Arepas Recipe

This has to be one of the easiest recipe ever! I seriously love arepas. They are so good and are gluten free. You are going to really be amazed at how few ingredients it takes to make this easy arepas recipe.

This bread recipe only requires a few ingredients and it all comes together easily. Impress your family with this new recipe. Add your favorite meats or sauce for a hearty and delicious meal.

What are Arepas?

Arepas de are a cornmeal cake that originated 100 years ago. It is a popular bread in Colombia, Venezuela and South America and can be filled with many different things. The ingredients are simple and the process to make them is easy too.

These thinner pita style bread can be cooked on the skillet, grilled or baked. Colombian Arepas can be split open like a pita and stuffed, or topped like toast. Think of them as the ultimate blank canvas for savory or sweet fillings.

Ingredients

• Pan Corn Flour  – You can use white or wheat flour just make sure it is pre-cooked flour. You can also use masa harina or masarepa
• Salt – Kosher Salt or Regular Salt are great options
• Olive Oil – You can also use vegetable oil
• Water – We recommend using lukewarm water

I told you this was so simple. With only a few easy ingredients, this comes together so quickly and easily. For even more recipe details, scroll to the recipe card.

How to Make Arepas

• Step 1 – Slowly stir the pre-cooked cornmeal flour into warm water until smooth and adding salt and oil in a large bowl.

• Step 2 – Knead until the dough mixture is smooth until dough forms and no longer sticky. Make sure to let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

• Step 3 – Next, divide the arepa dough into about 8 portions.

• Step 4 – You can use oil or water on your hands to keep the dough from sticking to your hands.

• Step 5 – Shape into balls and flatten with palms of hands to form a large patty shape or disk.

• Step 6 – Now it is time to cook these in a griddle or cast-iron pan with a tablespoon of butter or oil. Cook until they have a golden brown crust. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet when done cooking. You may need to work in batches.

• Step 7 – This is optional but you can also place on oven rack for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

• Step 8 – When finished, cut these South American Arepas in half lengthwise and stuff with anything you want – beef, chicken, cheese, or deli meat.

Recipe Tips

• Combine Ingredients – Keeping the arepas moist be adding the right amount of water and salt makes the best arepas. We like to add in a bit of oil to help keep the texture soft.
• Shaping Arepas – After we have mixed the ingredients, form the dough into balls and flatten into a circle.
• Cooking Arepas – Cook the Arepas in the large skillet with a little oil or butter over medium heat. The results are crispy Arepas with a fluffy inside.

Fillings Ideas for Venezuelan Arepas

Slice the arepas with a knife to make a pocket or cut in half. To add these delicious fillings.

• Scrambled Eggs
• Ham or Shredded Beef (We like this shredded beef recipe.)
• Black Bean for delicious black bean arepas recipe
• Stuffed with Cheese
• anything you like

Think outside the box. This is a great way to use leftovers and turn what you already have into a new meal.

What to Serve with Arepas?

You can easily serve these arepas with many different sides. They can be Mexican dishes or American Dishes. These are some of our suggestions.

• Pulled Pork – Easy to make pulled pork to add to these Arepas. Make a sandwich or just as a side.
• Shrimp – Add your favorite shrimp recipe.
• Chicken Avocado Salad – Since arepas are a light bread, they would be perfect served with a salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Arepas are best served fresh. But you can store them for up to 3 to 4 days. Place in the fridge in an airtight container for best results.
• Freezing – Store the cooled Arepas in a freezer safe container for up to 1 months.
• Reheating – When ready to reheat the leftovers, place in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees. Heat Arepas until they are warm, about 10 minutes.