Encanto-Inspired Arepas Con Queso With Avocado Mash
We made the popular arepas con queso from Disney’s Encanto. One bite and we felt like we were transported to the magical home of Maribel. Make sure to use pre-cooked cornmeal, as regular cornmeal will not work in this recipe.
Tasty Team
August 14, 2023
82% would make again
Total Time
30 minutes
30 min
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 min
Cook Time
10 minutes
10 min
Total Time
30 minutes
30 min
Prep Time
10 minutes
10 min
Cook Time
10 minutes
10 min
Ingredients
for 4 arepas
Arepas
- 1 cup pre-cooked white cornmeal (135 g)
- 1 cup water (240 mL)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons grated queso blanco
- nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for serving
Avocado Cilantro Mash
- 2 Hass avocados, small, ripe, peeled, pitted, and cubed
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Nutrition Info
- Calories 173
- Fat 13g
- Carbs 11g
- Fiber 15g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 4g
Estimated values based on one serving size.
Preparation
- Make the arepas: Add the cornmeal to a medium bowl. Pour in the water, then add the salt and stir with a rubber spatula to combine. The dough will look quite wet at first, but will absorb the water as you stir.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and roll into an 8-inch long, 2-inch (5 cm)-wide log. Cut into 4 equal pieces.
- Flatten one piece of dough in the palm of your hand into a 4-inch-wide disc. Place 1 tablespoon of queso blanco in the center, then fold the dough around the cheese to encase. Flatten the dough again into a 4½-inch-wide disc (if some cheese peeks out, pinch the dough closed around it. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Grease the pan with nonstick spray, then add the arepas to the pan and cook, without disturbing, until a crispy, golden brown crust forms, 3½–4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 3–4 minutes more (some cheese may ooze out a bit; it will sear and add a delicious texture to the arepa).
- Meanwhile, make the avocado cilantro mash: Add the avocado, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and salt to a medium bowl and mash with a fork to combine.
- Spread the butter over the arepas, then serve with the avocado mash and a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Enjoy!
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