Irresistible Homemade Sopes Recipe: A Tasty Mexican Delight

These handheld mexican sopes bring comfort straight to your plate with their crispy corn masa bases.

Small yet mighty, they pack incredible flavor into every delicious bite.

Regional traditions shine through each carefully crafted disc of goodness.

Skilled home cooks understand how these little masa platforms become magical canvases for delectable toppings.

Authentic ingredients matter most when creating these traditional street-style treats.

Rich textures and vibrant colors make sopes an irresistible culinary adventure that connects you to generations of mexican cooking wisdom.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Sopes Are A Fun And Flavorful Mexican Bite

• Quick and Easy Homemade Delight: Sopes offer a simple, authentic Mexican street food experience that can be whipped up in under an hour with minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These little corn masa bases become a blank canvas for endless topping combinations, making them perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone can customize their own.
• Authentic Texture Magic: The unique technique of pinching edges creates a perfect little boat-like shape that holds toppings securely, preventing messy eating and ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you choose to lightly pan-fry for extra crispiness or keep them more traditional, sopes adapt to your preference, making them suitable for health-conscious cooks and those craving a bit of indulgence.

What Goes Into Sopes

Main Ingredients:

• Masa Harina, Salt, Warm Water: A classic Mexican corn flour mix that creates a soft, authentic dough base for sopes, with salt adding flavor depth. Masa harina should be fresh and finely ground for best texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when pan-frying sopes. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

• Refried Beans, Meat, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Crema, Salsa: A classic combination of traditional Mexican toppings that add layers of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Meat options can include shredded chicken, beef, or pork. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp lettuce for the best results.

How To Make Sopes At Home

Step 1: Create Soft Corn Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and combine masa harina, a pinch of salt, and warm water. Knead the mixture until you have a smooth, flexible dough that feels soft to the touch. If the dough seems dry or starts cracking, splash in a little extra water and continue mixing.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Corn Discs

Divide your dough into roughly 10-12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a neat ball, then gently press and flatten into thin circular shapes. Aim for discs about the thickness of a pinky finger and roughly the size of a small coaster.

Step 3: Warm Up the Base

Fire up a flat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Carefully place each corn disc onto the surface and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Look for light golden-brown spots and a firm texture that signals they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Craft Elevated Edges

While the corn bases are still warm but cool enough to handle, use your fingertips or a folded kitchen towel to pinch and curl the edges upward. This creates a lovely little wall that will hold all your delicious toppings.

Step 5: Optional Crispy Transformation

Pour a thin layer of vegetable oil into a skillet over medium-high heat. Gently slide each corn base into the oil and fry until they turn a gorgeous golden color. Let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 6: Build Flavor-Packed Towers

• Shredded chicken
• Seasoned ground beef
• Crispy carnitas
• Chopped lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Mexican crema
• Zesty salsa
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cilantro

Enjoy your homemade sopes straight away while they’re warm and wonderfully crisp!

Tips For Crispy And Thick Sopes

• Hydrate Dough Perfectly: Add warm water gradually to masa harina, checking consistency to prevent dryness or cracking, ensuring a smooth, pliable texture that's easy to shape.
• Master Shaping Technique: Create uniform sopes by rolling dough into equal-sized balls, then gently flatten with consistent thickness to guarantee even cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Control Heat While Cooking: Use medium heat when griddling sopes to achieve a light golden-brown color without burning, allowing the masa to cook through evenly and develop a delicate crust.
• Create Sturdy Edges Carefully: Pinch rims while sopes are still warm but cool enough to handle, using fingertips or a kitchen towel to form slightly raised edges that will hold toppings securely.
• Customize Toppings Creatively: Layer refried beans as a base, then experiment with various proteins, fresh vegetables, crumbled cheese, and salsas to personalize your sopes with vibrant flavors and textures.

Storage Ideas For Leftover Sopes

• Refrigerate leftover sopes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, which helps restore their crispy texture.
• Avoid microwaving, as this can make the sopes soggy and tough.
• Uncooked dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before preparing.
• For longer storage, freeze uncooked dough balls in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Fully assembled sopes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and flavor.

Toppings That Work Well With Sopes

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur to complement the savory sopes. The bright, tangy flavors cut through the rich beans and meat.
• Match with Spicy Pico de Gallo: Create a fresh salsa combining diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. This vibrant topping adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty sopes.
• Serve with Mexican Amber Lager: Choose a crisp, slightly malty beer like Negra Modelo. Its smooth profile balances the heavy toppings and provides a cool, refreshing accompaniment.
• Add Creamy Guacamole Side: Mash ripe avocados with diced onions, lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro. This creamy, rich dip enhances the sopes' texture and adds a luxurious layer of flavor.

Creative Variations For Sopes

• Seafood Sopes: Replace traditional meat with succulent shrimp or tender fish. Top with zesty lime-cilantro slaw and chipotle crema for a fresh coastal flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Fiesta Sopes: Swap meat with roasted poblano peppers, black beans, and grilled corn. Garnish with queso fresco and fresh avocado slices for added richness.
• Breakfast Sopes: Transform the recipe into a morning meal by adding scrambled eggs, chorizo, and crumbled queso fresco. Drizzle with salsa verde for extra kick.
• Mole Chicken Sopes: Slow-cook chicken in rich, complex mole sauce. Layer sopes with tender shredded chicken, topped with sesame seeds and extra mole drizzle for deep, authentic Mexican flavors.

Top Questions About Sopes

• What are sopes made of?

Sopes are traditional Mexican appetizers made with masa harina (corn flour), salt, and warm water. The dough is hand-shaped into thick discs with raised edges, creating a perfect little boat for delicious toppings.

• Are sopes similar to other Mexican dishes?

Sopes are similar to gorditas and tlacoyos, but they have a distinctive raised edge that helps hold fillings. They’re like a thicker, more substantial corn tortilla with built-in walls to keep all the tasty ingredients inside.

• Do I need special skills to make sopes?

Not at all! Making sopes is easy with a little practice. The key is to work with the dough while it’s warm and use your fingers to gently pinch up the edges. Anyone can master this technique with a bit of patience.

• Can I make sopes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sope bases earlier in the day and keep them covered. When you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat and add your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for meal prep or quick entertaining.

Sopes Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street food magic unfolds with these delightful sopes, crispy masa cups filled with savory toppings and zesty flavors. Rich layers of refried beans, tender meat, and fresh garnishes create a delectable handheld feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour, such as Maseca)
• 1.5 cups warm water (plus more as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Protein and Toppings:

• 1 cup refried beans (black or pinto), warmed
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken, beef, or chorizo
• ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
• ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream

Garnishes and Accompaniments:

• ½ cup shredded lettuce or finely chopped cabbage
• ¼ cup diced tomato or pico de gallo
• Salsa (red or green), to taste
• Chopped onion (optional)
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a smooth, cohesive dough by thoroughly blending masa harina with salt and warm water, ensuring a consistent texture that holds together without crumbling. Adjust moisture level by adding small amounts of water if the mixture appears too dry.
2. Carefully portion the dough into uniform balls, then gently press and shape each into delicate, thin circular discs with smooth, even edges approximately three-quarters of an inch wide.
3. Activate a griddle or skillet over moderate heat, then carefully place each dough disc onto the surface. Cook methodically, allowing each side to develop a light golden-brown coloration and firm internal structure.
4. While the discs remain warm but manageable, delicately pinch and fold the perimeter upward, creating a slightly raised border that will cradle future toppings securely.
5. For enhanced texture and flavor, submerge the partially cooked sopes in a shallow pool of sizzling vegetable oil. Fry each side until achieving a crisp, bronzed exterior, then transfer to absorbent paper to eliminate excess oil.
6. Layer the foundation with creamy refried beans, then strategically arrange additional components such as seasoned meat, crisp lettuce, vibrant tomatoes, crumbled cheese, drizzled crema, zesty salsa, and any complementary garnishes to complete the culinary composition.

Notes

• Moisture matters most when creating the perfect dough consistency, so keep water nearby to adjust texture if needed.
• Use warm water to help masa harina blend smoothly and create a more pliable, elastic dough that won’t crack during shaping.
• Check dough texture by gently pressing a small piece – it should hold together without crumbling and feel soft like play-dough.
• Work quickly while sopes are warm to pinch edges upward, as cooling makes the dough less flexible and more prone to breaking.
• Customize toppings for dietary needs: use plant-based beans and proteins for vegetarian versions, or swap dairy cheese with vegan alternatives.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough sopes; mix just until ingredients combine and the texture feels smooth and consistent.
• Preheating the skillet ensures even cooking and helps develop a nice golden-brown exterior without burning the sopes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg