Sopapias

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

Golden, fluffy sopapias are a delightful treat featuring tender fried dough topped with powdered sugar and honey, perfect for breakfast or sweet snacks enjoyed by all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. or 1 tsp. yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 4 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups scalded milk
  • oil

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup warm water and let it activate.
  2. Mix the remaining ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, then work the dough until smooth.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut into 1 to 2-inch squares.
  4. Fry the squares in a pan filled with 1/2-inch oil or in a Fry Daddy until golden brown.
  5. Drain on paper towels and top with powdered sugar and honey before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier sopapias, ensure your yeast is fresh and fully activated before mixing. If self-rising flour is unavailable, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup. When frying, maintain the oil temperature to prevent sogginess, and consider using a thermometer for accuracy.

Serving Suggestions

Sopapias are delightful when served warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey. They pair beautifully with a side of South Texas Bean Dip for a fun snack or appetizer. You can also try them as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a sweet treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sopapias in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sopapias contains roughly 731 calories, with 13g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1024mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

731 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 59.2g 76% DV
Carbs 41.8g 15% DV
Fiber 9.2g 33% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1024.2mg 45% DV
Potassium 859mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 221.4mg 17% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 sopapias in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying. This allows for a quicker preparation when you're ready to fry them up.

What oil is best for frying sopapias?

Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying sopapias due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Canola oil is also a good option. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.

Can I bake sopapias instead of frying them?

While frying is traditional for sopapias, you can bake them for a healthier version. Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the cut squares on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

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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