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Learn How to Make Arepas with just a few simple ingredients. They are gluten free and you can literally eat them with anything. Stuff them with cheese, meet, veggies or anything you love in this Easy Arepas Recipe.

Arepas stacked on a plate
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Easy 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.

Easy Arepas Recipe is a popular dish in Venezuela and other parts of South America. They are similar to Pita Bread but made with corn flour or corn meal. They are a delicious bread recipe that can be cut and filled with many different things.

This 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.

Arepas stacked on a plate

What are Arepas?

Arepas de are a cornmeal cake that originated 100 years ago. It is a popular bread in 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 pita style bread can be cooked on the skillet, grilled or baked.

What is Arepa Flour made of?

Arepa flour is made of corn flour. It provides a starchy texture that makes each arepa so delicious. You should be able to find the right flour at grocery stores.

Once I found out I needed to eat gluten free, I tried these and fell in love. They are just the best and go with anything.

Arepas stacked on a plate

How are Arepas made?

The process is so simple. If you can knead dough, you can make arepas. It only takes a few minutes. You are going to love it.

It is so easy that even the kids can help make these. Keep reading to see just how easy it is to make these.

corn flour, water, and salt

Arepa Ingredients:

I told you this was so simple. With only a few easy ingredients, this comes together so quickly and easily.

Arepas on a plate

How to Make Arepas:

  • Step 1 – Slowly mix the white cornmeal flour into warm water until smooth and adding salt and oil in a medium bowl.
  • Step 2 – Knead until the dough is smooth until dough forms. Make sure to let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
The process of mixing the dough together
  • Step 3 – Next, divide the 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.
  • Step 6 – Now it is time to cook these in a griddle or skillet with a little butter or oil. Cook until they are golden brown. Place on parchment paper when done cooking.
The process of cooking arepas dough in a skillet
  • Step 7 – This is optional but you can also place on oven rack for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
  • Step 8 – When finished, cut in half lengthwise and stuff with anything you want – beef, chicken, cheese,  or deli meat.
Arepas stacked on a plate

How Long do Arepas last:

Arepas are best served fresh. But you can store them for up to 3 to 4 days. Place in the fridge in an air tight container for best results.

They can also be put in the freezer and last up to a month if stored properly.

When you are ready to reheat, place in an oven that has been preheated to 350 degrees. Heat Arepas until they are warm, about 10 minutes.

What is the Texture of Arepas like?

Since Arepas are formed from corn, the results are a gritty texture. The corn flour combined with salt and water makes the dough gritty and soft.

Is Arepa flour the same as Tortilla flour?

Arepa flour is no the same as tortilla flour. That is what makes these arepas different is because the main ingredient, corn flour.

Arepas on a plate topped with meat sauce

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.

Tips for the Best Arepas:

  • 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.

Fillings Ideas for Venezuelan Arepas:

  • Scrambled Eggs
  • 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.

Arepas on a plate topped with meat sauce

Print this Homemade Arepas recipe below:

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Easy Arepas Recipe

5 from 16 votes
Learn how to make arepas with just a few simple ingredients. This arepas recipe is gluten free and you can literally eat them with anything you like!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine Colombian
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Calories 129

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pan corn flour
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbs olive oil

Instructions

  • Slowly mix the corn flour into water until smooth, adding salt and oil.
  • Knead until smooth dough is formed and let rest for 5 min.
  • Divide into about 8 portions.
  • Use oil or water on hands to keep dough from sticking to hand.
  • Shape into balls and flatten with palms of hands to form large patty shape.
  • Place on griddle or skillet with a little butter or oil. Cook over med heat for about 5 min each side.
  • If needed and optional place on oven rack in 300 degree oven for 5 min to finish cooking.
  • When finished, cut in half lengthwise and stuff with anything you want – beef, chicken, cheese, or deli meat.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 129kcal, Carbohydrates 24g, Protein 3g, Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 295mg, Potassium 33mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Calcium 7mg, Iron 1mg

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Learn how to make arepas with just a few simple ingredients. This arepas recipe is gluten free and you can literally eat them with anything. Easy Arepas Recipe is a popular dish in Venezuela and other parts of South America. They are similar to Pita Bread but made with corn flour or corn meal. #eatingonadime #arepasrecipe #easytomakearepas

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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  1. 5 stars
    When you toast these they drip butter into your toaster, might want to put the bread in those toaster bag.

  2. I read a lot of posts that are interesting here. You spend a whole lot of time writing, Thanks for sharing!

    Best regards,
    Boswell Valenzuela