Cheesy Corn Arepas with Sweet Corn Kernels
Experience the delightful flavor and comforting texture of these homemade Cheesy Corn Arepas! Made with yellow cornmeal and enhanced with rich cheddar cheese and sweet corn kernels, these traditional Latin American flatbreads are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a delicious snack or side dish. Whether enjoyed on their own or filled with your favorite savory or sweet toppings, these arepas are sure to be a hit at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cornmeal
1 cup (finely ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
milk
1 cup (whole milk preferred)
butter
2 tablespoons (plus more for serving)
corn kernels
1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
corn oil
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the yellow cornmeal in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a fine consistency, which will contribute to a lighter texture in your arepas.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely ground cornmeal with salt and grated cheddar cheese, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, bringing it to a steady simmer. Watch carefully to avoid scorching.
4
Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined with the milk.
5
Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the cornmeal blend, stirring to combine and forming a thick batter.
6
Gently fold in the corn kernels, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Allow the batter to rest for approximately 15 minutes, during which time it will thicken into a soft dough that holds its shape.
8
With wet hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of batter and form into balls, flattening each ball with your palm to create disks that are about 1/4 inch thick.
9
In a large skillet, heat the corn oil over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the arepas in batches, ensuring there is enough space for them to brown evenly. Cook each arepa for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown before flipping and cooking for an additional 3 minutes on the other side.
10
Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, and serve hot with extra butter for spreading.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Corn Arepas?
Cheesy Corn Arepas are traditional Latin American flatbreads made with cornmeal and cheese, featuring a comforting texture and sweet corn kernels.
What type of cornmeal should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, which should be finely ground for the best results.
Why should I pulse the cornmeal in a food processor?
Pulsing the cornmeal helps it reach a fine consistency, which contributes to a lighter texture in your arepas.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated cheddar cheese is used to provide a rich, savory flavor that complements the sweet corn.
Can I use frozen corn kernels?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels for this recipe.
What type of milk is recommended?
Whole milk is preferred for a richer flavor, though other milk types may be substituted.
How do I prepare the milk and butter mixture?
Heat the milk to a steady simmer, remove from heat, and then stir in the butter until it is fully melted.
How long does the batter need to rest?
Allow the batter to rest for approximately 15 minutes so it can thicken into a soft dough.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands before scooping the batter to help form the balls and disks without sticking.
How thick should the arepas be?
Flatten each ball of dough with your palm to create disks that are about 1/4 inch thick.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Corn oil is recommended for frying these arepas to achieve a shimmering heat and golden finish.
How long do I cook each side of the arepa?
Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
How should I serve the arepas?
Serve them hot with a pat of butter for spreading, or fill them with your favorite savory or sweet toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Cheesy Corn Arepas are categorized as a vegetarian comfort food.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: yellow cornmeal, salt, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, corn kernels, and corn oil.
What should I do after frying the arepas?
Transfer the cooked arepas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil before serving.
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?
While yellow cornmeal is specified, you can use white cornmeal, though the color and flavor profile will vary slightly.
What is the origin of this dish?
Arepas are a traditional Latin American cuisine, popular as a snack or side dish.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Do I need to boil the milk?
You only need to bring it to a steady simmer; avoid boiling it vigorously to prevent scorching.
How many arepas does one tablespoon of batter make?
One tablespoon of batter is the recommended amount to scoop for each individual arepa disk.
Can I add extra cheese?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated cheddar, but you can certainly add a bit more or serve with extra cheese if desired.
Is corn oil necessary for the authentic taste?
Corn oil is preferred for its high smoke point and flavor, but other neutral oils can be substituted for frying.
Why does the dough need to thicken?
The thickening process during the rest period allows the cornmeal to hydrate so the dough holds its shape during frying.
What is the best way to ensure even browning?
Cook the arepas in batches to ensure there is enough space in the skillet for even heat distribution.
Can these be eaten as a main dish?
While described as a snack or side dish, they can be filled with proteins or beans to make a more substantial meal.
Is the texture of these arepas crispy or soft?
They have a golden brown, slightly crispy exterior from frying with a soft, cheesy, and corn-filled interior.
Should the corn kernels be blended?
No, the corn kernels should be gently folded into the batter to provide whole bursts of sweetness.
How much butter is needed for the dough?
The dough requires 2 tablespoons of butter, plus extra for serving at the table.
Are these arepas easy to make for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward, making this an easy and delightful homemade recipe for any cook.