Arepas can be grilled or fried, stuffed or served plain, savory or sweet, big or small, and every region of the country seems to have a specialty. Arepas con queso—with cheese—are perhaps one of the most basic yet delicious versions. They are a blank canvas for adding toppings and fillings, though they are scrumptious with just some butter slathered on top.
The Many Kinds of Colombian Arepas
Colombian chef and book author Carlos Gaviria estimates that there are more than 55 different types of arepas in Colombia. Here are some examples:
Arepas de chócolo, known as cachapas in Venezuela, are sweet corn pancakes covered in cheese and folded in half. The dough for arepas santandereanas has small pieces of pork crackling. Arepas paisa are very thin, with no cheese in the dough. It is served with a salty fresh cheese called quesillo, similar to ricotta, on top. Arepas de huevo, a traditional dish from the Caribbean adopted by Colombians, are filled with an egg and deep-fried.
Colombian vs. Venezuelan Arepas
There has always been a friendly debate between Colombians and Venezuelans about the origins of arepas. While the answer isn’t certain, I like to think that arepas belong to both nations and it’s something that unites us rather than divides us. However, there are certain differences in our arepas. In Colombia, arepas are often eaten as is, and they usually have cheese in the dough, as a filling, or both. Milk is often added to the dough—it’s considered the secret to fluffy, pillowy arepas. Venezuelan arepas are often sliced and stuffed, sometimes with cheese. For example, the Venezuelan reina pepiada is filled with a delicious chicken and avocado salad. Another popular version is filled with the ingredients of pabellón, a hearty dish of beans, shredded beef, rice, and sweet fried plantains. Arepas are extremely versatile, and this is your permission to be as creative as you want.
Make Arepas with Masarepa
Arepas are round savory corn cakes made with a precooked corn flour known as masarepa. Most households used to mill their own corn to make the masarepa; nowadays they buy the arepa flour. Masarepa has a mild corn flavor and is naturally gluten-free. It can be found in most grocery stores—the most popular brands are PAN and Goya. There are yellow and white varieties, and both can be used interchangeably for this recipe; the yellow variety has a slightly stronger corn flavor. There is no substitute for masarepa short of milling the corn yourself. Other corn flours do not have the same flavor or texture. Masa harina is not the same product and cannot be used as a substitute.
How to Serve Arepas con Queso
Arepas con queso are typically eaten for breakfast with frothy hot chocolate or coffee, or as a light dinner. They can also be sliced in half and stuffed with a multitude of fillings such as shredded carnitas, chicken, or simply ham and cheese to create a sandwich.
Plan Ahead: Freeze Arepas!
While most Colombian households make arepas fresh every day as they are a quick and easy, it is also possible to make a large batch and freeze them for up to a month. To freeze, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking. Do not store the raw dough as it may ferment.
Cheese-Stuffed Goodness
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Add the butter and 1 1/2 cups (150g) mozzarella, and then slowly drizzle in the milk and 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water as you knead the dough with your hands. It is important to use lukewarm water to ensure no clumps form in the dough. Milk gives the dough a smoother texture and a richer flavor. Colombians claim milk is the secret to fluffy, pillowy arepas. You can also use a rubber spatula to combine the ingredients. The dough will be very sticky. Cook the arepas in batches for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. The arepas should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve immediately. I do not recommend using butter to cook the arepas, as it will burn too quickly. If you like the flavor of butter, cook the arepas with oil and smear some salted butter on top once they are fully cooked. Leftover arepas can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. Reheat them on a skillet set over medium heat with a little oil, until warmed through. I also find that the air fryer works great when in a hurry.
