If you like Mexican food you’re going to looove sopes.

They’re affordable, highly customizable with different toppings, and very easy to prepare!

Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a Cinco de Mayo celebration, this authentic sopes recipe is fun enough for dinner or a party.

Grab your apron and get ready to learn how to make the best Mexican sopes you’ve ever tasted, seriously!

Want more traditional Mexican recipes? Check out my 40 Popular Mexican Foods.

Ingredients

Masa harina: A type of corn flour made from dried and ground nixtamalized corn, used to make tortillas and other traditional Mexican dishes, such as sopes. It gives the sopes its traditional flavor and texture.
Water: Used to bring the dough together, helps in hydrating the masa harina and bind the dough.
Salt: Added for flavor, it enhances the taste of the dough and brings out the natural flavors of the masa harina.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the sopes, it gives the sopes a crispy texture and help them cook evenly.
Toppings: They give the sopes a flavor and visual appeal. Options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.

Add optional sauces, guacamole, and seasonings according to your taste.

Authentic Homemade Sopes

Sope is a traditional Mexican dish that are typically made from a dough made of masa harina (corn flour) and water.

They are similar to small, thick corn tortillas, but with a raised edge, like a small bowl, to hold the toppings.

The dough is fried or toasted, giving them a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, moist center.

Sopes are typically considered to be a street food, but they can also be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

They are often served with a variety of toppings, and are a popular choice for parties and events.

Sopes are very similar to another traditional Mexican dish called “totopos” or “gorditas” which also made from masa dough and have similar toppings and cooking method.

Sopes Toppings

Sopes are highly customizable. The possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas for your sope topping:

Refried beans – a classic and tasty option that adds a creamy and savory flavor to your sope.
Shredded chicken – a protein-packed option that pairs well with a variety of other toppings.
Grilled steak – a hearty and flavorful option that adds a smoky taste to your sope.
Queso fresco – a crumbly and mild cheese that adds a creamy texture to your sope.
Avocado – a fresh and healthy option that adds a creamy texture and a pop of color to your sope.
Carnitas – tender and juicy pork that adds a burst of flavor to your sope.
Chorizo – a spicy and savory sausage that adds a bold flavor to your sope.
Pico de gallo – a fresh and zesty salsa that adds a bright and tangy flavor to your sope.
Roasted vegetables – a healthy and flavorful option that adds a smoky taste to your sope.
Salsa verde – a tangy and slightly spicy green salsa that pairs well with a variety of other toppings.
Guacamole – a creamy and flavorful dip made from avocado that adds a smooth and rich texture to your sope.
Chipotle sauce – a smoky and slightly sweet sauce that adds a complex flavor to your sope.
Grilled shrimp – a light and tasty option that adds a fresh and seafood flavor to your sope.

You’ll never get bored of eating sopes!

Where to Buy Sopes

If you’re looking to buy sopes, here are a few options:

Mexican grocery stores – stores that specialize in Mexican foods and ingredients are likely to carry sopes. Look for stores in your area that carry a wide variety of Mexican products.
Online retailers – many online retailers such as Amazon, MexGrocer, and Albertsons offer sopes for purchase online.
Local Mexican restaurants – some Mexican restaurants may offer sopes for sale either in-store or for takeout.
Food trucks – some food trucks that specialize in Mexican cuisine may offer sopes on their menus.

Sopes Pronunciation

How do you pronounce sopes in English?

Sope is pronounced soh-pehs in Spanish. The emphasis is on the first syllable “soh” and the “e” in “pehs” is pronounced like the “e” in “pet”.

Americans sometimes pronounce it so-pay, (rhymes with “okay”).

How to Store and Refrigerate Sopes

Sopes can be stored in the fridge.

Here’s how:

Place the sopes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Make sure to press out as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it to prevent the sopes from becoming soggy.
Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To keep their texture, it is best not to refrigerate sopes for longer than 3 days.

How to Freeze Sopes

Sopes can be frozen for later use.

Here’s how:

Allow the sopes to cool completely after cooking.
Place the sopes in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and semi-frozen.
Once they are semi-frozen, you can place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Sopes

Here are 3 ways to reheat sopes:

Skillet or griddle: Place the sopes in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until they are heated through. This method will also help to crisp up the sopes if they have become soft.
Microwave: Place the sopes in a single layer on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sopes on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Reheating sopes before serving maintains their texture and taste.

Sopes FAQs

What is the history of sopes and where did it originate from?

Sopes have been around for centuries and have been enjoyed by people in Mexico and Central America for centuries. They have been a staple food of the Aztecs and Mayans, who first made them using a dough made from ground and nixtamalized corn.

What is masa harina and how is it used in sopes?

Masa harina is a type of corn flour made from dried and ground nixtamalized corn. It is used to make traditional Mexican dishes such as tortillas and sopes. It gives the sopes its traditional flavor and texture.

How do you make sopes without frying?

To make sopes without frying, bake them in the oven instead. Prepare the masa dough and form it into small disks. Brush them with a bit of oil and bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Once they are done, top them with your favorite ingredients like beans, cheese, meat, or vegetables. Enjoy sopes without the extra oil!

What are the differences between sopes, totopos, and gorditas?

Sopes and totopos or gorditas are all traditional Mexican dishes made from masa dough. Sopes have a raised edge, like a small bowl, to hold the toppings, totopos or gorditas are thicker and have a pocket in the center for the toppings, Both are typically fried or toasted, and can have similar toppings.

What is the difference between a tortilla and a sope?

The main difference between a tortilla and a sope is the thickness and shape. Tortillas are thin and flat, while sopes are thicker and have a slightly concave shape. Sopes are also typically smaller than tortillas.

Are sopes gluten-free?

Sopes are typically made from masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that is gluten-free. However, it’s important to check the ingredients list of any pre-made masa harina or sopes dough that you may use, as some products may contain gluten.

Can you prepare sopes dough in advance?

Sopes dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is recommended to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

How do you know when the sopes are cooked through?

Sopes are cooked when they start to puff up and have a golden brown color on both sides. You can also press gently on the center of the sope, if it feels firm and doesn’t indent, it’s cooked through.

Are sopes crunchy or soft?

Sopes are typically crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The dough is fried or toasted, which gives it a crispy texture on the outside. The texture can vary depending on the recipe and cooking methods used.

What are Mexican sopes made of?

Mexican sopes are made of a base of thick corn masa dough that is shaped into a small, round, and slightly concave base. It is then fried until golden brown and topped with refried beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and other toppings.

How do you eat Mexican sopes?

Mexican sopes are typically eaten with your hands. You can pick up the sope and take a bite, or you can use utensils to cut it into smaller pieces.

What does sopes taste like?

Sopes have a slightly sweet and earthy taste from the corn masa dough. The toppings added to the sope, such as refried beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and salsa, can also add different flavors and textures.

Can you fry the store-bought sopes?

Store-bought sopes are typically pre-fried and ready to be topped with ingredients. However, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry them again at home.

What are the different types of sopes?

There are many different types of sopes, with variations in the toppings and fillings. Some common types include sopes de pollo (chicken sopes), sopes de carne asada (grilled beef sopes), sopes de frijoles (bean sopes), and sopes de chorizo (chorizo sopes).