and then start making and flattening the arepitas with the palms of your hands. Ideal size is 2-3 cm (diameter) and 1 cm thick. Place them in a cookie sheet or tray.
• Put enough oil in a deep frying pan and when it is hot, start adding the arepitas, little by little, so that all are submerged in the oil. Fry them until they look golden, approximately for 8 minutes.
• Tip: Don't forget to place them on paper towels to drain them of the oil excess.
• Mayo & Cilantro Dressing
• Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until a creamy green sauce forms. Serve in a deep dish to accompany the arepitas.