Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet plantain folded into crispy arepas filled with melted cheese and topped with a smooth avocado crema. This latin american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water. Stir and knead to a soft dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry 1 medium peeled and sliced plantain rounds for 2 minutes per side until golden and tender. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Shape the dough into 4 discs about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Cook each arepa for 5 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Carefully slice each arepa horizontally but do not cut all the way through. Stuff with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 3-4 fried plantain slices.
  5. Step 5: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve the stuffed arepas warm, drizzled with avocado crema.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema?

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 Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema?

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 Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema 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.

Is Plantain and Cheese Arepa with Avocado Crema vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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