Transport your senses to the vibrant streets of Colombia with these Cheesy Colombian Corn Cakes (Arepas). The ooey-gooey cheese and sweet, juicy corn come together to reach new heights of flavor and ready in 20 minutes!
These Columbian Arepas are perfect when they are right off the hot griddle and sprinkled with a little salt. I like to eat them with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which is how they were served to me in Colombia.
Table of Contents
What are Columbian Arepas?
Columbian arepas are a traditional food item originating from Colombia, a country in South America. They are essentially flat, round patties made from pre-cooked cornmeal, known as “masarepa,” which gives them a distinct texture and flavor. In Colombia, arepas are a staple in the daily diet and are enjoyed across the country, though the specific preparation and ingredients can vary by region.
Typically, Colombian arepas are smaller and thicker than their Venezuela counterparts. You can serve Arepas plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, eggs, meat, or beans. Arepas are often enjoyed for breakfast, but they can also be a snack or a side dish for other meals.
Reasons to Love These Arepas
- Arepas are very versatile and you can fill them with a variety of ingredients.
- They are easy to make and have simple ingredients and preparation.
- I love their warm, soft texture provides a comforting, homey eating experience.
Recipe Ingredients
- Harina Blanca: This pre-cooked white cornmeal offers a subtle, earthy flavor and a firm yet pliable texture.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy taste and a gooey texture.
- Cooked Corn Kernels: Bring a sweet, juicy pop, contrasting with the arepa’s texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Toppings Options: You can use different toppings for these Columbian-style Arepas. For breakfast, add scrambled eggs and avocado. Lunchtime options include pulled pork or shredded chicken with cilantro. Vegetarians might enjoy black beans or sautéed vegetables. For simplicity, try cream cheese with smoked salmon, or for a sweet twist, drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon.
- Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar for mozzarella cheese for a milder, stretchier cheese experience while maintaining the creamy texture in your Colombian Arepas.
How to Make Columbian Arepas
Step #1: Place the water and salt in a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the Harina Blanca until it has evenly absorbed all the water. Fold in the cheese and corn.
Step #2: Form dough into golf-ball-sized spheres, then use your hands to pat them into a disk shape about ½ inch thick.
Step #3: Melt the butter on a large griddle set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the formed corn patties and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step #4: Transfer the cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm.
Expert Tip
To enhance the dough’s pliability and reduce cracking, use warm water. Warm water aids in more effective hydration of the cornmeal, resulting in a smoother, more cohesive dough. This is especially beneficial for arepas, as it ensures the dough is flexible enough to shape into patties without cracks and prevents it from falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
These arepas pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try serving them alongside a hearty Colombian Beef Stew for a comforting meal. They also complement Coriander Lime Chicken Breasts beautifully, adding a delightful carb component to the protein. Alternatively, arepas are delicious on their own, perfect for a simple yet satisfying snack or light meal.
For crispier arepas, fry them longer on each side in hot butter over medium-high heat. Press them slightly in the pan for an evenly golden crust, ensuring they don’t burn.
Storage Info
Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll stay good for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap each arepa individually in plastic wrap and they’ll last for about a month in your freezer.
To reheat, you can either warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave for a minute or two. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Cheesy Colombian Corn Cakes (Arepas) Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Harina Blanca Pre-Cooked White Cornmeal
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1/2 cup butter for frying
Instructions
- Place the water and salt in a large mixing bowl. Slowly stir in the Harina Blanca until it has evenly absorbed all the water. Fold in the cheese and corn.
- Form dough into golf-ball-sized spheres, then use your hands to pat them into a disk shape about ½ inch thick.
- Melt the butter on a large griddle set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the formed corn patties and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm.
NOTES
Nutrition
I made these for breakfast and they came out great. Everything was easy to follow and worked perfectly. Everyone loved how they turned out.
Okay, just whipped these up using some Fred Meyer Habanero cheese. These are so easy and delicious I’m actually afraid of what could happen. After all, I did purchase a package of that “Pan” brand harina blanco so will need to use it up. These were a snap to prepare and just melt in the mouth. What a great addition to breakfast!!