Sopes with Refried Beans and Cheese

Mexican sopes are a beloved street food that combines the earthy taste of masa with rich refried beans, crumbly cheese, and fresh toppings. They’re crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, making them the perfect handheld snack or meal. The raised edges allow the toppings to sit neatly on top, giving every bite a balance of textures and flavors.

What makes sopes so special is their versatility. You can load them with just beans and cheese for a simple vegetarian option or layer them with meats like shredded chicken, chorizo, or beef for a heartier meal. They’re great for gatherings, as everyone can customize their own with favorite salsas, veggies, and garnishes. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this authentic Mexican classic right in your own kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Sopes:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tortillas)

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (plus more if needed)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups refried beans (black or pinto)

• 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled (or cotija cheese)

• 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)

• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/4 cup chopped white onion

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Salsa of choice (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until dough is soft but not sticky. If dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

2. Divide dough into 10 small balls. Flatten each ball into a thick disk, about 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

3. Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Cook each sope disk for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully crisp.

4. Once cooled slightly, pinch the edges upward to form a rim, creating a shallow “boat” shape.

5. Heat oil in a skillet (about 1/4 inch deep). Fry each sope until golden and slightly crispy, then drain on paper towels.

6. Warm the refried beans in a pan until smooth and spreadable.

7. Spread a spoonful of beans over each sope.

8. Top with queso fresco, crema, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Add salsa if desired. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 10 sopes

Mexican Sopes with Refried Beans and Cheese

When it comes to Mexican street food, sopes hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers. These delightful little corn masa discs are thick, rustic, and slightly crispy on the outside, with a soft and tender center that makes them perfect for loading up with toppings. A classic version includes creamy refried beans, crumbly queso fresco, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of crema, creating a flavorful balance that is both satisfying and authentic.

Sopes are considered part of Mexico’s antojitos, a category of foods whose name literally means “little cravings.” These dishes are often enjoyed as snacks or light meals and are found everywhere, from street carts in bustling city plazas to family kitchens where recipes are passed down through generations. What makes sopes particularly special is their versatility, though beans and cheese are a traditional combination, you can top them with shredded chicken, chorizo, or even carnitas for a heartier variation.

The History and Cultural Significance of Sopes

Sopes trace their origins to pre-Hispanic Mexico, where indigenous communities made use of corn masa as the foundation for many meals. Corn has always been the heart of Mexican cuisine, not just as a crop but as a deeply cultural and spiritual ingredient. Masa was shaped into different forms depending on need, tortillas for wrapping, tamales for steaming, and thicker cakes like sopes for holding generous toppings.

The shape of sopes is also very symbolic. Their raised edges act like little borders, designed to keep beans, sauces, and other toppings neatly contained. This not only makes them practical for eating by hand but also enhances the dining experience by ensuring you get a little bit of everything in every bite. Today, they remain a common feature in Mexican street food markets and fiestas, offering a taste of both tradition and creativity.

Ingredients That Make the Dish Shine

At its core, a traditional sope recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, masa harina, water, and salt, to form the dough. Masa harina is a finely ground corn flour treated with lime (calcium hydroxide), giving it its distinct flavor and texture. This process, called nixtamalization, has been used for centuries and makes masa not only easier to digest but also nutritionally richer.

The toppings are what transform the humble sope into something vibrant and crave-worthy. Refried beans provide a creamy, hearty base that complements the crispy masa. Whether you use pinto beans for a slightly nutty flavor or black beans for a deeper, earthy taste, the result is always delicious. Queso fresco or cotija cheese brings a salty, crumbly element, balancing the richness of the beans. Finally, a drizzle of Mexican crema and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and cilantro add brightness, texture, and freshness.

The Joy of Making Sopes at Home

While sopes might seem like something you’d only enjoy from a street vendor or restaurant, they are surprisingly easy to prepare at home. The key is working with the masa until it reaches the right consistency, pliable but not sticky and forming small discs that are thick enough to hold toppings without falling apart. After lightly cooking the masa discs on a skillet, you pinch the edges upward to create the signature rim before frying them until golden.

This step-by-step process not only results in a perfect texture but also connects you with the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. Cooking sopes at home allows you to experiment with toppings, adjusting flavors and ingredients to your preference. You can keep them vegetarian, load them with meat, or even try creative modern versions with avocado, grilled veggies, or spicy salsas.

Why Sopes Are So Versatile

One of the biggest reasons sopes have stood the test of time is their versatility. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even the centerpiece of a full meal. For casual gatherings, sopes make the perfect finger food, guests can grab one and enjoy without the need for utensils. For family dinners, a platter of sopes can be set out with different toppings, allowing everyone to customize their own.

Sopes also suit a wide range of dietary needs. They’re naturally gluten-free, making them accessible for people with gluten sensitivities. They can be vegetarian or vegan by simply adjusting the toppings, for instance, replacing dairy-based crema and cheese with plant-based alternatives. And of course, for those who love protein-rich meals, shredded meats and spicy sausages make excellent additions.

Pairing Sopes with Other Dishes

Because sopes are rich and flavorful on their own, they pair well with lighter sides and beverages. A crisp Mexican salad, pickled vegetables (escabeche), or grilled corn on the cob (elote) make perfect companions. For drinks, refreshing options like agua fresca (fruit-infused water), horchata (sweet rice milk), or a cold Mexican beer complement the hearty flavors of the sopes beautifully.

If you want to elevate the meal, consider serving them alongside soups such as pozole or caldo de pollo. These traditional pairings create a complete Mexican dining experience that showcases the variety and depth of the cuisine.

Tips for Success

1. Use fresh masa harina – Make sure the corn flour hasn’t gone stale, as this will affect both flavor and texture.

2. Adjust the dough carefully – The masa should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when pressed. Too dry, and it will crack; too wet, and it will stick to your hands.

3. Don’t skip the rim – Pinching up the edges while the sope is still warm helps create the perfect base for toppings.

4. Fry lightly – A shallow fry is enough to crisp up the edges without making the sopes too oily.

5. Serve warm – Sopes are best enjoyed fresh, when the masa is crispy yet tender, and the toppings are vibrant.

Conclusion

Mexican sopes with refried beans and cheese are more than just a meal, they’re a cultural experience. Each bite tells a story of Mexico’s deep relationship with corn, community traditions, and the joy of gathering around food. With their simple yet flavorful ingredients, sopes are proof that the best comfort foods are often the ones rooted in history and simplicity.

Making them at home is a way to bring a piece of authentic Mexican street food to your own table. Whether you stick to the traditional beans-and-cheese combination or get creative with toppings, sopes always deliver on flavor and satisfaction. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and rich cultural significance make them a dish worth celebrating, enjoying, and sharing with loved ones.