SOPAIPILLAS: How to Make New Mexico Style Sopaipillas that are Soft, Puffy, & Delicious

Whether you call them "Sopaipillas" or "Sopapillas," these light and puffy little pillows of fried dough are delicious. I grew up in Southern New Mexico, where we call these wonderful treats "Sopaipillas" (with the "ai" in the spelling). And we serve them hot with honey, or we dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. If sweets aren't your thing, you can also fill them with meat, refried beans, and cheese for a more savory option. Read on for the easy recipe.

Sopaipillas

2 cups sifted flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. fat (lard, shortening, or vegetable oil)
approx. 3/4 cup warm water or milk
enough oil for deep frying

Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Cut in fat until mixture is crumbly. Add in warm water or milk a little at a time and knead until you have a soft dough. (You may not need all the liquid.) Form into smaller dough balls, cover with dish towel, and let rest 20 minutes.
Pour enough oil into saucepan to where it's 2 inches deep, and heat over medium-high. Once oil is hot, lightly flour your surface, and roll out individual dough balls like a tortilla. Each dough ball should be about 1/8" thick when done. With a small knife, cut into fourths and fry individual pieces in in hot oil. Flip them over to ensure both sides are golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
Serve hot with honey, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and enjoy!

*All music in this video used with rights from Storyblocks.
"Adventures in Fine Dining"

[svelasquezsavager]

I am from New Mexico and growing up sopaipillas were not considered a "dessert" they were actually part of your meal, eaten in place of tortillas. I discovered that they were considered a dessert when we visited California. Wow what a culture shock, but they are delish with honey or cinnamon/sugar. But I go traditional, dip it in your New Mexican red chile or better yet, go Christmas!

[ydgidrey]

I'm from South Texas and I remember Panchos very well. Absolutely loved the sopaipillas. So sad, when their restaurants closed throughout Texas. Thank you for the memories!❤

[stonercats]

i was born and raised in NM and have not had Sopaillas in long !!! i remember going to Pancho's when i was little and they where always one of my FAVS !! True comfort food !!! 💙💙💜💜💙💙💜💜💙💙💜💜

[ChemistInk]

Born and raised in ABQ, sopapillas were like fry bread for us. Dessert, dinner, snack, it was an every dish staple.

[brendaweber]

My mother grew up in Santa Fe. We had Sopaipillas served with our pinto beans. We ate them as a bread not a dessert. We tore off the top and stuffed the sopaipilla with our beans and cheese. Later in life I made them for my children and now my children make them for my grandchildren 😊
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[Blogdorf]

I am from New Mexico and when I was small my parents would take our family to La Posta in Roswell. This was between 1947 to 1958. My sis would get a plate stacked with tortillas and red sauce and I would always get a basket of sopapillas. When we left New Mexico it was a sad day. I've always wondered if the restaurant was still in Roswell. Now that I'm 70 I would go back just to experience it again.

[stilldajoker]

lived in ABQ from '84 until '89. I remember one place that would cut the side open and slide a green chili cheeseburger inside instead of the bun. Total heaven. Memory fails me after that but thank you for showing us that us mere mortals can make them.

[rfowler]

Just saw this video from a couple of years ago! 😊
it brought back such good memories of when we lived in Albuquerque when my daughter was little. It was her favorite part of the meal when we went to eat at El Pinto. 😍

[lubryce]

Our mother made them with fruit fillings

[schmup]

I remember Panchos very well, grew up in ABQ. Loved the flag! And, like many people in earlier comments, sopaipillas are served with the meal!

[bstrange]

I went to a restaurant in Albuquerque many years ago that I believe was call Seraphinas (something like that). They had the most delicious stuffed sopapillas, filled with the lightest egg and potatoes and covered in a red enchilada sauce. They were magical. 19 years later and I have not forgotten that meal. Thank you for sharing.

[joanspicer]

I lived in Albuquerque about 10 years and loved the Sopapillas with honey.

[yeshuaismysavior]

I'm in San Antonio Texas and Pancho's Mexican restaurant was the place to be! Especially for their sopapillas! They've closed down all Pancho's Restaurants years ago, so this video is heaven sent! Thank you for this!

[MrBobbyd]

I used to live in Albuquerque and eat at Ponchos Mexican buffet and I remember how good the Sopaipillas were.

[tomchapman]

I'm from Albuquerque and I to enjoyed Ponchos but the memories of sopas was La Hasenda ( sp ? ) in Old Town.

[Pendarr]

oh I lived in Las Cruces and have been to both those restaurants! I'm in Ohio now and nobody has them, will try this recipe for sure!

[robertlara]

Thanks for the memories I live in California now but try going back once a year how I love our culture from that area so wonderful and so beautiful

[jackLebon-xh]

Love your recipe. I grew up in Los Alamos between 1955-1061 and craved these ever since. Now I am retired in Hawaii and I can finally enjoy foods like you have brought to my table. I entertain lots of people from Japan who love my cooking and I know they will love your recipe.

Mahalo Nui Loa!

[kallasusort]

YUM, fell in love with them when I lived in Santa Fe, NM. OMG - so good! Thank you for the demonstration. I will have to try making.

[cristinalopez]

I'm from new Mexico, grew up eating sopaipillas, love them, thank you for sharing