{"id":"arepa_de_queso_2d9f12ccb8","slug":"arepa-de-queso","title":"Arepa de Queso","description":"A classic Latin American snack consisting of golden, pan-seared corn cakes made from pre-cooked cornmeal and filled with gooey, melted cheese.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":30},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (Masarepa)","name":"White Cornmeal","quantity":320,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"pre-cooked","notes":"white or yellow Masarepa","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 cups warm water","name":"Warm Water","quantity":480,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"warm","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 teaspoon salt","name":"Salt","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"2 tablespoons butter, softened","name":"Butter","quantity":28,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"softened","notes":"unsalted","group":"Dough","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese","name":"Mozzarella Cheese","quantity":225,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"cup","form":"shredded","notes":"or Queso Quesadilla","group":"Filling","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 tablespoon vegetable oil","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"for the pan","group":"Cooking","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large bowl, combine 480 ml (2 cups) warm water, 5 g (1 teaspoon) salt, and 28 g (2 tablespoons) softened butter. Stir until the salt is dissolved and butter is partially melted.","group":"Dough Preparation","title":"Combine 480 ml warm water, 5 g salt, and 28 g softened butter","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Dough Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Slowly add the 320 g (2 cups) pre-cooked cornmeal to the water mixture. Use your hands to mix and knead the dough until it is smooth and no longer sticky. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.","group":"Dough Preparation","title":"Slowly add the 320 g pre-cooked cornmeal","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Dough Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.","group":"Shaping","title":"Divide the dough","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Shaping"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Place about 28 g (1/4 cup) of the shredded mozzarella in the center of a disc. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese to seal it, then gently flatten it back into a disc shape. Repeat for all pieces.","group":"Shaping","title":"Place about 28 g of the shredded mozzarella","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Shaping"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Heat 15 ml (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.","group":"Cooking","title":"Heat 15 ml vegetable oil","timerMinutes":14,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"}],"notes":"Using warm water helps the dough hydrate faster and stay pliable. If the dough cracks while shaping, add a little more water. For the best result, use a cast-iron skillet to get a perfect crust.","cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Colombian","Venezuelan"]},"course":["snack","appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["sear"],"equipment":["large mixing bowl","non-stick skillet or cast-iron griddle","spatula"],"diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"allergens":["milk"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":8,"unit":"piece","note":"makes approximately 8 medium arepas"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The dough can be prepared and kept in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes per side to restore crispiness."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Farepa_de_queso_2d9f12ccb8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=45319391-0036-45d0-b2a4-cd86df8b987e","imageAlt":"Arepa de Queso — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["cheese","cornmeal","gluten-free","street-food","cheesy"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Arepa de Queso","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-03T23:56:24.254Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-03T23:56:24.254Z","related":[{"id":"agua_fresca_de_limon_2a14774356","slug":"agua-fresca-de-limon","title":"Agua Fresca de Limón","description":"A traditional, crisp, and refreshing Latin American lime drink that perfectly balances tangy citrus with a hint of sweetness. Ideal for hot days or as a light accompaniment to spicy meals.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Mexican"]},"course":["appetizer","dessert"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","low_fat","low_sodium"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fagua_fresca_de_limon_2a14774356%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fe94cf6f-2bf2-4184-ac60-2b5d49ae8160","imageAlt":"Agua Fresca de Limón — recipe cover","tags":["lime","refreshing","summer drink","mexican beverages","easy drinks","agua fresca"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":4},{"id":"chifles_191c5b72a2","slug":"chifles-crispy-fried-plantain-chips","title":"Chifles (Crispy Fried Plantain Chips)","description":"A classic Latin American snack of paper-thin green plantain slices fried until perfectly golden and crunchy, finished with a touch of salt.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":25},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Ecuadorian","Peruvian"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fchifles_191c5b72a2%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=7f3e8c86-3d11-4104-9064-fb1f6050e18f","imageAlt":"Chifles (Crispy Fried Plantain Chips) — recipe cover","tags":["plantain","chips","crispy","latin american","salty","vegan snack"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":3,"stepCount":5},{"id":"choripan_ebd5342cb2","slug":"choripan-with-fresh-chimichurri","title":"Choripán with Fresh Chimichurri","description":"A classic Latin American street food staple featuring grilled chorizo sausage served in a crusty bread roll, topped with a zesty, herb-filled chimichurri sauce.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"Latin American","specific":["Argentine"]},"course":["main","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fchoripan_ebd5342cb2%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=df09d994-c048-46fd-ac0c-b0ad0abdd79b","imageAlt":"Choripán with Fresh Chimichurri — recipe cover","tags":["street food","choripán","chimichurri","sandwich","argentina","bbq"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":9,"stepCount":5}]}