Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple toasted arepas made from cornmeal, split open and filled with creamy fresh cheese and ripe avocado slices for a quick and satisfying meal. This latin american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 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 250 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and 1 1/2 cups warm water; mix well and knead until a soft dough forms; let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a 4-inch diameter disk about 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook arepas for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and a crust forms.
  4. Step 4: While arepas cook, toss 1 medium sliced ripe avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Slice open the warm arepas horizontally and fill each with about 2 tbsp crumbled fresh white cheese and a generous amount of the avocado slices; serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling 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 Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling?

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 Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling?

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 Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Venezuelan Cornmeal Arepas with Avocado and Fresh Cheese Filling 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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