Pupusas are sacred. Traditionalists might say they should only be filled with cheese, beans, chicharrĆ³n, or loroco. But Salvadoran creativity knows no limitsāand in kitchens, food trucks, and experimental pupuserĆas around the world, chefs are stuffing pupusas with wild, weird, and wonderful combinations that somehowā¦ absolutely slap.
Here are 10 pupusa fillings that sound like they shouldn’t workābut they do, breaking rules and melting hearts one bite at a time.
1. Mac and Cheese Pupusa š§š
Sounds like a carby crimeābut itās a cheesy, gooey dream. The creamy elbow pasta melts inside the corn dough like it was meant to be there all along.
Why it works:
Double comfort food = double serotonin. Crunchy outside, pasta party inside.
Best with: Chipotle salsa or spicy curtido for contrast.
2. Shrimp Scampi Pupusa š¤š§
Seafood in a pupusa? Blasphemy! But garlicky shrimp + melty cheese = coastal luxury.
Why it works:
The sweet, briny shrimp balances beautifully with mozzarella and crispy masa.
Pro tip: Pair with lime slaw and garlic aioli.
3. BBQ Brisket Pupusa šš„
Texas meets El Salvador and throws a fiesta on your tongue.
Why it works:
The smokiness of slow-cooked brisket cuts through the richness of the dough. A must for meat lovers.
Try with: Pickled onions and curtido on the side.
4. JalapeƱo Popper Pupusa š¶ļøš§š„
Cream cheese, jalapeƱos, and even bacon bitsāthis one explodes with spice and comfort.
Why it works:
The spicy-creamy-salty combo is next-level addictive inside a crisp shell.
Hot tip: Add a honey drizzle. Seriously.
5. Nutella and Banana Pupusa š«š
A dessert pupusa that breaks all the savory rulesāand wins.
Why it works:
Masaās natural corn sweetness pairs surprisingly well with hazelnut spread and fruit.
Extra goodness: Dust with cinnamon sugar or top with whipped cream.
6. Buffalo Chicken Pupusa šš„
You read that right. Spicy shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese stuffed in a corn tortilla? Madness. Delicious, spicy madness.
Why it works:
Corn calms the spice. The tangy heat plays off the crisp texture.
Serve with: Ranch curtido. Yes, we said it.
7. Pepperoni Pizza Pupusa šš«
Mozzarella + pepperoni + tomato sauce. It shouldnāt belong. But somehow, itās like a Latin Hot Pocket with a soul.
Why it works:
The masa adds depth you didnāt know pizza needed.
Level up: Use Salvadoran tomato salsa instead of marinara.
8. Tofu Teriyaki Pupusa š±š±
Asian-Salvadoran fusion that sounds like a food truck fever dream but ends in umami perfection.
Why it works:
Teriyaki-glazed tofu adds sweet-savory depth. Itās vegan, protein-packed, and shockingly satisfying.
Perfect with: Pickled curtido and sesame-chili oil.
9. Apple Pie Pupusa šš„§
Cinnamon apples, a hint of butter, and sweet dough… in a pupusa? Yup. Itās dessert time, Salvadoran-style.
Why it works:
Think empanada meets pupusa. Warm, spiced, and nostalgic.
Best with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce.
10. Vegan Mushroom Pupusa with Truffle Oil šāØ
It sounds bougie. It sounds extra. But it slaps. Earthy mushrooms, vegan cheese, and a hint of truffle oil wrapped in corn dough = high-end flavor in street food form.
Why it works:
The umami hits hard, and the truffle elevates the masa like a Salvadoran gourmet twist.
Chefās kiss: Serve with herb-infused curtido.
Summary
Traditional pupusas will always hold our heartsābut these unconventional fillings break the mold in the best way. From shrimp to Nutella, buffalo chicken to truffle mushrooms, these flavor rebels prove that you can mess with traditionā¦ if you do it with love and a hot comal.
So go ahead: break the rules. Pupusas can take it. š«š„
