1. What are pupusas?
Pupusas are thick, hand-made Salvadoran corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharrón (pork), or other fillings. Griddled until golden-brown, they’re traditionally served with tangy curtido (cabbage slaw) and salsa roja.
2. What ingredients go into a traditional pupusa?
- Masa harina (nixtamalized corn flour)
- Water and a pinch of salt
- Filling, typically:
- Fresh mozzarella or quesillo cheese
- Seasoned refried beans
- Ground chicharrón (fried pork bits)
- Optional: loroco flowers, jalapeños, squash blossoms
3. How do I make pupusas at home?
- Prepare the masa: Mix masa harina, water, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Portion & flatten: Roll dough into 2–3 oz balls, flatten into discs.
- Add filling: Place 1–2 Tbsp filling in the center of each disc.
- Seal & shape: Fold edges around the filling and gently flatten again.
- Cook: Grill on a hot, lightly oiled comal or skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
4. What are the most popular pupusa fillings?
- Pupusa de Queso (Cheese)
- Pupusa Revueltas (Cheese + Pork + Beans)
- Pupusa de Frijol y Queso (Beans & Cheese)
- Pupusa de Chicharrón (Pork)
- Creative Variations: loroco, jalapeño-cheese, avocado-black bean
5. What’s the difference between cheese, revuelta, and bean pupusas?
- Cheese Pupusa (Queso): Only melted cheese—gooey and mild.
- Revueltas Pupusa: A “mixed” filling of cheese + chicharrón + beans for savory complexity.
- Bean & Cheese Pupusa: Refried beans blended with cheese—earthy and rich.
6. Can I make gluten-free pupusas?
Yes! Authentic pupusas use 100% corn masa harina, which is naturally gluten-free. Always verify your masa brand has no cross-contamination.
7. Are there vegan or vegetarian pupusas?
Absolutely! Popular vegan fillings include:
- Vegan cheese + beans
- Sautéed vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
- Mushroom & garlic
- Ensure you use a plant-based oil on the comal for cooking.
8. How long do pupusas last in the fridge?
Cooked pupusas stay fresh 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on a skillet to restore crispness.
9. Can you freeze pupusas?
- Uncooked pupusas: Lay on a baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed bag—lasts up to 2 months.
- Cooked pupusas: Freeze individually wrapped; reheat from frozen on a skillet or in a 350 °F oven for 10–12 minutes.
10. What’s the best way to reheat pupusas?
- Skillet: Medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side with a drop of oil.
- Oven: 350 °F for 8–10 minutes.
- Avoid microwaves to keep the exterior crisp.
11. How should I store pupusas?
- Short-term: Airtight container in the fridge (3–4 days).
- Long-term: Individually wrap and freeze (up to 2 months).
12. What is curtido and why serve it with pupusas?
Curtido is a lightly fermented cabbage slaw spiced with oregano, carrots, and vinegar. Its acidity cuts through the richness of pupusas, providing a refreshing contrast.
13. What dipping sauces pair well with pupusas?
- Salsa Roja: Mild tomato-based sauce with garlic and onion.
- Habanero Salsa: Spicy kick for heat-lovers.
- Avocado Crema: Creamy, cooling dip.
- Chili Oil: Drizzle for extra depth.
14. How many pupusas per person should I order?
- Snack/Starter: 2–3 pupusas
- Light Meal: 3–4 pupusas
- Hearty Appetite: 5–6 pupusas
Our family bundles and party platters on Pupusas.com simplify group orders.
15. How many calories are in a pupusa?
A standard cheese pupusa (~150 g) has approximately 320–350 calories, depending on filling and cooking oil.
16. Where can I buy authentic pupusas online?
Order directly through our marketplace at Pupusas.com—we partner with vetted pupuserías across the USA and worldwide for home delivery.
17. How do I place an order on Pupusas.com?
- Enter your ZIP code to confirm delivery.
- Select your pupusas and quantities.
- Checkout with credit card or digital wallet.
- Track your order in real time until it arrives.
18. Do you offer pupusas subscriptions or meal plans?
Yes! Choose weekly or monthly pupusa subscription plans for automatic deliveries at a discounted rate, plus exclusive flavors and loyalty perks.
19. What is the history of pupusas?
Dating back to the Pipil people of El Salvador, pupusas are a centuries-old staple. Their name derives from the Nahuatl word “poputzin,” meaning “little, stuffed thing.”
20. Are pupusas healthy?
In moderation, pupusas provide protein and fiber (beans, cheese), plus B-vitamins from nixtamalized corn. Opt for vegetable-based fillings and whole-grain masa for extra nutrition.
21. Are pupusas spicy?
Traditional pupusas themselves aren’t spicy; heat comes from your choice of salsa or curtido spicing. You can also order spicy pupusa variations (jalapeño, habanero) on Pupusas.com.
22. Can pets eat pupusas?
We do not recommend feeding pupusas to dogs or cats due to high fat, salt, and potential toxic ingredients (onions, garlic in some salsas).
23. Why choose Pupusas.com for your pupusa fix?
- Curated Quality: Only the best pupuserías vetted for authenticity.
- Consistent Menu: Standardized fillings & packaging.
- SEO-Optimized Blog: Daily tips, recipes, and pupusa inspiration.
Still Have Questions?
Contact our team at info@pupusas.com or visit our Contact page. We’re here to make your pupusa experience spectacular!