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!

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.

Arepa con Queso

Food plays a major role in the movie Encanto. The family bonds over the traditional Columbian food. In addition to the Arepas Con Queso, the family eats Bunuelos which are Columbian cheese fritters, Papaya, Dragon Fruit, Empanadas which are a fried dumpling type food made with corn flour and a filling of meat and potatoes, Avocados and Ajiaco Colombiano which is a soup of chicken, potatoes and corn.

Columbian Arepa Recipe

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:

ingredients needed for arepas con queso recipe shown on a table - butter, salt, organic masa harina flour in bag and fresh mozzarella — Let’s gather the ingredients for our arepas de queso, cheese arepas.

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!

arepas con queso receta on a plate ready to be served — We recommend eating arepas with the Encanto soundtrack playing in the background!

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.

Yield: 9 stuffed arepas

Arepa con Queso Recipe

Name: Arepa con Queso Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: bread
Ingredients: 2 cups pre cooked corn meal masa harina; 2 cups hot water or warm water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoon soft butter; 9 slices of mozzarella cheese

Inspired by the Encanto movie, we are making Arepa Con Queso or cheese arepas. Arepas are a traditional bread of Columbia and Venezuela and other South American countries. The whole family will enjoy this arepa con queso recipe that is surprisingly easy to make.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 23 minutes

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, butter and really hot water (doesn't have to be boiling, the hottest tap water will work).
With damp palms, knead the mixture for 3-5 minutes until you get a soft slightly sticky dough.
Divinde into 9 small balls.
Place each dough ball between plastic bags, paper towels or parchment paper and use a flat object to flatten them to 1/3 inch depth.
Over medium heat (or medium high heat if needed), place the dough into a large nonstick pan.
Cook for 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown or get a crust around them.
Once cooked, use a knife to cut the arepas in half so you have a top and bottom half.
Place the cheese slice (or shredded mozzarella cheese) in between the top and bottom halves.
Place the arepas back in the pan and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the cheese is melted.

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.

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Or make some apple and nutella pops too.
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