What are Arepas?

A beloved dish in South America, especially in Colombia and Venezuela, arepas are golden cornmeal patties that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These savory treats are commonly found at street vendors, but they are also a staple in many homes. Arepas are versatile, enjoyed throughout the day as a snack or paired with a main meal.

Arepas are made without any leavening agents, such as yeast, baking soda, or baking powder, and are typically prepared with precooked cornmeal to give them their signature golden hue and rich corn flavor. You can easily find precooked cornmeal (like P.A.N.®) in Latin American markets or larger grocery stores. Traditionally, they’re cooked on a griddle, though they can also be fried, baked, or boiled.

The variety of fillings you can choose for arepas is vast and depends on the region or family recipe. Popular fillings include meats, eggs, beans, cheese, and even pumpkin—offering endless possibilities to suit your taste.

Craving some arepas now? Dive into the world of South American cooking with one of our mouthwatering arepa recipes. From savory breakfast options to sweet desserts, there’s an arepa recipe for every moment of your day.

1. Homemade Arepas

A simple and versatile recipe that requires just three ingredients to make delicious arepas. Some popular filling suggestions from reviewers include black beans with avocado, a savory mix of cheese and steak, or a spicy chorizo filling.

2. Cream Cheese Arepas

Create a richer, denser arepa by adding milk and cream cheese to the dough. These arepas can be adapted to both sweet and savory dishes. For a sweet treat, spread extra cream cheese and drizzle with maple syrup, or go savory with a combination of ham and cheese.

3. Colombian Arepas

For a rich and cheesy twist, cheese is incorporated directly into the dough in this Colombian arepas recipe. "These are incredible," says user KDralla. "We paired ours with salsa and queso fresco, and it was absolutely amazing."

4. Arepas de Huevos

This dish combines eggs wrapped in arepa dough, creating a hearty breakfast option that's also perfect for a standout brunch dish.

5. Vegan Arepas Made with Polenta

A plant-based variation that swaps traditional cornmeal for polenta. While it’s not a classic arepa, the flavorful filling of tofu, avocado, and mango would be just as delicious if tucked into a vegan arepa shell.

6. Ropa Vieja with Arepas

Ropa vieja, a traditional Cuban dish made with tender beef, olives, and tomatoes, makes a rich and flavorful filling for arepas.

7. Corned Beef Hash Arepas

Kick off your day with a twist on traditional arepas. Corned beef hash, paired with eggs and creamy avocados, makes for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you energized until your next meal.

8. Arepas (Corn Griddle Cakes)

With just three ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can easily whip up these simple arepas. Enjoy them with salsa and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick snack.

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