Colombian Arepas

Name: Colombian Arepas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: 1 cup arepa flour (precooked cornmeal); 1 cup crumbled ricotta salata or grated mozzarella (1/4 pound); 1⅛ cup water; ¼ cup vegetable oil

Traditional Colombian corn cakes made with precooked cornmeal and filled with cheese. These golden-brown arepas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect as a side dish or snack.

4 servings

32 min

Published October 4, 2025

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Ingredients

•1 cup arepa flour (precooked cornmeal)
•1 cup crumbled ricotta salata or grated mozzarella (1/4 pound)
•1⅛ cup water
•¼ cup vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1.
Toss together arepa flour, cheese, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl, then stir in water until incorporated. Let stand until enough water is absorbed for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
2 min
2.
Form 3 level tablespoons dough into 1 ball and flatten between your palms, gently pressing to form a 1/4-inch-thick patty (2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches wide), then gently press around side to eliminate cracks. Transfer to a wax-paper-lined surface. Form more disks with remaining dough in same manner, transferring to wax-paper-lined surface.
10 min
3.
Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then fry arepas in 2 batches, turning over once, until deep golden in patches, 8 to 10 minutes total per batch. Drain on paper towels.
20 min