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Arepas with Cheese and Sausage

Traditional Venezuelan and Colombian arepas filled with melted cheese and savory sausage, creating a hearty and comforting snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for cooking)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella, queso blanco, or your preferred melting cheese
  • 68 cooked sausages (sliced or whole)
  • Butter for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and salt. Gradually add the cornmeal, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  2. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then knead briefly until smooth.
  3. Divide the dough into 6–8 balls and flatten each into a round patty about 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and forming a crust.
  5. Transfer the arepas to a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking, or continue cooking on the skillet until they sound hollow when tapped.
  6. Slice the sausages and cook until browned, or warm whole sausages as desired.
  7. Once the arepas are ready, slit them open and fill with cheese and sausage.
  8. Allow the heat of the arepa to melt the cheese, or return filled arepas briefly to the skillet to help melt it.

Notes

  • If dough cracks, add a splash of water; if sticky, add a bit more cornmeal.
  • Use queso de mano, mozzarella, or Oaxaca cheese for best melt.
  • Arepas can be grilled, baked, or air-fried instead of pan-cooked.

Nutrition

Keywords: arepas, cheese arepas, sausage arepas, Venezuelan arepas, easy arepas