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The Recipe · No.151 · Sopes

Sopes, and where to source it

Sopes — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Sopes Mexican 5best2buy.com

At heart a sope is a masa dish, and fresh masa harina is what gives the base its tender inside and crisp shell. Shape it while it's still warm from the griddle, pinching up a raised rim all the way around. That little wall is what holds the beans and juices in place instead of letting them run off the edge.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook20 min
Makes8 sopes
CuisineMexican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 sopes
Masa harina
Nixtamalized corn flour makes a soft, corn-sweet base.
2 cups
Source it →
Refried beans
Heirloom beans mashed into a smooth base layer.
1.5 cups
Source it →
Cotija or queso fresco
Crumbled over the top for salty finish.
3/4 cup
Source it →
Shredded braised meat
Slow-cooked pork or chicken piled on the beans.
1.5 cups
Source it →
Lettuce and onion
Shredded lettuce and diced onion to top.
2 cups, 1/2 onion
Onion →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerInstant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Mix the masaKnead masa harina with warm water into a smooth dough that does not crack at the edges.
  2. Griddle the roundsPress thick discs and cook on a comal until the surface sets and the bottom firms up.
  3. Pinch the rimWhile each round is still warm, pinch up a raised edge all the way around to make a boat.
  4. Crisp and loadShallow-fry the bases until crisp, then fill with warm beans, meat, and a crumble of cheese.
The Toolkit

Comal · Tortilla press · Shallow fry pan

Straight Answers
Can you make Sopes in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Sopes? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Sopes ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Sopes gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Sopes vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.151

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