Homemade Colombian Arepas with Real Dairy Products

Key Takeaways of Homemade Arepas with Dairy Products:

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making authentic Colombian arepas with delicious and nutritious real dairy in every golden bite.

Traditional arepas require simple steps and ingredients —where cornmeal meets dairy for a perfectly crisp outside and soft, flavorful inside.

Colombian arepas hold a cultural significance. Bring a taste of tradition and celebration to your own kitchen.

Dairy products can provide amazing flavor and texture for a variety of cultural foods from around the world.

Hi friends! My name is Luisa, and I am the blogger behind the lifestyle blog Peaches to Pearls. I am also a pediatric registered dietitian, wife, mama, homesteader, and proud Latina. I was born in the beautiful country of Colombia—the same region that inspired Disney’s Encanto!—and came to the United States when I was just two years old.

Even though I moved at a young age, my family made sure our Colombian culture was deeply rooted in everything we did. At home, we were only allowed to speak Spanish (I actually had to go to preschool to learn English!), and we ate Colombian food every single day. Weekends were always spent surrounded by extended family—dancing, laughing, and of course, eating.

When I think of the foods that take me straight back to my childhood, arepas are always the first that come to mind. They are more than just food—they are a feeling. The smell of arepas cooking on the griddle brings back memories of slow mornings with my family. We would gather in the kitchen, still in our pajamas, shaping the dough by hand, sneaking bites of dough when we could, and loading them up with butter and cheese. It was simple, but it felt incredibly special. I also hold dear the memories of eating hot, cheesy street arepas with my family during trips back to Colombia—those little moments that stay with you forever.

Today, I’m so excited to team up with my friends at The Dairy Alliance to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing my family’s recipe for these beloved arepas, made with real milk, butter, and cheese. But first, let’s dive into a little background on what makes them so special.

What Are Arepas?

Colombian arepas are traditional cornmeal cakes that are a staple in Colombian cuisine. They are made primarily from ground maize (corn), water, and salt, and are cooked on a griddle or pan until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside, while soft and warm on the inside. In my family, our secret ingredient is adding milk to the batter to make them more flavorful! We also like to top it with butter and cheese. Not only do these dairy products add more flavor to the arepas, but they are also a wholesome source of protein. I have also found that by pairing the arepa with a protein like butter and cheese, I stay full much longer!

Honor Hispanic Heritage Month with Homemade Colombian Arepas

Key Features of Colombian Arepas:

Simple Ingredients: Most basic Colombian arepas are made with just pre-cooked cornmeal (usually white or yellow), water, and salt. No yeast or rising agents.
Versatile Base: They can be eaten plain, topped with butter and cheese, or stuffed with various fillings.
Regional Variations: Different parts of Colombia have their own versions. Some are thin and crispy, others thick and soft. Common types include:
- Arepa de queso – with cheese mixed into the dough or melted inside.
- Arepa de choclo – made with sweet corn and often served with cheese.
- Arepa boyacense – slightly sweet and thick, often baked and filled with cheese.
- Arepa rellena – stuffed arepas, sometimes with meats or eggs (though stuffed arepas are more popular in Venezuela).

How They Are Eaten:

In Colombia, arepas are often eaten:

For breakfast with butter, cheese, or eggs.
As a side dish with soups or grilled meats.
As a snack with hot chocolate or coffee.

They are humble but deeply loved—kind of like the tortilla of Colombia!

Arepas: A Latin American Staple

Now that you are familiar with arepas, I would love to share my family's recipe with you. Keep in mind that different Latin American countries have their own arepa recipe, so the one I am sharing is how I grew up making them.

Colombian Arepas Recipe with Real Dairy Products

Ingredients:

2 cups pre-cooked white or yellow cornmeal (we use the brand PAN)
1 ½ cups warm water
1 cup of milk
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional: grated cheese (mozzarella or queso fresco)

Instructions:

Mix the dough:

In a large bowl, combine warm water, milk, and salt. Slowly add in the cornmeal while stirring with your hands or a spoon.
Once incorporated, knead until you get a soft, smooth dough that doesn't stick to your hands.
If you want cheesy arepas, mix in ½ -1 cup of grated cheese at this stage.

2. Shape the arepas:

Divide the dough into 6–8 equal portions.
Roll into balls, then flatten into discs about ½ inch thick.

3. Cook the arepas:

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook the arepas for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and slightly crispy.

4. Optional — Finish in the oven:

For fluffier insides, you can transfer the cooked arepas to a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

5. Serve warm:

Serve plain or with butter, cheese, eggs, or even topped with avocado or hogao (Colombian tomato-onion sauce).

Notes:

Don’t use regular cornmeal—make sure it’s precooked masarepa, not corn flour or masa harina.
Dough too dry? Add a bit more water or milk. Too wet? Add a little more cornmeal.

FAQ: Colombian Arepas & Hispanic Heritage Month

Q: What are Colombian arepas made of?
A: Colombian arepas are crafted from cornmeal, water, salt, and enriched with real milk, butter, and cheese for flavor and texture.

Q: Why are arepas important during Hispanic Heritage Month?
A: Arepas symbolize Colombian culture and tradition, making them a meaningful dish to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with authentic flavors.

Q: How do you cook Colombian arepas at home?
A: Mix cornmeal with milk, butter, and cheese, form patties, and cook until golden—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside.

I hope you enjoy making this delicious family recipe using real dairy products. And make sure you check out the recipe reel I made for this post on my Instagram account.

Besitos,

Luisa

Luisa Hammett was born in Colombia, South America, and raised on 30A, Florida, before launching her lifestyle blog, Peaches to Pearls. With a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and a practicing pediatric registered dietitian, Luisa not only knows the science behind a well-shopped grocery cart, she also enjoys creating beautiful recipes. Over the past eleven years, her blog has evolved alongside her life and her loyal following. Now focusing on graceful farmhouse living, Peaches to Pearls is a beautiful curation of recipes, chicken keeping, and family life.