Spicie Foodie ™

Healthy, Fresh, and Delicious Recipes to Spice up Your Kitchen ™

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Books
    • Yummy Pics, Food Photography for Bloggers
    • An Epiphany of the Senses Cookbook
    • Foodista Best of Food Blogs Cookbook
  • Press
  • Photography
    • Tutorials
    • Food Photography Gear
  • Faves
  • YBR
  • Store
  • Copyright
  • Sponsor

Spicy Cheese Pupusas or El Salvadoran Corn Cakes

June 11, 2012 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh 52 Comments

pupusas, cheese, el salvadoran corn cakes, Spicie Foodie

Pupusas are stuffed round corn cakes, or patties, from El Salvador. They are made from masa harina dough, like corn tortillas, that is shaped into a disc and stuffed with a variety of ingredient. Pupusas can be stuffed with cheese, meat, beans or vegetables. If you’re familiar with Hispanic food think of Pupusas as a relative to Mexican gorditas or South American arepas. Additionally pupusas are served alongside a traditional fermented cabbage salad called curtido.

As you can see from the photos my pupusas aren’t quite authentic El Salvadoran pupusas. These are more of a gordita-pupusa Spicie Foodie fusion… Or something like that. For starters the dough I used was fine yellow corn flour not the white masa harina called for. I’ve run out of masa harina and when I do yellow corn flour makes a great substitute. The cheese, I’ve used Feta, my queso fresco substitute, instead of a melting white cheese. To give the pupusas that special Spicie Foodie touch I added red pepper flakes to the dough. Lastly instead of serving alongside curtido I choose refried beans and Mexican salsa.

If any Salvadoreños are reading this please no angry comments or emails telling me these aren’t traditional or authentic. I’m not claiming them to be so. But what I will tell you is that regardless of authenticity these pupusas are also very good. In the past I’ve made my pupusas in the traditional way but every once in a while it’s good to change up recipes.

pupusas, cheese, el salvadoran corn cakes, Spicie Foodie

(If you would like to publish my recipe on your website please quote Spicie Foodie as the recipe creator, and place a link back to the recipe.)
Spicy Cheese Pupusas or El Salvadoran Corn Cakes
(yields 9-11 depending on size)
1 1/2 cup corn flour + 1 cup white flour OR
2.5 cups Maseca Instant Corn Masa (masa harina)
red pepper flakes to taste (I used about 1.5 tsp)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp sunflower or corn oil
1 cup or 250 ml lukewarm water
200 gm or 7 oz crumbled/grated feta or queso fresco or any melting white cheese

equipment:
comal or griddle

To serve:
beans, salsa, avocado or your favorite sides and toppings

Heat a comal or griddle. In a large bowl combine the flours or masa harina, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour oil and water. Stir until a wet dough is formed. The dough will not have elasticity like that of other breads.

pupusas, cheese, el salvadoran corn cakes, Spicie Foodie
1. Divide the dough into even sizes. 2. Make a flat disc between your palms. 3. Place crumbled/grated cheese in center of disc. 4. Gather all sides up to make a round pouch and form back into a ball. 5. Once shaped into a ball flatten between your palms into a disc.

Place the shaped pupusas onto the heated comal or griddle, and cook for about 4 minutes on each side. Serve along any of suggested items above.

*Tip: If you would like a little extra help in shaping the pupusas try using a tortilla press. Read over my post on gorditas to see how you can do it.*

pupusas, cheese, el salvadoran corn cakes, Spicie Foodie

Every time I make pupusas they take on a new look. It really depends on what we are craving or what I have in the refrigerator. This particular night our pupusa dinner consisted of spicy cheese filled pupusas, refried beans, homemade salsa and some avocado slices. Pupusas are so great because you can have fun and experiment with the fillings and side dishes. For example you can easily make this into a vegan meal by using beans or vegetables as the filling. I hope you give pupusas a try soon, Buen provecho.

SaveSave

Filed Under: Cheese, Gluten Free, Vegan/Vegetarian

« Sunday Snapshots: Citrus Crush
Stir Fried Asparagus and Father’s Day Meal Suggestions »

Comments

  1. Rosa says

    June 11, 2012 at 07:06

    That is a speciality I adore! Your pupusas are wonderful.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 11:44

      Thank you Rosa:)!

      Reply
  2. TastefullyJulie says

    June 11, 2012 at 10:49

    I love how versatile these are. They look like something I’m going to have to try!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 11:45

      Me too Julie. I think that’s what makes them so great and fun. I hope you do:)

      Reply
  3. Leslie @ La Cocina de Leslie says

    June 11, 2012 at 12:06

    Cheese stuffed pupusas!!! Now that’s my idea of a perfect breakfast! :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 12:25

      I’ve had leftovers for breakfast and they are good:) Thanks Leslie.

      Reply
  4. PolaM says

    June 11, 2012 at 13:14

    Looks delicious! Have to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 15:03

      Thank Pola!

      Reply
  5. The Mistress of Spices says

    June 11, 2012 at 13:26

    I love pupusas! Many fond memories of enjoying them when I lived in Washington DC, where there’s a big Salvadoran community. I always loved them with the curtido, crema and some frijoles. Love the adaptations that you’ve made to make them doable for those of us who live outside of the States or Latin America!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 15:03

      Lucky you that you got to experience that:) Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Cookingrookie says

    June 11, 2012 at 15:12

    I love that “step-by-step side-by-side photo” with all the stages in one plate – so frugal and informative :-). And I love the other photos too of course, for more esthetic reasons :-). Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 11, 2012 at 15:19

      Thank Elana:)

      Reply
  7. Ella- Home Cooking Adventure says

    June 11, 2012 at 18:08

    Wow, these looks delicious. I love yellow corn and these seem a good idea on how to use it. Thanks :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:09

      Thank you Ella!

      Reply
  8. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    June 11, 2012 at 18:16

    These look delicious Nancy, I love pupusas but haven’t had one in years. Cheese filling is my favorite!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:09

      Then it’s time to make them Laura:) Thanks!

      Reply
  9. Suzie says

    June 11, 2012 at 18:27

    Yum! My husband loves loves pupusas, but have been a little to scared to try… definitely giving this recipe a go soon :) Thanks!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:09

      Hi Suzie,

      Don’t be, they are so super easy to prepare. Thanks and enjoy.

      Reply
  10. Michelle says

    June 11, 2012 at 18:29

    I’ve learnt something new today. Is that you stuff cheese in corn cakes!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:10

      Glad I could help Michelle ;)

      Reply
  11. Sandra says

    June 11, 2012 at 19:18

    I’m diggin your gordita-pupusa Spicie Foodie fusion!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:10

      Thanks Sandra:)

      Reply
  12. Suzanne Perazzini says

    June 11, 2012 at 21:17

    I have never tried these but I can certainly imagine all sorts of fillings for them – probably not quite in keeping with the El Salvador cuisine, of course. But, part of the beauty of the easily accessed information on the cooking of other countries is that we can adapt recipes to suit us and so enrich our experiences in the kitchen.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:11

      Hi Suzanne,

      Yes, really whatever you’re craving stuff it into the patties. We all make do with whatever local ingredients we have. That’s why I don’t claim many of my dishes to be authentic. Thanks!

      Reply
  13. Ramona says

    June 11, 2012 at 21:45

    Wonderful recipe. I have heard of these… but didn’t know much about them. Now I may have to give them a try because who doesn’t like cheese inside a spicy corn cake? YUM! :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:12

      Hi Ramona,

      Yes, do give them a try. Maybe you can come up with a Sri Lankan fusion pupusa- yummy!:)

      Reply
  14. Tania @ A Perfect Pantry says

    June 11, 2012 at 23:05

    These look so yum and not that difficult to make. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:12

      Not at all difficult Tania:) Thanks.

      Reply
  15. DB-The Foodie Stuntman says

    June 11, 2012 at 23:59

    An acquaintenance once noted I should make a pupusa. Now I can!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:12

      Yes do make them DB:)

      Reply
  16. Eha says

    June 12, 2012 at 02:08

    Looking at this appetizing post I realize there really is an ocean twixt us :) ! Had never heard of pupusas before, never mind cheese-filled ones . . . I think I’ll look into this: what an interesting lesson!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:13

      Hi Eha,

      That is why the food blogging community is so great, we share our knowledge and introduce others to the many foods around the world. I hope you do give it a try. The ingredients are ones you should be able to get your hands on.

      Reply
  17. anna says

    June 12, 2012 at 02:39

    oh my goodness i love pupusas! now i just want them stuffed with squash flowers and huitlacoche…is that too much to ask? :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:13

      Hi Anna,

      Yummmm!

      Reply
  18. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    June 12, 2012 at 07:40

    Although I’ve never tried pupusas before, I can already tell that I will love these corn cakes! I love your step by step with numbers – so cute and easy to follow!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 09:14

      Hi Nami,

      You should give them a try. Thanks but they are nothing like your great step-by-step photos:)

      Reply
  19. love2dine says

    June 12, 2012 at 14:56

    This looks heavenly!!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 12, 2012 at 15:59

      Thank you!

      Reply
  20. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

    June 12, 2012 at 17:40

    I never hear about pupusas, but living in South America I do on arepas, I had the opportunity to eat a lot when I traveled to Venezuela. It’s curious how our countries here have similar dishes, we don’t have something like this on Peru, so I guess it should be a Caribbean recipe.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:43

      Yes it is interesting how countries across the Americas can share some recipes. Glad you have tasted arepas. Thanks!

      Reply
  21. Yelena says

    June 13, 2012 at 03:16

    I never cooked pupusas, but I would love to try one-)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:44

      You should Yelena:)

      Reply
  22. Kim Bee says

    June 13, 2012 at 03:35

    I love this. It’s so fun to have a dish that can take on different “moods” when you make it. Those are my fave things to make. These are really gorgeous.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 13, 2012 at 10:44

      Hi Kim,
      Yes you can really adapt it to your moods. Thanks:)

      Reply
  23. vianney says

    June 24, 2012 at 02:28

    What a great twist!! and I love that you added red pepper flakes!!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 24, 2012 at 09:36

      Thanks Vianney!

      Reply
  24. Ryan says

    June 25, 2012 at 21:31

    Would you be able to form the pupusas a couple hours ahead of time and refrigerate them? Or would it perhaps be better to cook them and then reheat in a toaster oven?

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      June 26, 2012 at 10:02

      Hi Ryan,

      I don’t see why not. I would just make sure that the cheese or stuffing wasn’t too moist or watery. The reheating will also work, I do it on a griddle or frying pan, sometimes even a microwave but the others work better. Enjoy:)

      Reply
  25. Magic of Spice says

    July 3, 2012 at 01:12

    They do not need to be authentic to be delicious, and these beauties are one tasty treat!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      July 3, 2012 at 14:03

      That’s true, there are a lot of no-authentic dishes that are delicious. Thanks!

      Reply
  26. Liz says

    November 22, 2013 at 00:39

    I came across your pupusa recepy and my siblings love it!And for me they were the most soft and delicious pupusas.I made them today.I made it with pico de gallo, rice,carne molida with bits of carrot and potatoes.Thank you.Great recepy!Enjoy.

    Liz.

    Reply
  27. Lauren says

    April 16, 2014 at 20:43

    This recipe looks delicious! I plan on making them the day before serving and was wondering how to store and reheat them.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

—

Cooking Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXes5qwtAuk

Learn Food Photography From Me

Yummy Pics: A Food Blogger's Guide to Better Photos, Photography eBook by Spicie Foodie

My Foodie Prose

Search Spicie Foodie

Categories

Recommended Books

   

Official Blogger

Official Meatless Monday Blogger

…

cool kitchen gadgets

cool kitchen gadgets

Free Photography Tutorials

Food Photography, Tutorials,Spicie Foodie, spicy food,how to photograph food, food blogger photography, shooting food, artificial light, natural light

Super Deals!

Help support Spicie Foodie by placing your Amazon purchases through the banner link. Thank you for your support!  

As Seen On

Cooking Videos for Your Website

Recipe Video Services

Copyright © 2009 - 2021 · Nancy Lopez-McHugh and Spicie Foodie | Theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in