3-Ingredient Gorditas Infladas
A simple, delicious, and filling breakfast you can make every morning.
These beautiful puffed corn pockets are made from only three ingredients: masa harina, water, and salt. When cooked properly, they inflate like little balloons, making them perfect for stuffing with cheese, veggies, or your favorite salsa — exactly like in your photo.
Description
Gorditas infladas are a traditional Mexican griddle bread made from corn dough. When the dough hits a hot pan, steam forms inside and naturally inflates the gordita. Once puffed, you can slit them open and fill them, or eat them as-is. They’re naturally gluten-free, hearty, inexpensive, and surprisingly quick to prepare.
Ingredients (3-Ingredient Base)
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2 cups masa harina (Maseca or any corn masa flour)
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1½–2 cups warm water
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½ tsp salt
Optional fillings: shredded cabbage, onion, cilantro, cheese, and salsa (like in your image).
Instructions
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Prepare the dough
Mix masa harina and salt. Add warm water gradually until the dough is soft, smooth, and not sticky. It should feel like playdough. -
Divide and shape
Roll the dough into balls (about golf-ball size). Flatten each into a thick disk about ¼–⅜ inch thick. -
Cook on the comal/pan
Heat a skillet or comal over medium heat. Cook each side for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. -
Let them puff
Flip again and gently press the edges with a spatula. When the steam builds inside, the gordita will inflate. (Magic!) -
Fill (optional)
If stuffing, make a small slit and pack with cabbage, onion, cilantro, cheese, and top with salsa.
Tips for Perfect Puffing
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The dough must be moist — cracks prevent inflation.
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The pan should be well-heated, but not smoking.
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Thicker discs puff better than thin ones.
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If one doesn’t puff, press lightly around the edges with a spatula.
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Cover cooked gorditas with a towel to keep them soft.
Servings
This recipe makes 10–12 gorditas depending on size.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per gordita, without fillings)
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Calories: ~110
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Carbs: ~22 g
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Protein: ~2 g
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Fat: ~1 g
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Fiber: ~3 g
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Gluten-Free: Yes
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Vegan: Yes
Benefits
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Only 3 ingredients
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Budget-friendly
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Fast breakfast (10–15 min)
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Filling and energizing
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Endlessly customizable
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Naturally gluten-free
Q & A
Q: My gorditas don’t puff. Why?
A: Usually from dough being too dry or the pan not being hot enough. Add a bit more water and increase the heat slightly.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — keep it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours. Add a splash of water if it dries out.
Q: Can gorditas be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Freeze cooked gorditas, then reheat on a hot pan to re-crisp.
Q: Can I fry them instead of griddling?
A: Yes! They will puff even more when fried.