Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and slightly crispy Colombian arepas filled with melty cheese and a hint of butter, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This latin american-inspired latin american ready in about 30 minutes pairs pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), warm water, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 250 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/2 cups warm water. Mix with your hands until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter into the dough until fully incorporated and the dough feels smooth and pliable.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions; flatten each into a 4-inch diameter disk about 1/2-inch thick.
  4. Step 4: Place 2 tablespoons of crumbled white cheese in the center of 4 disks, then top with the remaining 4 disks, sealing edges carefully by pressing together.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. Step 6: Fry the arepas, 2 at a time, for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the outside, and the cheese inside has melted.
  7. Step 7: Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheese-Stuffed Colombian Arepas with Butter?

Latin American latin american like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes