Arepas
Total time
30 min
Servings
4
Calories
323.4
Category
Breakfast & Brunch
Discover the perfect recipe for authentic Venezuelan-style arepas that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Ready in just 30 minutes, these cheesy corn cakes make an ideal breakfast or quick South American-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 1 yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 salt
- 1/2 cheddar cheese
- 1 milk
- 2 butter
- 1/2 corn kernel
Method
Put the cornmeal in a food processor and grind until fine.
Put the cornmeal in a large bowl with the salt and cheese.
In a small saucepan heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a steady simmer.
Add the butter to the pan and stir until melted.
Take pan off the heat and add to the cornmeal mixture to form a thick batter.
Fold in the corn kernels.
Let the batter rest about 15 minutes to thicken into a soft dough.
Form 1 inch balls from the dough and flatten with the palm of your hand into 1/4 inch thick disks.
Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the arepas until golden brown, about 5 minutes on the first side and 3 minutes on the other, working in batches until done.
Serve hot with butter.
Easy swaps
- Instead of yellow cornmeal, use masarepa (pre-cooked corn flour)For a more traditional texture, use masarepa instead of regular cornmeal.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, use queso fresco or mozzarellaSwap for a milder or saltier cheese to suit your taste.
- Instead of milk, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milkDairy-free alternatives work well; ensure they are unsweetened.
- Instead of butter, use vegan butter or coconut oilFor a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Instead of corn kernel, use finely chopped bell peppers or black beansAdds extra flavor and texture; reduce liquid slightly if using beans.
Frequently asked
Can I make arepas without a food processor?
Yes, simply use fine cornmeal or pre-cooked corn flour (masarepa) to skip the grinding step. Mix the dry ingredients by hand.
Why did my arepas turn out dry?
Ensure the milk is hot when added and let the batter rest fully for 15 minutes. If dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of warm milk at a time.
Can I bake these arepas instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version. Brush with butter before serving.
What can I serve with arepas?
They pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs, avocado, black beans, or shredded chicken. For breakfast, top with butter or cheese.
Are these arepas gluten-free?
Yes, cornmeal is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your cornmeal and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
