How To Make Pupusas At Home (Plus an extra recipe for Curtido)

Ever since I first tasted pupusas, I was completely hooked. The combination of a warm, slightly crispy tortilla filled with gooey cheese, tender chicken ham, and flavorful beans instantly transported me to the streets of El Salvador. Making them at home seemed intimidating at first, but after a few attempts, I discovered just how simple and rewarding it can be. Preparing pupusas in your own kitchen allows you to control every ingredient, experiment with flavors, and create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

You will love this recipe because it brings the authentic taste of Salvadoran cuisine right into your home. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft, thick masa exterior and the rich, melty filling inside. These pupusas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and they can easily turn any meal into a fun culinary adventure.

One of the best things about pupusas is their versatility. You can fill them with beans, cheese, chicken ham, or even mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re making a simple cheese pupusa or a combination with vegetables and protein, they always turn out delicious.

Pupusas are also surprisingly affordable. The ingredients are basic pantry staples: masa harina, water, salt, and fillings like cheese, beans, or chicken ham. You don’t need fancy kitchen tools, and even a small budget can yield enough pupusas to feed the whole family.

Ingredients for Pupusas:

• 2 cups masa harina

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)

• ½ cup diced chicken ham

• Optional: finely chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach

• Oil for cooking

With these simple ingredients, you can prepare a dish that is authentic, satisfying, and full of flavor. Pupusas are not just food—they’re a celebration of tradition, creativity, and homemade goodness.

How to Prepare Pupusas

Preparing pupusas at home is easier than it seems. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a dish that looks and tastes just like the ones from El Salvador. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your pupusas are perfectly soft on the inside and lightly crispy on the outside.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina with ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of warm water while mixing with your hands or a spoon until a soft, pliable dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Divide the dough: Once the dough is ready, divide it into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball. This makes shaping the pupusas easier and ensures even cooking.

3. Prepare the fillings: In a small bowl, mix the refried beans, shredded cheese, and diced chicken ham. You can also add finely chopped vegetables at this stage if desired. Make sure the filling is evenly combined to guarantee consistent flavor in each pupusa.

4. Shape the pupusas: Flatten a dough ball in your palm to form a disc about 3 inches wide. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center, then carefully fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal. Gently flatten the stuffed dough ball into a thick disc about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

5. Cook the pupusas: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil. Place the pupusas on the hot surface and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown spots appear and the dough is cooked through. Avoid high heat, which can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.

6. Serve warm: Remove the pupusas from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw) and tomato sauce, or enjoy them on their own.

Quick and Easy Tips:

• Prepping the dough and fillings in advance can save time, especially if cooking for a group.

• Use your hands to shape the pupusas gently; this prevents tearing and filling leakage.

• Keep the cooked pupusas warm in a low oven while finishing the rest of the batch.

Customization Options:

Pupusas are highly versatile. You can swap beans for sautéed mushrooms, replace chicken ham with seasoned beef, or add extra cheese for gooier fillings. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin to enhance the flavor profile.

Popular with Many People:

Pupusas are loved worldwide because they’re hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. They are ideal for family meals, gatherings, or casual dinners, and their customizable nature means there’s a version for every taste.

How To Make Pupusas At Home (Plus an extra recipe for Curtido)

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Pupusas are traditional Salvadoran stuffed tortillas that are soft, thick, and filled with cheese, beans, and chicken ham. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they are easy to make at home and highly customizable to suit any taste.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup refried beans (homemade or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)
• ½ cup diced chicken ham
• Optional: finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach
• Oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Adjust water or masa harina as needed.
2. Divide the dough into golf ball–sized portions.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the refried beans, shredded cheese, and diced chicken ham. Add optional vegetables if desired.
4. Flatten a dough ball into a 3-inch disc. Place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold edges over the filling and pinch to seal. Gently flatten into a thick disc about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook pupusas for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with curtido and tomato sauce.

Notes

Keep dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while shaping pupusas.

For extra flavor, mix spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder into the filling.

Pupusas can be frozen before cooking; add a few minutes to cooking time when using frozen.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 15

FAQs About Pupusas

1. Can I make pupusas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and fillings in advance. Store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The pupusas can be shaped and cooked just before serving.

2. Can I freeze pupusas?
Absolutely. Shape the pupusas and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. What cheese works best in pupusas?
Mozzarella or a mild melting cheese works best for authentic gooey texture. You can also use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.

4. How do I prevent pupusas from cracking while shaping?
Keep the dough slightly moist, and handle it gently when enclosing the filling. Flatten them slowly to avoid tearing.

5. Can I make pupusas vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit chicken ham and use beans, cheese, or vegetables as fillings. You can even add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for variety.

6. How should I serve pupusas?
Traditionally, pupusas are served warm with curtido, a lightly fermented cabbage slaw, and tomato sauce. They are also delicious on their own or with fresh salsa.

7. What is the best cooking method?
Cooking on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat ensures even cooking and a lightly golden crust. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.