Sopapilla
Golden, crispy sopapillas with a light, flaky texture and delightful puffing, perfect for drizzling with honey or dusting with powdered sugar, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients (flour and baking powder).
- Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture is mealy.
- Add water gradually and mix to form a dough.
- Put the dough on a floured board and knead until smooth.
- Rest the dough for 20 minutes.
- Roll the dough as thin as possible and cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares.
- Fry the squares in hot oil until they puff and turn brown.
- Remove from oil and sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with honey.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sopapilla, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying—around 350°F. You can substitute shortening with butter or coconut oil if desired. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. For a sweeter twist, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the dough. These sopapillas pair beautifully with Kay's Guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
Sopapillas are delightful when served warm, either as a dessert or a snack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for a sweet touch. They also make a great accompaniment to savory dishes like Chunky Vegetarian Chili or Caballero Casserole. Enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sopapillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy instead of crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sopapilla contains roughly 1072 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling and frying for the best results.
What type of oil is best for frying?
For frying sopapillas, use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This ensures they fry evenly and absorb less oil, resulting in a lighter pastry.
Can I bake the sopapillas instead of frying them?
While traditional sopapillas are fried for that signature puffiness, you can bake them at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes. They won't be as fluffy but will still be delicious, making them a lighter option.
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).