Mexico By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Mexico: Tlacoyos (Recipe)

Golden grilled tlacoyos topped with fresh vegetables and salsa

In this article

Discover Tlacoyos, one of Mexico’s most beloved street-food snacks! These hand-shaped corn cakes are stuffed with savoury fillings such as beans, potatoes or cheese, then toasted on a hot griddle until crisp and lightly smoky. Each bite carries the warm, earthy flavour of fresh masa and a real taste of Mexican tradition. Bring the bustle of a Mexico City market straight into your own kitchen and enjoy these little parcels of comfort food.

About Tlacoyos

Tlacoyos are a traditional Mexican dish made from hand-shaped corn tortillas. They are typically filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, among them beans, potatoes or cheese. These delicious snacks are usually cooked on a hot griddle, which gives them a distinctive crispness and a gently smoky aroma. Tlacoyos are not only a treat for the palate but also an expression of the rich diversity of Mexican culture and tradition, passed down through generations of home cooks and market vendors alike.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup cooked and mashed beans or potatoes
100 g grated cheese (optional)
1 pinch of salt
Oil for frying (optional)
Fresh vegetables (such as onions, coriander, tomatoes)
Salsa of your choice

Shopping for the ingredients

To make tlacoyos you will want fresh, good-quality ingredients. Look for unsweetened masa harina, which is widely available in supermarkets or in a Latin American or Asian grocery. Cooked beans are easy to find as well, but for the best result it is worth cooking them yourself or preparing them fresh. On top of this, take care to choose fresh vegetables and lively salsas so you can make the most of every bite.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking, it helps to have all your ingredients ready to go. Measure the masa harina and the water carefully so you achieve the right dough consistency. Prepare your chosen filling too — whether beans, potatoes or cheese, everything should be standing by so the cooking process runs smoothly. If you opt for a meat filling, make sure it is thoroughly cooked through before you begin shaping.

Step-by-step instructions

Mix the masa harina, the water and a pinch of salt in a bowl to form a smooth dough.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape each one into a flat tortilla.
Place your chosen filling in the centre of each tortilla.
Fold the tortilla over and press the edges firmly together.
Heat a griddle or pan and lightly oil the surface.
Grill the tlacoyos until golden brown on both sides.
Serve the tlacoyos hot with fresh vegetables and salsa.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

The base ingredients for tlacoyos are naturally gluten-free, as they are made mainly from masa harina. If you want to avoid lactose, simply prepare the filling without cheese or use a lactose-free cheese instead. Take care to choose fresh salsas and vegetables so that these are dairy-free as well. That way, even those with particular dietary needs can enjoy delicious tlacoyos without compromise.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Tlacoyos lend themselves beautifully to a vegan or vegetarian diet. For a vegan version you can easily vary the filling with beans, avocado or fried vegetables. Make sure your salsas are vegan too and contain no animal products. With these simple swaps, vegans and vegetarians can savour the hearty, satisfying flavours of tlacoyos to the full — much like the plant-based fillings that shine in Tacos de Papa.

More tips and tricks

For the best results when making tlacoyos, it is important to roll the tortillas out to an even thickness. A rolling pin or a flat work surface can be a real help here. Experiment with different fillings, too, to suit your own taste. The tlacoyos can also be made ahead of time and kept warm in an insulated container until you are ready to serve them.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The fillings for tlacoyos are wonderfully varied and easy to adjust to personal preference. For a spicier version you can add ingredients such as jalapeños or extra spices. Switching between sweet and savoury fillings adds variety too — try a sweet bean paste or some fried courgette, for example. The lovely thing about tlacoyos is that you can get creative, and every family can develop its own tailored recipe.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are always alternatives. Instead of masa harina you could use rice flour, while the beans in the filling can be swapped for lentils or chickpeas — the same hearty pulses that work so well in Frijoles Refritos. Just make sure the consistency stays similar so the dough holds the filling well. Fresh vegetables can vary by availability too, so you can always reach for seasonal and regional produce.

Drink pairing ideas

To round off the meal, Mexican drinks pair beautifully with tlacoyos. Think of an Atole de Chocolate or a refreshing agua fresca, a light blend of fruit and water, or a classic tequila for the grown-ups. A cold glass of Mexican beer also makes an excellent companion. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling water with lime is a wonderfully refreshing choice.

Serving and presentation ideas

When it comes to presenting your tlacoyos, you can let your creativity loose. Serve them on a colourful plate to combine the different vegetables and salsas in an appealing way. Garnish the plate with fresh coriander or wedges of lime to add extra flavour and an attractive finish. Don’t forget to offer the salsas in small bowls alongside, so every guest can help themselves as they please.

A bit of history

Tlacoyos have a long history and deep roots in Mexican cuisine. They date back to the time of the Aztecs, who already prepared corn tortillas and filled them with a range of ingredients. Today they are known not only in Mexico but in many other countries as well. The methods and recipes vary from region to region, which makes every plate a unique experience and a fine example of Mexican cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Tlacoyos

Tlacoyos are not only a tasty treat but also a part of Mexican gastronomy that tells a little story in every bite. These filled corn cakes are simple to make and endlessly adaptable, which is exactly why they are a firm favourite for so many. Whether you fill them with beans, potatoes or vegetables, fresh ingredients and well-chosen sides turn every plate into a success. Bring a piece of Mexico into your kitchen and enjoy the variety and flavour of tlacoyos!