Arepas are one of my favorite foods and my now kids also love arepas, which makes me very happy because I feel that I am passing down some of my Colombian traditions and culture to my children. The Arepa is one the most popular foods in Colombia. They’re served in almost every home and are the equivalent of tortillas in Mexico and bread in Italy. I ate arepa every day growing up in Colombia! There are different versions of arepas throughout Colombia, every region having its own variation.
Arepas are very versatile and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They can be served as appetizers, snacks or side dishes but they can also easily make a full and satisfying meal. These delicious corn cakes can be prepared with so many different types of fillings or toppings. You can stick to the classic ones or you can create your own based on inspiration from other dishes. You can combine flavors and ingredients that you love, or simply use the ingredients you have available at home.
Nowadays you can buy packages of arepas at many Latin grocery stores, but you can also easily make them at home and keep them in plastic bags in the freezer. Below are some of the most traditional Colombian arepa recipes and some with my favorite toppings.
Buen provecho!
Traditional Colombian Arepas:
Arepa Boyacense (Arepa from Boyacá) See the recipe here
Arepas de Queso (Cheese Arepas) See the recipe here
Arepas Rellenas de Queso (Cheese Stuffed Corn Cakes) See the recipe here
Arepas Carisecas (Sweet Arepas) See the recipe here
Arepa con Quesito Colombiano (Corn Cake with Fresh Cheese) see the recipe here
Arepas de Maiz Peto (Colombian Hominy Corn Arepas) See the recipe here
Arepas de Choclo con Quesito (Colombian Corn Cakes with Fresh Cheese) See the recipe here
Arepas de Yuca (Cassava Arepas) See the recipe here
Arepa Santandereana (Arepa from Santander) See the recipe here
Arepitas Fritas con Guacamole (Fried Mini Arepas with Guacamole) See the recipe here
Arepuela o Anisita (Sweet Arepa with Anise) See the recipe here
Arepa Filled with Egg (Arepa de Huevo) See the recipe here
Arepas with Different Toppings:
Arepas with Chicken and Avocado (Arepas con Pollo y Aguacate) see the recipe here
Arepas with Salmon and Shrimp (Arepas con Salmon y Camarones) See the recipe here
Arepa Thai de Pollo (Thai Chicken Arepa) See the recipe here
Arepa con Camarones y Hogao (Arepa with Shrimp and Creole Sauce) See the recipe here
Arepa con Carne a la Criolla (Arepa with Beef a la Criolla) See the recipe here
Arepa con Chorizo y Hogao (Arepa with Chorizo and Creole Sauce) See the recipe here
Arepa con Carne y Champiñones (Corn Cake with Beef and Mushrooms) See the recipe here
Arepa con Carne Desmechada (Arepa with Shredded Meat) See the recipe here
If you are looking for more toppings check this page.
Chica Andaluza says
They all look AMAZING! I love them but it’s been a while since a Colombian pal made them for me.
Teresa says
These all look delicious! I love arepas, married to a Colombian I have had my share of them. Stuffed, topped with cheese and butter, any way you make them they are soooo good!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
wow all the different arepas! My mouth is watering…they are amazing!
ela@GrayApron says
I love this type of bread! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!
grace says
while i’ve never actually eaten an arepa, i love seeing them on your blog and on tv. the first chance i get, i’ll be trying them!
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
I have never had an Arepas, other country’s versions yes. Love seeing them here each time and must make some in the near future. Great recipes.
James S Brucker says
I lived in Colombia dos anos in 1965. I was working with the Cuerpo de Paz (Peace Corps) In an Education Television project. My favorite food was arroz con pollo and bunelos. I’m very excited about your site.
harry says
Question: are Arepas at all like corn tortillas(mexican, guatamalen)?. Also wondering if the indigenous people of Columbia eat corn tortillas. As corn is the scared grain of the indigeous peoples
Erica Dinho says
No. They are different.
Cheryl says
You have some wonderful recipes here! Thank you for sharing them with us. I am currently taking two community classes – Spanish I and “Cook While Learning Spanish”. We made Arepas Rellenas de Queso tonight, and hot chocolate. Loved them. I found your site while looking for a dessert recipe (I wanted to make something to take to our Spanish I class). Like you, our teacher is very proud of her culture and is passing it on to her son and us. I am looking for a dessert without chocolate (our teacher can’t eat chocolate). I may try Arroz con Leche or Flan de Coco since you mentioned Flan de Coco is very popular. Or, do you have any suggestions of something to make along with the Arequipe? Thank you.
karen says
would you happen to have a recipe for arepa that is low carb version? thanks
Erica Dinho says
I’m trying healthy Cololombian recipes now.They are coming soon!
karen says
Wonderful. Your dishes are great. I am grateful that new healthier recipes are to come. Please make them be bread to accompany your main dishes!
Doug says
I’ve enjoyed Arepas in a restaurant.
After reading about Arepas on your site I purchased a small package of masarepa.
Haven’t made any arepas yet but will start with a plain and simple recipe.
Then move on from there.
Thanks for sharing!