

Tlacoyos are one of the many wonders of Mexican street food. They are made with “masa”, the same dough that is used to make corn tortillas. To prepare them, masa balls are shaped with the hands and pressed into a tortilla-like shape by using a tortilla press. They are most commonly filled with refried beans and folded into a flat, oval shape.
You can find tlacoyos being prepared fresh by senoras or “cooks” in small stalls on the streets of Mexico or in food markets. They are warmed up over big ceramic “comales”, which are special flat pans normally used to warm up tortillas and other antojitos.
Tlacoyos are served topped with a fresh salsa, sometimes with a garnish of lettuce, finely diced onion and coriander. Also sometimes a fresh cactus salad, crumbled fresh cheese and crema. They are typically eaten with your hands and it’s meant to be messy and enjoyable!
We think you’ll enjoy this Mexican antojito (little craving) at home as the perfect appetizer alongside a nice Chicken Mole. Our Gran Luchito Refried Beans are the perfect quick filling for these tlacoyos, and served with Gran Luchito Tomatillo Salsa they’re even better.
You can also have a bit of fun with the toppings and serve your tlacoyos with two or three of our recipes for sides, then have your guests prepare their own. Try our recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mexican Corn, Frijoles, Guacamole, Mexican Coleslaw or Chipotle Crema, and have a Tlacoyo party!
A tortilla press is needed to prepare this tlacoyos recipe, and you can find one easily on the internet or in specialty shops. The recipe makes about 12 to 14 tlacoyos depending on how big you make them, and we recommend calculating 3 per person.
Prep time
10MINS
Cook time
30MINS
Total time
40MINS
Ideal for
Make it
Serves
Chef’s Tip: To reheat your tlacoyos, do this over a hot non-stick pan and cover them with a lid to keep a bit of the moisture in, a few minutes on each side and then serve. Alternatively, you can also shallow fry them over very hot vegetable oil until lightly golden on both sides, then place them over kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil and serve!
Tlacoyos are found in many parts of Mexico, especially northern Veracruz, Hidalgo, Morelos, Guerrero, Puebla, southern Michoacán, and northern Oaxaca.
They are made of a thick corn tortilla, which is made of masa (dough). Those vessels are usually filled with refried beans and topped with salsa, cheese and veg.
If you want to freeze your homemade tlacoyos, you can do that after they've been cooked and cooled. Stack them and wrap them firmly with food wrap, then place them inside a resealable bag.
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