Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Arepas con Queso from Encanto

The Starving Chef
Copycat arepas con queso inspired by the movie Encanto!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Copycat Recipes, Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Colombian, International, Snack
Servings 10 arepas

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups P.A.N. or pre-cooked cornmeal
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt + more for topping
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup mozzarella or fresco cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, stir together the P.A.N., butter, milk and salt. Stir with your hands until a crumbly mixture comes together. Pour in the warm water slowly. Pour the water in a stream while mixing with your hands. The dough will come together as you mix to form a thick, putty-like dough. It should be soft but able to hold its shape. If the dough is too sticky, add P.A.N. in one tablespoon increments until it reaches the desired consistency. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes in a warm spot.
  • Use your hands to measure out about 2-3 tablespoons of dough. Roll the dough between your palms then flatten to be about a quarter inch thick. Repeat with a second piece of dough.
  • Sprinkle a tablespoon of mozzarella on one flattened piece of dough, then place the second flattened piece on top. Pinch the edges together and use your palms to press the arepa together, forming a patty that is about half an inch thick.
  • Repeat steps two and three with the rest of the dough. Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet in a single layer to prep for cooking.
  • Meanwhile, preheat a cast iron skillet or nonstick fry top to medium to medium-high heat. The pan should not be so hot that it is smoking or it will burn the arepas.
  • Pan fry the arepas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked all the way through. The cheese should be melted in the center.
  • Serve warm with a side of sour cream or spread salted butter on top. Sprinkle with sea salt, melted butter, fresco cheese or any assortment of your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Keyword copycat, corn, corn meal, fried, mozzarella
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!