Arepa con Queso

Discover the irresistible charm of Arepa con Queso, a classic Latin American comfort food that's crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and oozing with melted cheese. Made with simple yet flavorful ingredients like pre-cooked cornmeal, queso fresco or mozzarella, and a touch of butter, this hand-crafted dish is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dinner. The secret lies in kneading the dough to achieve the perfect texture and pan-frying each arepa to golden brown perfection. Traditionally served warm, these cheesy delights can be enjoyed on their own or paired with creamy avocado or extra toppings for a versatile and satisfying treat. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, Arepa con Queso is your ticket to a taste of authentic Latin flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Harina de maíz precocida (pre-cooked cornmeal)
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Queso fresco or mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the harina de maíz precocida and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands until a soft, smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if it's too wet, add more cornmeal.

Step 3

Knead the dough for a few minutes to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the dough is slightly elastic.

Step 4

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the grated cheese to the dough, kneading again until they are fully incorporated.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it between the palms of your hands to form a disc about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 6

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Place the arepas in the skillet, ensuring they are well spaced to cook evenly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the arepas from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve the arepas warm, either as is or with additional toppings like avocado or more cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	913 grams (913.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2064

Total Fat 111.10g	142%
Saturated Fat 54.90g	275%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.90g
Cholesterol 259mg	86%
Sodium 2840mg	123%
Total Carbohydrate 197.60g	72%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 8.20g
Protein 57.20g	114%

Vitamin D 7IU	34%
Calcium 1209mg	93%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 170mg	4%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 39.1%