Sopapilla with honey
Photo: Gerardolagunes · CC0

History

Sopapillas arrived in Texas through New Mexican and Northern Mexican culinary traditions, where a similar fried dough was a staple table bread. The Tex-Mex versions served in Dallas are sweeter and puffier than New Mexico's; the honey-drizzle finish became standard through the combination-plate Tex-Mex restaurants of the mid-20th century. El Fenix has served sopapillas as the standard dessert since the 1930s.

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Common allergens: Gluten

Make it at home

Yield 12Hands-on 30 minTotal 45 minDifficulty Beginner

Ingredients

  • 240g plain flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 15g lard or shortening
  • 120ml warm water
  • Vegetable oil for frying (at least 1 litre)
  • Honey to serve

Method

  1. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add warm water gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork.
  3. Rest the dough 15 minutes covered with a damp cloth.
  4. Roll to 3mm thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 8cm triangles.
  5. Heat oil to 185 C (365 F) in a deep pot. Fry sopapillas in batches, turning once, 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with honey.

Tip from the editors. The puff happens because steam forms inside the dough as it hits the oil. Keep oil temperature constant; cold oil produces flat, greasy sopapillas.

Where to eat sopapilla with honey

Sopapilla with honey in Dallas

El Fenix ★ 4.1

$ $MexicanUptown

The oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in Dallas, operating since 1918. Open mon-thu 11am-9pm, fri-sat 11am-10pm, sun 11am-9pm. At 1601 McKinney Ave.

OrderCombo plate: enchiladas, tamale, taco; cheese dip; sopapillas

TipThe McKinney Ave location is the most accessible. The Tuesday special is the best value night. No reservations needed; the turnover is fast.

Directions

Mia's Tex-Mex ★ 4.4

$ $$Tex-mexUptown

The brisket taco at Mia's costs around $6 individually, making it an affordable way to experience Dallas's most definitive Tex-Mex taco. Located in Uptown.

OrderTwo brisket tacos; house margarita (happy hour); rice and beans

TipHappy hour runs daily from 4-7pm with discounted margaritas. Two tacos and a drink is the sweet spot for a budget Mia's visit.

Directions

Herrera's Cafe ★ 4.2

$$ $10-$18BrunchOld-school Tex-Mex brunchOak Cliff

Herrera's Cafe on W Illinois Avenue has been serving Tex-Mex breakfast since 1949, making it the oldest continuous Tex-Mex brunch counter in Dallas.

OrderBreakfast tacos; huevos rancheros with house red salsa since 1949

TipCash preferred, card accepted. Go early; the line builds from 9am on weekends.

Directions

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