Arepas are very easy to make with just 3 ingredients and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Try topping with shredded chicken or beef for a delicious meal.

What Are Arepas?

Arepas are dense and delicious pan-fried cornmeal cakes popular in South American cuisine that is traditionally served with cheese, meat, and avocados. They can also be cut in half and served as sandwiches.

They are made of pre-cooked cornmeal, water, salt, and oil for frying. Simple! The dough is mixed and then shaped into discs and fried in a cast-iron skillet until golden brown spots begin to form.

How To Make Arepas

This easy recipe is made with 3 ingredients (excluding the oil) and just 3 simple steps!

  • Combine all ingredients (except the oil) and pack the mixture together. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat a large cast iron skillet with vegetable oil.
  • Form into discs and cook in hot oil until golden brown. Flip and repeat, adding additional oil as necessary.

To slice in half for sandwiches, bake an additional 10 minutes in a 350F oven. Enjoy hot.

How To Serve Arepas

My favorite way to serve up these delicious cakes is the same way I first had them at a restaurant in San Francisco, topped with barbacoa beef! You could also top them like pork carnitas or with shredded chicken and a dollop of guacamole. This fish taco sauce is also really tasty with your meat of choice!

Another popular way to enjoy them is sandwich-style. Simply slice them down the middle and fill with your favorite fillings. Some of my favorite sandwich fillings are Italian beef, crispy chicken, and of course, a club sandwich.

Arepas also taste delicious all on their own, especially with a bit of honey butter!

More Recipes with Cornmeal

  • Cheese Grits – deliciously creamy!
  • Easy Corn Fritters – bursting with flavor
  • Homemade Cornbread– classic recipe!
  • Homemade Mini Corn Dogs – bite-sized appetizer
  • Easy Hush Puppies – deep-fried deliciousness

Homemade Arepas

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

  • If you find that the mixture is a little dry, you can add additional water 1 Tablespoon at a time. You want the consistency to be slightly dry but combined.
  • You can add up to 1 cup of shredded cheese for additional flavor.
  • Arepas may also be deep fried.

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