Baleadas
Soft flour tortillas folded around refried beans, crumbled cheese and a spoonful of cream.
Honduras · Street Food · 70 min
DeSabor Kitchen · Published · Updated · 35 / 35 / 70 min · 4 · Honduras
Jump to RecipeRest the flour dough before rolling; otherwise it springs back and makes thick tortillas. Cook only until lightly spotted, then hold under a towel so the tortillas fold rather than crack.
The Story Behind the Dish
Baleadas are a Honduran favorite with fillings ranging from the simple bean, cheese and cream combination to eggs or meat.
Ingredients
- 300 g flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil; 180 ml warm water
- 400 g refried red beans
- 100 g crumbled queso fresco
- 100 ml crema; 1 avocado, sliced, optional
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add oil and water and knead 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest 20 minutes.
- Divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each into a thin 18 cm circle, using a little extra flour if needed.
- Cook on a dry medium-hot griddle 1–2 minutes per side until lightly spotted. Keep covered in a clean towel. Warm the beans separately.
- Spread each tortilla with beans, add cheese, crema and avocado if using, and fold in half.
Cook's Tips
- Resting the dough makes it easier to roll; avoid overcooking the tortillas or they will become stiff.
Home-style recipe; not independently kitchen-tested. Check all ingredients and substitutions for allergens. Times are estimates; use the texture and temperature checks in the method. Serving accompaniments are separate unless listed. In temperatures above 32°C, refrigerate perishables within 1 hour rather than 2.
How to Serve It
Serve two folded tortillas per person with hot refried beans, cheese and crema. Add the optional avocado just before eating so it stays fresh.
Variations & Substitutions
Scrambled eggs or cooked meat make a fuller baleada. Cook these separately and identify the variation rather than assuming they are part of the simple bean-cheese-cream version.
Use soft flour tortillas if skipping the dough-making step, reducing prep time. Queso fresco or a similar crumbly cheese works; plain thick yogurt replaces crema with a tangier flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store tortillas, beans, cheese and crema separately. Refrigerate beans within 2 hours at 4°C or below for up to 3 days; follow dairy package dates. Assemble only when serving.
Heat beans to 74°C, adding a spoonful of water if thick. Refresh tortillas on a dry griddle and add chilled cheese, crema and avocado after warming.
The DeSabor Table
- Baleadas — Snack