Sopaipilla(Puffy Pillows Of Bread)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Puffy pillows of fried bread with a crisp exterior and soft interior, perfect served warm with honey. Great for snack time or Mexican-inspired meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. shortening
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 1/4 c. buttermilk
  • 1/4 c. water

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, shortening, and baking powder to form biscuit-like dough.
  2. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
  3. Cut the dough into 3-inch triangles or squares.
  4. Drop the cut pieces into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  5. Turn with a spatula to brown the other side.
  6. Serve warm with warmed honey.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the sopaipillas, as this helps them puff up. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. For a sweet twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. These puffy pillows are a delightful addition to any Mexican recipes feast.

Serving Suggestions

Sopaipillas are best served warm and can be drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar for a sweet treat. They pair beautifully with refried beans casserole or can be enjoyed alongside tacos or as a side for taco wrap. For a savory option, serve them with a dipping sauce like salsa or guacamole.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sopaipillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them chewy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sopaipilla(Puffy Pillows Of Bread) contains roughly 104 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1940mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).

104 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 3.4g 4% DV
Carbs 14.7g 5% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1940mg 84% DV
Potassium 97.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 6.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.2mcg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 146.2mg 11% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to fry, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to ensure better puffing during frying.

What type of oil is best for frying?

For frying sopaipillas, use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart unwanted flavors when frying at high temperatures.

Can I freeze sopaipillas?

Yes, you can freeze cooked sopaipillas. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and they can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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