Gluten-Free Bean and Cheese Pupusas

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of these Gluten-Free Bean and Cheese Pupusas—a traditional Salvadoran dish made effortlessly accessible to gluten-free diners! Crafted with a simple masa harina dough and filled with a savory blend of refried beans and gooey mozzarella cheese, these pupusas are pan-fried to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and tender center. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of texture and flavor while remaining naturally gluten-free. Serve these cheesy, bean-filled delights with tangy curtido or your favorite salsa for a truly authentic and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or casual gatherings, these pupusas are a delicious way to explore international cuisine right from your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Masa harina
• 1.5 cups Warm water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Refried beans
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina and salt.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the masa harina, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 3

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.

Step 5

Using your fingers, flatten a ball of dough into a thick disc, about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 6

Place about 1 tablespoon of refried beans and a tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the disc.

Step 7

Gently fold the edges of the disc over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Carefully flatten the filled dough again, making sure it doesn't explode, to form a thick pancake.

Step 8

Repeat the filling and shaping process with the remaining dough balls.

Step 9

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 10

Place the pupusas one or two at a time into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11

Remove the pupusas from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your gluten-free bean and cheese pupusas with your favorite salsa or curtido.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1006g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1028.2

Total Fat 57.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 19.3g
Cholesterol 88mg	0%
Sodium 4102.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 42.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 981.0mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 1077.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.8%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 34.0%