Homemade Masa Cheese Pupusas (Print Version)

Golden masa pockets stuffed with melted cheese and beans, pan-seared for classic Salvadoran comfort.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups masa harina
02 - 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
04 - 1.5 to 2 cups hot water
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Filling

06 - 1 cup shredded cheese
07 - 1 cup refried beans

→ For Cooking

08 - Vegetable oil, for greasing

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine masa harina, chicken bouillon, and salt. Gradually pour in hot water, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
02 - Add softened butter to the masa dough and knead until smooth and uniformly blended.
03 - Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
04 - Flatten each dough ball into a disc about 1 cm thick. Place a spoonful of cheese and beans in the center. Fold the edges inward to enclose the filling, then shape into a 7–8 cm disk.
05 - Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and brush with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Cook pupusas for 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp.

# Notes:

01 - Keep unused dough covered at all times to prevent it from drying out during preparation.