Delicious Sopes w Refried Beans Cheese Ultimate Snack Guide
Ah, sopes! Just saying the word makes my heart flutter a bit. Growing up, my kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of freshly made corn tortillas sizzling on the griddle, and one of my favorite treats was these delightful little sopes. Whenever the family gathered for a casual fiesta or a cozy weeknight dinner, sopes were always on the table—simple, rustic, and utterly comforting. The best part? You can top them with whatever your heart desires, but today, let’s dive into my all-time favorite rendition: sopes with refried beans and cheese.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, corn masa base topped with warm refried beans and gooey cheese, all kissed by a light sprinkle of fresh toppings. Sounds heavenly, right? I’ve cooked these so many times, and I can assure you they never fail to ignite joy and satisfy cravings. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create some magic in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that’ll make your wallet smile.
- Comforting flavors that warm the soul.
- Versatile—add your favorite toppings or whatever is lurking in your fridge!
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable sopes:
- 2 cups masa harina (this is the foundation of your sopes; fresh is best!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (this gives a little lift)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for flavor)
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups warm water (adjust based on dough consistency)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans (or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (queso fresco or Monterey Jack works beautifully)
- Toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or hot sauce—whatever you love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bring these tasty sopes to life? Let’s get cooking!
- Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. This dough should be pliable and not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the right consistency. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Sopes: Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Roll each ball between your palms, then flatten gently into discs about 1/4 inch thick. Use your fingers to create little raised edges around the outside, forming a sort of “bowl” for the toppings.
- Cook the Sopes: Heat a non-stick skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, and once it’s shimmering, place the sopes in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3 minutes, or until they have nice golden-brown spots. The aroma will be simply divine!
- Heat the Beans: While the sopes are cooking, heat the refried beans in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and keep warm.
- Assemble the Sopes: Once the sopes are cooked, generously spread the warm refried beans on top of each one while they’re still hot. This helps the beans meld beautifully with the corn base.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the beans, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth.
- Top It Off: Now, unleash your creativity! Add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Drizzle with hot sauce if you like a little kick!
- Serve and Enjoy: These sopes are best served warm, so gather your loved ones or a cozy blanket and dig in!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some fun ways to jazz up your sopes:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to your masa for a little extra flavor.
- Meaty toppings: Shredded chicken, beef, or carnitas make a mouthwatering addition!
- Veggie Medley: Try topping your sopes with sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a veggie twist.
- Cheese Swap: If queso fresco isn’t your vibe, try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
These sopes are fabulous as a stand-alone dish for lunch or dinner, but they can also shine alongside your favorite sides! A simple salad or some Mexican-style rice would make a great accompaniment. Or, for the ultimate cozy vibe, serve with a warm cup of Mexican hot chocolate or horchata. The sweet and creamy flavors balance beautifully with the savory sopes, and I guarantee you’ll feel all the warmth and comfort from within.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare but can happen when I’m really hungry!), here’s how to store them without losing that fresh flavor:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sopes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the beans and toppings in separate containers to prevent sogginess.
- Freeze: You can freeze uncooked dough balls! Just make sure they’re tightly wrapped. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooked sopes can also be frozen. Just reheat them in a skillet until warmed through.
- Reheat: Warm them up in a toaster oven or a skillet to bring back that lovely crispness, about 5-7 minutes at medium heat.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought refried beans?
Absolutely! Store-bought refried beans are a wonderful time-saver. Just make sure to warm them up nicely before spreading them on your sopes.
What kind of masa harina should I use?
Look for masa harina labeled specifically for making tortillas or tamales, usually found in the Latin food aisle or a local grocery store. Brands like Maseca are commonly used and recommend for best results.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based cheese alternative, and make sure the refried beans you choose don’t have any animal products added. You can also skip the sour cream or use a vegan sour cream substitute.
How thick should I make the sopes?
A good rule of thumb is about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness will give you that perfect soft center while still holding all those delicious toppings without falling apart.
Can sopes be reheated? How do you keep them from getting soggy?
To reheat, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat to keep the base nice and crisp. If you plan to store leftovers, keep all components separate until you’re ready to eat!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed making and devouring these delightful sopes with refried beans and cheese just as much as I do! They’re perfect for gatherings, a casual family dinner, or simply when you want to treat yourself to comfort food with a twist. Make sure to share your creations and let me know how they turned out. I would love to hear about your favorite toppings or any unique twists you added. Happy cooking, my friends!
Delicious Sopes w Refried Beans Cheese Ultimate Snack Guide
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor sopes topped with refried beans cheese for the perfect snack Discover recipes tips to elevate your culinary experience 152 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful recipe for sopes topped with refried beans and cheese, perfect for any meal or gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
Keywords: sopes, refried beans, cheese, Mexican recipe, comfort food