How to Make the Perfect Cheese and Bean Pupusas
Latin American · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
These cheese and bean pupusas are a wonderfully kid friendly recipe from El Salvador that little ones love making alongside parents. The thick stuffed corn tortillas are crispy outside and gooey inside making them an instant family favorite.
Why this recipe works
This Cheese and Bean Pupusas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 290 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups masa harina corn flour
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded quesillo or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make Masa Dough
Combine masa harina, warm water, and salt in a bowl and knead until smooth and slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Fill
Roll dough into 6 balls, flatten each in your palm, add a spoonful of beans and a pinch of cheese in the center, then close dough around filling and flatten into a disc.
Step 3: Cook the Pupusas
Heat oil in a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and cook each pupusa for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear.
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve immediately while cheese is melted with salsa or sour cream on the side for dipping.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- refried beans → mashed black beans seasoned with a pinch of cumin
- mozzarella cheese → pepper jack cheese for kids who enjoy mild heat
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Dough that is too dry will crack when shaping so add water one tablespoon at a time
- Filling the pupusas too much causes cheese to leak out and burn on the griddle
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 290 calories, 11g protein, 38g carbs, 10g fat, 4g fiber.
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