Authentic Mexican Sopes: A Beginner’s Guide to This Crispy Delight

There’s something special about homemade Mexican sopes. I still remember the first time I made them—I was nervous, expecting them to be complicated. But once I got my hands in the dough and felt its smooth, pliable texture, I realized that sopes are not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. The golden, crispy edges combined with the soft center create the perfect base for an endless variety of toppings.

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Sopes are a staple in Mexican cuisine, often served as a comforting street food or as part of a homemade meal. They are thick, corn-based discs with slightly raised edges, perfect for holding refried beans, shredded chicken, beef, cheese, and fresh toppings. Unlike tacos or tostadas, sopes offer a heartier bite, making them a satisfying and versatile dish.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires only a few basic ingredients—masa harina, water, and salt. It is also quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, sopes are an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beginner-Friendly – Requires just three basic ingredients for the base
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
• Customizable – Pairs well with a variety of toppings, from shredded chicken to fresh salsa
• Crispy & Satisfying – A perfect balance of textures

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the Sopes

• 1 ½ cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 cup warm water
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For the Toppings (Choose Your Favorites)

• Refried beans – Black or pinto beans work well
• Shredded chicken – Cooked and seasoned with mild spices
• Ground beef – Seasoned with cumin, garlic, and chili powder
• Shredded lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness
• Crumbled cheese – Queso fresco or cotija for a salty touch
• Salsa – Homemade or store-bought
• Sour cream or Mexican crema – For a creamy finish
• Diced tomatoes & onions – Fresh and bright flavors

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you don’t have masa harina, you can try pre-made corn dough (masa preparada) from a Latin grocery store.
• For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese and use guacamole for added richness.
• If avoiding fried foods, you can cook the sopes on a dry skillet instead of deep frying them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the masa harina, warm water, and salt (if using). Mix with a spoon until the dough starts coming together.
2. Using clean, lightly floured hands, knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth. It should feel soft and pliable but not sticky. If it cracks or feels dry, add a little more warm water, one teaspoon at a time.
3. Form the dough into a large ball and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This helps the masa absorb the water, creating a better texture.

Step 2: Shape the Sopes

1. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a golf ball-sized ball.
2. Place one ball of dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a plastic zip-top bag cut in half.
3. Gently press the dough into a thick disc about ¼ to ½ inch in thickness. It should be smaller and thicker than a tortilla.
4. Set the shaped disc aside and repeat with the remaining dough balls, keeping them covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

Step 3: Cook the Sopes

1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the pan—if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
2. Carefully place two or three masa discs into the oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them once to ensure even cooking.
4. Transfer the fried sopes to a paper towel-lined plate and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel to keep warm.
5. After about 30-60 seconds, when the sopes are cool enough to handle, use your fingers to gently pinch the edges to create a rim. This will help hold the toppings in place.

Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve

1. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each sope.
2. Add shredded chicken or ground beef, followed by fresh toppings like lettuce, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
3. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Beginner Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to Prevent Dry or Crumbly Dough

• The dough should feel soft and pliable. If it cracks when shaping, add a teaspoon of warm water and knead again.
• Cover the dough with a damp towel to prevent drying while working.

How to Avoid Soggy Sopes

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Cold oil will make the sopes absorb too much oil and turn greasy.
• Don’t overload with toppings—too many wet ingredients can soften the crispiness.

What If My Sopes Brown Too Fast?

• Reduce the heat slightly if they are browning too quickly. The goal is a crispy golden-brown exterior without burning.

Efficient Kitchen Prep Tips

• Cook and shred chicken ahead of time to speed up assembly.
• Prep all toppings before frying the sopes so they can be served fresh and hot.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Sopes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a side of Mexican rice – A classic pairing for a full meal.
• With fresh guacamole – Adds a creamy, rich flavor.
• With a bowl of caldo de pollo (Mexican chicken soup) – A comforting combination.
• With grilled vegetables – A great option for a lighter meal.

If serving for a gathering, offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their sopes to their taste.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftover sopes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Keep toppings separate to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Freeze plain sopes in a zip-top freezer bag for up to a month.
• To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between each sope.

Reheating

• Oven or Air Fryer – Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crisp.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
• Microwave (not recommended) – This can make them chewy instead of crispy.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Making homemade sopes is a fun and rewarding experience, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious, authentic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different toppings. Whether you prefer classic refried beans and cheese or want to get creative with shredded chicken and salsa, sopes are a great way to bring Mexican flavors into your kitchen.

Have you tried making sopes before? Let me know in the comments how they turned out and what toppings you used. Cooking is all about exploring and sharing, so I’d love to hear about your experience!