Anyone that watched Disney’s movie Encanto is probably wondering right now what kind of bread the Madrigal family was eating -the answer is Colombian Arepas de Queso, “Cheese arepas”. Yum! We love exploring the food from Encanto!

Making Arepa

In short words, arepas are a type of food made of white corn flour that is highly popular in Colombia and Venezuela, although they can also be found anywhere across South America, from El Salvador to Mexican markets. It’s one of the most popular Colombian recipes across South America.

With arepas rellenas de queso being one of the most popular Colombian foods, it’s no surprise they were family Madrigal’s favorite meals in Encanto. Just watching the movie is enough to make anyone want to have one, so we completely understand why you’re here.

Arepas are so important to Colombian culture, that in the movie Encanto, Julieta Madrigal makes arepas con queso to heal the ill. Arepas might look like regular bread, but they actually use different ingredients and taste different.

In fact, if you have ground corn meal, water, salt, cheese, and butter, plus common kitchen appliances, you’re more than ready to make this recipe and taste the magic of El Encanto right in your own kitchen.

What are Arepas?

Arepas can be eaten plain but most are made into what we would called stuffed arepas or sandwiches. My favorite is the cheese filling that we are making today, but some other favorite fillings include (find recipes here):

• Chicken, avocado and peas mixed together like a chicken salad called Reina Pepiada
• Shredded beef with onion called Carne Mechada
• Black beans and cheese called Domino (this is my second favorite and super easy to make)
• Tuna salad with cream cheese, avocado, onions and tomatoes called Atun
• Shredded chicken with onions, peppers and spices called Pollo Guisado

Are you ready for this easy recipe to make arepas con queso? Here’s what you’ll need:

Arepa con Queso Recipe Ingredients

This recipe makes 6 full-sized arepas or 9 smaller arepas.

Note: We used pre-cooked masa harina, but you can buy regular arepa flour or even cornmeal and use a food processor to create cornmeal flour

• 2 cups pre cooked corn meal masa harina
• 2 cups hot water or warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon soft butter 
• 12 slices of mozzarella cheese

How to Make Arepas con Queso

Step 1

Pour the masa harina, salt, butter, and mix water (it doesn’t have to be boiling, we used the hottest water that came out of the faucet) in a medium bowl.

Step 2

With damp palms, knead the mix for 3-5 minutes until you get soft dough and it looks like in the picture below.

Step 3

Then, divide dough into 9 small balls. You can make 6 balls of the size of a medium orange if you want bigger arepas – 9 palm-sized balls worked best for us because the pre-sliced cheese fit them perfectly.

Step 4

Place each dough ball between plastic bags, paper towels or parchment paper, and use whatever flat object (a flat pot cover works great) you have at hand to flatten the balls to 1/3 inch.

Step 5

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Using a nonstick pan, put the button over medium heat or medium high heat and distribute the arepas in the pan.

Step 6

Cook for 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown or get a crust around them.

Step 7

Once cooked, use a knife to cut the arepas in half, and place 2 mozzarella cheese slices or shredded cheese between the two halves.

Step 8

Finally, put the arepas back on the pan and cook for a couple of minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted. Your arepas are ready to be enjoyed!

One of the most interesting things about arepas is that they can be eaten any time of the day. They are perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner food – arepas are even great snacks!

How to eat Arepa con Queso

While traditionally arepas may have been a breakfast food, the versatility of the arepa has made it a favorite for lunch, dinner and snacks. They can be eaten like a sandwich as the main part of a meal or created in smaller sizes as appetizers and snacks. Wrap them up in wax paper or a plastic bag and take them on the go.

How to store Arepas

Plain arepas can be stored at room temperature like a bread for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Stuffed arepas need to be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

What is the green drink in Encanto?

While no one knows for sure, the general consensus is that the green drink featured in the movie Encanto is Lulo Drink or Lulada which consists of peeled lulos, lime juice, water and sugar. If you can find Lulos, here is a traditional Columbian recipe to try.

Psst… Check out this Mirabel dress that lights up!

More delicious recipes from Kids Activities Blog:

• Want to learn how to make bisquik? We have the easiest recipe right here.
• We love potatos so much and that’s why we’re sharing this easy potato soup recipe with you.
• Looking for a dessert to accompany these arepas? Try some tasty donut cake pops. Yum!
• Or make some apple and nutella pops too.
• If you are looking for simple recipes, here are 6 one pot pasta recipes that don’t require much prep.
• It’s time to make the most out of your air fryer with this air fryer chicken tenders recipe.

Arepas con queso is just one of the many ways to eat arepas! What is your favorite way to eat arepas?