
Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa — Easy Gluten-Free Lunchbox Idea
Seasoned black beans and melted cheddar on a warm arepa — a filling, protein-rich lunchbox that comes together from a can and takes five minutes. Works warm at home or room temperature in a lunchbox.
Ingredients
- 2 Zavor & Co gluten-free arepas
- ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 oz shredded cheddar
- Salt to taste
How to Make It
- Toast arepas until warm and golden.
- Warm black beans in a small saucepan with cumin, garlic powder, and salt — 2 minutes.
- Spoon seasoned beans over each warm arepa.
- Top with shredded cheddar — it melts slightly from the warm beans.
- Pack in a container with a lid for the lunchbox.
Why It Works
Black beans are one of the best high-protein, plant-based lunchbox fillings — affordable, filling, and kid-friendly when seasoned simply. The cheddar adds richness and makes the whole thing feel indulgent, even though it is genuinely good for them.

