Welcome to Casita! In this third installment of our Disney Princess-Inspired Recipe Series, we’re stepping into the colorful world of Encanto, where magic, music, and family collide in the most heartwarming ways. So far, we’ve explored the bayou with Tiana’s savory crab beignets and crunchy warm apple turnovers made in Snow White’s oven.
Today, we’re heading to the heart of Colombia for a cozy and comforting dish that feels just like a warm hug from Mirabel herself. Inspired by Encanto, these Colombian Cheesy Arepas are gooey, golden, and utterly magical — just like the family Madrigal.
Whether you’re channeling Julieta’s healing touch or celebrating your own unique gifts, these arepas are the perfect way to bring a little encanto to your kitchen.
🌽 What Are Arepas?
Arepas are a staple in Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine, made from masarepa, a pre-cooked cornmeal. Their texture is soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and endlessly versatile. You can grill them, bake them, fry them, or stuff them with cheese, meats, eggs, or vegetables.
In Colombian culture, arepas are eaten any time of day: for breakfast with coffee, as a side dish at lunch, or as a quick snack. They’re the kind of food that’s always around — always welcome. Like a favorite cousin who shows up unannounced but is always a good time.
The version we’re making today is Colombian Cheesy Arepas, just like the ones Julieta makes for Mirabel. Soft, buttery, packed with melty cheese. Simple. Soulful. Satisfying.
This version is simple, cheesy, and totally enchanting.
Making the Colombian Cheesy Arepas
🧀 Ingredients
2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa) – like PAN or Areparina
2 ½ cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or queso blanco
1 tbsp butter (plus more for the skillet)
🥄 Instructions
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir the warm water and salt together. Slowly add in the cornmeal, mixing until there are no lumps. Let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the water.
Add cheese & butter: Knead in the shredded cheese and 1 tbsp of butter until evenly distributed. The dough should be soft and pliable — not too sticky or dry.
Shape the arepas: Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten into thick discs about ½ inch thick.
Cook: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. Cook the arepas for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy.
Melt more cheese inside (optional): For extra cheesy magic, carefully slice the arepas open and stuff them with more cheese. Return to the pan for another minute to melt.
🌈 Serve with a Little Magic
Serve your arepas warm with:
A drizzle of honey for sweet contrast
A fried egg on top for brunch vibes
Guacamole or hogao (Colombian tomato-onion sauce) for extra flavor
Or just enjoy them plain — they’re that good!
Tips for the Perfect Arepas
Don’t skip the rest time. This allows the masarepa to hydrate properly, which makes shaping and cooking much easier.
Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for the best texture and golden crust.
Customize! Arepas are wonderfully flexible. Add herbs, different cheeses, or sweet fillings like guava paste and cream cheese.
Serve them fresh. Arepas are best hot off the griddle, when the cheese is perfectly melty and the edges have just the right crunch.
What is your favorite Disney Recipe?
And that wraps up Recipe #3 in our Disney Princess-Inspired series! These Colombian cheesy arepas are all about warmth, comfort, and the kind of magic that lives in everyday meals. I hope they bring a little Encanto into your kitchen and a whole lot of love to your table.
If you’ve been cooking along with the series, let me know in the comments — which recipe has been your favorite so far? Or is there a Disney princess dish you’re hoping to see next?
Catch up on the first two recipes in the series:
See you next time for another Disney princess bite! 💕
Cheesy Arepas
Equipment
- Skillet or saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups white cornmeal masarepa
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup shredded queso fresco
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white cornmeal, salt, and sugar until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, water, and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Once a soft dough forms, gently knead it with your hands for 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the consistency is right.
- Fold in the shredded queso fresco and mozzarella cheese, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten each one into a disc about ½ inch thick.
- Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, place the arepas in the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside and melty cheese inside.
- Optional: Cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking to help melt the cheese completely.
- Serve warm—ideally with a pat of butter on top or a side of guava jam for a sweet-savory contrast.
