Sopapillas Bread

Prep: 180 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

Soft, fluffy sopapillas with a light, crispy exterior, perfect for drizzling with honey or serving with savory dishes, appealing to both sweet and savory palate preferences.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 5 1/2 to 6 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
  2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 2 to 3 hours, until it doubles in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface.
  5. Cut the dough into squares or desired shapes.
  6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Fry the cut dough pieces until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, ensure your water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. For a sweeter twist, consider adding a tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough or dusting the finished sopapillas with powdered sugar. Don't forget to check out other Mexican recipes for complementary dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Sopapillas are delightful when served warm, dusted with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with honey. They pair beautifully with Salsa Casa or can be enjoyed alongside Black Beans And Yellow Rice for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve them with Chunky Vegetarian Chili to add a hearty dimension.

Storage & Reheating

Store 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 (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sopapillas Bread contains roughly 223 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2014mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).

223 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.7g 11% DV
Total Fat 4.4g 6% DV
Carbs 45.5g 17% DV
Fiber 8.5g 30% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 2013.9mg 88% DV
Potassium 604.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 65.3mg 73% DV
Calcium 50mg 4% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 in advance. After the initial rise, punch it down and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out and frying.

What oil is best for frying sopapillas?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are great choices for frying sopapillas, as they have high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it may impart an unwanted flavor and has a lower smoke point.

Can I make sopapillas gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free sopapillas by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for better elasticity. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!

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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