Ham and Cheese Arepa

Begin by adding the masa harina and salt into a small mixing bowl and mix it around with your fingers. Next add the water and begin mixing and kneading until the dough comes together. Continue kneading the dough until it forms a smooth dough and is no longer sticky.

At this point in time you can add a bit more masa harina if it is too sticky or add a bit more water if it is too dry.

Divide the dough into 4. You basically want to form a medium sized ball that you can flatten down a bit. Flatten it to about 1/2 inch thick by the width of your palm (approximately 3 inches). Continue this process until you have formed all of the arepas.

Next heat a large cast iron skillet on medium heat. The goal is to use a heavy skillet that can retain really good heat. Add the oil and swirl it in the pan. Add the arepas to the heated oil and let them cook for 4 minutes on each side. You want a golden exterior on both sides.

During this time, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

When the arepas are golden on each side, add them to a baking sheet and place the sheet in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven.

With a sharp knife make an incision in the side of the arepas, making a pocket in the side. The goal is to not slice this all of the way through. Just make a nice incision that will allow you to stuff them with the ham and cheese.

If you notice that the knife is doughy, much like you would see when you pull a knife from cooking a cake or bread, place the arepas back into the oven for another 5 minutes or so.

Next, stuff a bit of the cheese inside of the arepa. Then add some ham, then more cheese on the top of the ham. Place them back into the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melted.

When you are ready to serve, plate them. Serve with a simple salad and a nice drizzle of hot sauce.

The end result is nothing but awesomeness. You have a crunchy exterior with a soft interior. The fresh aroma from the masa is amazing. And the melted cheese and ham—well, you know where I’m going. Give them a shot. I hope you enjoy.

Note: I also served these with roasted chicken, cheese, and guacamole. But once again the options are endless as to what you put inside of them.