Colombian Cheese Arepas

Today I'm sharing a very special recipe with you: Colombian cheese arepas. These arepas are a traditional delight from Colombia, and I'm sure everyone will love their unique flavor and crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.

The history of Colombian cheese arepas dates back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous people were already preparing this dish using ground corn and water. Since then, arepas have been an important part of Colombian culture and cuisine, and can be found in almost every home and restaurant in the country.

One piece of advice that has always been given to us is that the key to preparing perfect arepas is to have the dough at the correct consistency: not too dry nor too wet. But if you want perfect Colombian cheese arepas, we recommend you read the rest of the tips we have left at the end of this post and follow the instructions carefully.

And if you get the chance, invite your friends and family to share this delicious dish with you!

How to make the recipe Colombian Cheese Arepas

1. In a bowl add warm water.
2. Gradually add the flour and mix well. It is important to integrate well, if the dough is too dry, we can add a little more water.
3. Melt the butter and dissolve the salt in it.
4. Add the butter to the dough and knead until everything is well integrated.
5. Finally, add the grated cheese and knead until you get a uniform dough.
6. On the work table, make a well-kneaded ball and stretch it out to get a flat round dough. Portion the dough into 8 equal parts. Knead each portion and roll it with your hands.
7. Stretch each ball with the help of a rolling pin until you get a round, flat wafer, about a finger thick.
8. This dough does not require rest or leavening, so you can proceed to cook it once all the arepas have been shaped correctly.
9. Heat a pan and put a teaspoon of butter in it. Brown the arepas in it over medium-high heat until they are well cooked. At least 5 minutes on each side.
10. Serve on a tray and sprinkle some herbs on top, such as fresh sage or oregano.

Notes and Tips

Here I give you some tips to prepare perfect Colombian cheese arepas:

The importance of Water when making your Arepas: It is key that the temperature of the water is not low, so that the flour absorbs it well and then the cheese integrates more easily.

Use pre-cooked flour for arepas: this flour is already prepared and is easier to work with than regular cornmeal. Plus, the end result will be more consistent.

Add the correct amount of water: it is important that the dough is not too dry nor too wet. The exact amount of water may vary slightly depending on the brand of flour you use, so add the water little by little and adjust as necessary.

Flatten the arepas with a rolling pin: this will help you achieve a thin and uniform arepa, which will facilitate cooking.

Cook over medium heat: do not cook the arepas over high heat or they will burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Use a non-stick pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until  it is golden and crispy.

Serve hot: Colombian cheese arepas are best hot and fresh, so make sure to serve them immediately after cooking. You can serve them with some melted butter or a sauce of your choice. Enjoy your meal!

Accompaniments for Cheese Arepas:

Colombian cheese arepas can be accompanied in many different ways. Some popular options include:

Melted butter: Simply spread some melted butter on the hot arepa to give it an extra touch of flavor and creaminess.

Grated cheese: Sprinkle a bit of grated cheese over the hot arepa to add extra flavor and a crunchy texture.

Sauce: You can serve the arepas with a sauce of your choice, such as tomato sauce, avocado sauce, or spicy sauce.

Shredded chicken or meat: If you want a more hearty option, you can serve the arepas with shredded chicken or meat and some sauce on top.

Vegetables: The arepas can also be served with a green salad or sautéed vegetables on the side.

With so many options, I'm sure you'll find the perfect combination for you!

Fillings for Cheese Arepas:

Colombian cheese arepas can be eaten or filled in many different ways. Some popular options include:

Grated cheese: Simply sprinkle some grated cheese over the hot arepa and enjoy.

Peanut butter: If you like the taste of peanuts, you can fill the arepa with some peanut butter and some slices of ripe banana.

Fried egg: If you like hearty breakfasts, you can fill the arepa with a fried egg and some ham or bacon.

Shredded chicken or meat: The arepas are also an excellent option to fill with shredded chicken or meat and some sauce or sautéed vegetables.

Salad: For a lighter option, you can fill the arepa with a green salad and some grated cheese.

I hope you enjoy them and let us know how they turned out and also, how you prepare them at home to give us all some ideas.