Soft Masa Cheese Pupusas (Printer-Friendly)
Tender masa cakes filled with gooey cheese, cooked to golden-crisp perfection for a comforting meal or snack.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 -
2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tortillas or pupusas)
02 -
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional)
03 -
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
04 -
1 1/8 cups hot water (near boiling)
05 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or lard for traditional flavor)
→ Filling
06 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
07 -
Optional: 1 cup refried beans (homemade preferred)
→ Cooking
08 -
2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil)
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
In a large bowl, mix masa harina, chicken bouillon powder, and salt. Gradually add hot water while stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms. Incorporate butter and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little more water if the dough feels dry.
02 -
Divide the dough into 12 equal balls, about the size of a golf ball. Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out and facilitate shaping.
03 -
Flatten one dough ball into a thick disk approximately 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) thick. Place a spoonful of cheese or refried beans in the center. Fold the edges over to enclose the filling completely, then gently flatten into a round about 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) in diameter. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
04 -
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil until shimmering. Cook pupusas about 3 minutes on each side, pressing lightly to develop golden brown spots and allow filling to heat through. Keep cooked pupusas warm under a towel while finishing the batch.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Moisten hands when shaping dough to prevent sticking. Avoid overfilling to ensure proper sealing and prevent cracking during cooking.
02 -
Masa harina is naturally gluten-free, suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Butter can be substituted with lard for traditional flavor, or plant-based oil for dairy-free versions.
03 -
Reheat by warming on a hot skillet to crisp the exterior and soften the interior.