Name: Pupusa Recipe with Curtido and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Ingredients: 3 cups masa harina; 2 tsp salt; 2 3/4 cups warm water; 15 oz refried beans; 1 packet chicken seasoning (preferably Goya); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced; 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced (or 1/2 cup pre-shredded carrots); 1/2 onion, thinly sliced; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1/2 cup boiling water (or more); 2 tbsp avocado oil (or oil of choice; for frying)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 296 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a dish that bursts with incredible flavors and a comforting, homey feel, then this Pupusa Recipe with Curtido and Cheese Recipe is your next kitchen adventure. These traditional Salvadoran stuffed corn tortillas combine a crispy exterior with a melty, savory cheese and bean filling, perfectly balanced by the tangy, lightly pickled curtido slaw. Every bite is an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes that’ll have you reaching for seconds—trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, reddish-brown mixture that has a rough texture. The mixture is studded with thin, long white cheese strands scattered throughout. The inside of the bowl shows smears of the mixture on the sides, indicating it has been stirred. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe shines because of how thoughtfully each component contributes its unique touch—whether it’s the comforting masa dough, the rich and gooey cheese, or the vibrant, crunchy curtido slaw.

3 cups masa harina: This finely ground corn flour is the heart of the pupusa dough, giving it that authentic texture and flavor.
2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the flavors perfectly.
2 3/4 cups warm water: The warm water helps hydrate the masa evenly for a smooth, workable dough.
2 tbsp avocado oil: Or your preferred frying oil, used for getting that golden, crispy exterior.
15 oz. refried beans: Creamy and flavorful, these form part of the sumptuous filling.
1 packet chicken seasoning: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the bean mixture—Goya works wonderfully here.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey center.
1/2 head green cabbage: Thinly sliced for the curtido, providing refreshment and crunch.
1 large carrot: Peeled and thinly sliced or shredded, adding color and slight sweetness to the curtido.
1/2 onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and a mild bite in the curtido.
Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning the curtido perfectly.
1/2 cup white vinegar: Or apple cider vinegar, giving the curtido its tangy zing.
1/2 cup boiling water: Helps soften the cabbage and meld flavors in the curtido.

How to Make Pupusa Recipe with Curtido and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Curtido

Start by giving the cabbage a quick boil to soften it, which makes the curtido pleasantly tender while still crunchy. Reserving some of the cabbage water helps marry all the flavors as you mix it with the carrot, onion, salt, vinegar, and hot water. Letting it sit while you work on the pupusas allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Combine the refried beans, chicken seasoning, and shredded mozzarella in a bowl. This mixture is the cozy, cheesy heart waiting inside every pupusa. The seasoning adds a savory kick that elevates the mild beans and cheese into something truly memorable.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the masa harina and salt, then gradually add warm water, stirring with your hands until a pliable, play-doh-like dough forms. This tactile step is key—your dough should feel soft but hold together well, ensuring the pupusas cook perfectly without cracking or falling apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Pupusas

Take a small handful of dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm, then shape the edges upward to form a shallow cup. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the filling into the center and carefully pinch the dough around it, sealing it like a little ball. Gently flatten again to form a thick disc. Don’t worry if this takes some practice—the rustic imperfections add charm!

Step 5: Cook the Pupusas

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Fry 3 pupusas at a time, cooking each side for a few minutes until golden and slightly crispy. The aroma and sound as they cook are truly delightful hints of the deliciousness to come.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate up the pupusas with a generous heap of curtido on top, and if you have some salsa roja handy, even better! Each mouthful combines the warm, cheesy pupusa with the tangy, crisp slaw—pure magic.

How to Serve Pupusa Recipe with Curtido and Cheese Recipe

Two pieces of golden-brown, toasted flatbread are being pulled apart by two woman's hands, showing a middle layer of melted cheese and a brown filling inside. The flatbread looks soft with slightly crispy spots on the outside, and the cheese is stretching in thin strings between the two pieces. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While traditional curtido is the star garnish, you can sprinkle some fresh cilantro or add a drizzle of homemade salsa roja for an added layer of freshness and a mild kick. These garnishes are simple but transform the eating experience into something vibrant and special.

Side Dishes

Pupusas are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a light, refreshing salad or some warm, hearty black beans can turn this into a full, comforting meal. Fresh fruit or a cold horchata may also be lovely accompaniments that add sweetness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking mini pupusas as an appetizer tower, or serve a pupusa platter with several curtido varieties—think spicy, sweet, and classic—to let everyone customize each bite. You can even stuff pupusas with different fillings and let guests mix and match for an interactive gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cooked pupusas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making them great for quick lunches or snacks during the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare pupusas in bulk, freeze them on a parchment-lined tray first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen pupusas maintain their flavor and texture wonderfully for up to two months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat your pupusas gently on a skillet over medium heat to bring back their crispy exterior and warm, melty filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them a bit soggy. A quick pan reheat preserves the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can substitute quesillo, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar. Just ensure the cheese melts well to get that classic gooey pupusa center.

Is there a gluten-free option for this pupusa recipe?

Yes, masa harina is naturally gluten-free, making pupusas a great option for gluten-sensitive folks. Just be sure your seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.

What can I use if I don’t have refried beans?

You can mash black beans or pinto beans and season them well as a filling alternative. They may be less creamy than refried beans but still delicious!

How long can I keep curtido in the fridge?

Curtido tastes even better after a day in the fridge and can keep fresh for about a week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I bake or grill pupusas instead of frying?

Yes! Baking or grilling is a wonderful alternative if you want a lighter version. They won’t get quite as crispy as frying but will still have delicious flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pupusa Recipe with Curtido and Cheese Recipe enough for anyone eager to bring a slice of Salvadoran comfort food to their table. The combination of crispy, cheesy pupusas and tangy curtido is simply unforgettable—and once you start making them at home, you’ll find endless joy in experimenting and sharing this vibrant, heartwarming dish with your loved ones.