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Freshly made homemade masa cheese pupusas on a griddle

Classic Homemade Masa Cheese Pupusas

These classic homemade masa cheese pupusas are a delicious Salvadoran staple, featuring a soft masa dough filled with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying meal or snack, they are cooked until golden brown and offer a delightful texture and flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pupusas
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pupusa Dough
  • 2 cups Masa Harina
  • 1.5 cups Warm Water (plus more as needed)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Filling
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
For Cooking
  • Vegetable Oil (for cooking and oiling hands)

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Non-stick Skillet or Griddle

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix until a soft, pliable dough forms, adjusting water or masa as needed. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 5-10 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Shred the cheese for the filling. Lightly oil your hands, then form a golf-ball sized amount of dough into a smooth ball and make a deep indentation in the center.
  2. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese into the dough cup. Gently bring the edges of the dough up to seal the cheese completely.
  3. Carefully flatten the filled ball between your palms into a disc about ¼ to ½ inch thick, aiming for a diameter of 4-5 inches.
Cooking
  1. Heat and lightly oil a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook pupusas for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For best results, ensure your masa dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. Don't overfill the pupusas, as this can make them difficult to seal and flatten. Serve immediately with curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja for an authentic experience.