
Chorizo and Bean Sopes
Maize sopes with refried black beans, Mexican chorizo, soured cream and cotija cheese.
About this recipe
Chorizo and bean sopes are one of the most popular and hearty Mexican street food snacks. On a thick maize dough base cooked on a comal, with raised edges to hold the toppings, a layer of refried black beans is spread, topped with crumbled and fried Mexican chorizo, then crowned with soured cream, crumbled cotija cheese and salsa. A complete meal in a single bite.
History & Origin
Sopes have pre-Hispanic roots in central Mexican cuisine, where they were made with maize dough and fillings of beans, chilli and herbs. Their characteristic shape, with edges pinched up to contain the toppings, emerged as a practical solution for eating standing at market stalls. Mexican chorizo, of Spanish origin but wholly adapted with local chillies and spices, arrived to stay in the 16th century and is now one of the most popular fillings for sopes, tlayudas and gorditas. The combination of chorizo with beans is one of the most classic and satisfying in Mexican popular cooking, found at fondas across the country from Mexico City to Guadalajara, Puebla and Oaxaca.
Estimated cost
£13.46
Total cost
£3.36
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
650
Calories
25g
Protein
50g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
10g
Fibre
800mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Make the dough: mix 300 g masa harina with enough warm water (250-270 ml) and a pinch of salt to form a soft dough. Shape 8 balls and flatten each into a disc 9 cm wide and 7-8 mm thick.

- 2
Cook the sopes on a hot dry comal over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until half-cooked (golden spots but still pliable). While still hot, pinch the edges up to form a 1 cm rim.

💡 Do this quickly while the dough is hot and pliable.
- 3
Fry the sopes in hot oil (1 cm deep) for 1-2 minutes per side until well golden and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper.

- 4
In a dry pan, fry 200 g crumbled Mexican chorizo over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until well cooked and slightly crispy. Set aside.

- 5
Assemble the sopes: spread a layer of hot refried beans over each sope. Top with chorizo, soured cream, crumbled cotija cheese and red or green salsa to taste.

Have you tried this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out. Your feedback helps other cooks.
Leave a reviewRelated Articles
Rate this recipe

Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.
Read moreRelated Recipes

Molletes with Chorizo
Toasted rolls with beans, Mexican chorizo and melted cheese. The most substantial breakfast going.

Trolelote - Corn Cup with Crushed Takis
Corn cup with mayo, soured cream, cotija cheese and crushed Takis — viral Mexican street snack.

Esquites with Bone Marrow
Street-style corn topped with roasted beef bone marrow, cotija cheese and chilli.

Potato and Cheese Fritters (Tortas de Papa)
Crispy fried potato and Oaxacan cheese patties, golden outside and creamy inside.
Related Guides
Learn more about these ingredients and dishes
Enjoyed this?
Follow on TikTok for Mexican recipe & restaurant videos, and get updates by email.
