Get our FREE recipe guide with our most popular<\/em> recipes of all time!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>Get the Guide<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n Our top 25 recipes of all time!<\/p>\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ySl3st4w-750x750.jpeg\")
\n<\/div>\n\n\tFree Popular Recipe Guide<\/h3>\n
\n
Related:<\/strong> Next up, try our cornmeal churros<\/a> or cornbread<\/a> recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Precooked cornmeal, also called masarepa, comes in white and yellow and is sometimes called Areparina (a brand). It is different from cornmeal or corn flour (masa harina).<\/p>\n\n\n\n I make arepas more like Venezuelans in that I don’t add cheese to the centers, but see the notes below for options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a glass measuring cup, measure the water and add the salt. Stir to combine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a large bowl, add the precooked cornmeal and then pour in the salted water. Stir to combine, and you can do this with a large spoon or your clean hands. Mix until a soft dough forms. The arepa dough should easily hold together but not stick to your hands. If it seems to still be too sticky, add a little more precooked cornmeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Form 6-8 arepa patties from the dough using the palms of your hands to create a disk. I like a thinner arepa, so I tend to go for 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are adding cheese to the centers, this is the time to do that as well. And dust with yellow cornmeal, if using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a large cast-iron skillet, add the oil and heat over medium heat. Pan fry the arepas until toasted and golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes on each side. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches. Then transfer to a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cook arepas in the oven at 350\u00b0F for 15-16 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/best-arepas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIngredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/arepas-ingredients.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to make Arepas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/easy-arepas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips and Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-to-make-arepas.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nArepa Fillings & More Latin American Recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/abeautifulmess.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/arepas-recipe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t