The Best Mexican Sopes

Mexican Sopes are thick corn masa patties with crispy edges and soft centers, topped with beans, meats, cheese, and salsa. They’re perfect for casual dinners or served as small bites at a weekend get-together.

How to Pair

• Refried beans
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Mexican rice
• Grilled nopales
• Spicy tomato salsa
• Horchata
• Agua de Jamaica
• Michelada

Here’s how I made the Mexican Sopes:

A classic Mexican street food made simple for home cooks, these Mexican sopes are thick masa cakes with crisp edges, soft centers, and flavorful toppings.

• Servings: 6 sopes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 245 per serving
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Sopes

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Toppings

• 3/4 cup refried beans
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons finely diced onion

Instructions

1. Make the masa dough: In a medium bowl, mix the masa harina and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water and stir until a soft dough forms. It should feel like soft playdough; moist but not sticky. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Shape the sopes: Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Flatten each into a thick round disc about 3 inches wide and 1/3 inch thick.
3. Cook the discs: Heat a dry skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook each disc for 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden and cooked through.
4. Create the raised edges: While still warm enough to handle, gently pinch the edges of each disc upward to create a rim. This helps hold the toppings.
5. Crisp the sopes: Add the vegetable oil to the skillet. Return the shaped sopes and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until the outsides are lightly crisp but the centers stay soft.
6. Add the toppings: Spread about 2 tablespoons refried beans onto each sope. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa.
7. Serve immediately: Enjoy warm while the base is crisp and the toppings are fresh.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 245
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Notes

• Keep the dough slightly soft, not dry, or the sopes may crack.
• Pinch the edges while warm, otherwise they won’t hold their shape.
• Refried beans help create the classic creamy layer and keep the toppings in place.
• For extra flavor on a budget, use store-bought salsa roja.
• These are best served fresh, right after topping.