These authentic Honduran baleadas tortillas are soft, warm, and folded around creamy refried beans, crumbled cheese, and thinly sliced avocado. We love simple food that feels like home, and baleadas embody that sentiment perfectly. They are hearty, comforting, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Whether you grew up eating them or are discovering them for the first time, baleadas bring bold Central American flavor right to your kitchen. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re a perfect dish for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night bite.
Baleadas are a staple of Honduran street food, known for their comforting flavor and quick preparation. Traditionally sold by local vendors, this dish is built around a warm flour tortilla spread with refried red beans, topped with queso duro, queso fresco, or crumbled cotija, and finished with avocado. Add a drizzle of crema for another layer of flavor.
It’s easy to see why this simple meal has become a favorite around the world. The mix of textures and flavors is everything you want in comfort food. And the best part? You can make them at home in about 20 minutes. If you enjoy trying new things, check out our Baked chicken kabob recipe for a twist on this summertime favorite.
Ingredients
Get set before you start! A few minutes to prep and measure your ingredients makes cooking smoother, faster, and way more fun.
How to make Baleadas - Hondouran Beans and Cheese Tortillas
- Heat the flour tortillas; you can do this using a preheated oven to 350 degrees. Place on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 5 minutes. You can also heat them in a Sauté pan. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Heat the refried beans based on instructions in a small pot. Stirring occasionally. Once done, remove from heat and set aside until needed.
- Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Add the eggs to a small bowl.
- Add the salt and pepper to the eggs and beat them.
- Add the eggs to the heated Sauté pan using a rubber spatula and move the eggs around the pan until fluffy. Once done, remove the eggs from the heat so they do not overcook
- Peel and remove the pit from the avocado. Save the pit for storing any leftover avocado; it helps keep it fresh longer. Keep it in the container with leftovers.
- Slice the avocado into thin slices.
- Once done, add a layer of refried beans to the warmed flour tortillas.
- Sprinkle the scrambled eggs over the tortilla and beans
- Add a layer of sliced avocado over the eggs
- Sprinkle the queso fresco over the tortillas.
- Serve with your favorite hot sauce. You can also drizzle fresh crema over the baleadas or serve it on the side.
Recipe Variations & Adjustments
This easy baleadas recipe is easily adaptable, with the main ingredients being the flour tortillas, refried beans, and cheese. Add different seasoning blends to suit your personal tastes. Add cumin, oregano, and coriander to the refried beans for a more authentic seasoning blend.
Swap in refried black beans if you prefer a deeper flavor. Try homemade flour tortillas for extra freshness. Add sautéed onions, peppers, or chorizo for a heartier meal. Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a drizzle of hot honey for sweet heat.
Chef Tips
- Use queso fresco and a few pickled onions for restaurant-level flavor.
- Brush tortillas lightly with butter or oil before heating them for a golden, soft bite.
- Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
- Use smooth, creamy beans, and add a little oil or water if they’re too thick.
- Don’t overfill the ballads, it’s all about balance!
Baleadas are proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated, just honest ingredients, a little love, and the right finish. Whether you keep them classic with beans and cheese or dress them up with eggs, avocado, or chorizo, they’re quick, comforting, and perfect for any time of day. Make a batch, invite someone over, and watch how a simple tortilla can turn into a meal everyone remembers.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, avoid the microwave if possible.
- Wrap them in parchment, then foil, and warm in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the just-made texture.
- Add fresh crema or avocado after reheating to brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve our baleadas recipe with fried plantains, a small side of salsa roja, or simple white rice.
- Pair with roasted corn salad, pickled jalapeños, or a citrusy cabbage slaw for color and crunch.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Horchata or lime agua fresca sweet and refreshing.
- Wine Style: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy beans and cheese.
- Beer Style: Light lagers or Mexican pilsners (like Modelo or Corona) complement the salt and richness.
Recipe FAQs
Traditionally, they are not spicy. If you are looking for a spicy kick to top with your favorite hot sauce or salsa.
We used Queso fresco, although queso duro Blanco and cotija are also traditional for this recipe.
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Easy Authentic Hondouran Baleadas Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the flour tortillas; you can do this using a preheated oven to 350 degrees. Place on a baking sheet and put in the oven for 5 minutes. You can also heat them in a sautee pan. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Heat the refried beans based on instructions in a small pot. Stirring occasionally. Once done, remove from heat and set aside until needed.
- Heat a sautee pan over medium heat and add olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Add the eggs to a small bowl and beat them, and add to a lightly greased and
- Add the salt and pepper to the eggs.
- Add the eggs to the heated sautee pan using a rubber spatula, and move the eggs around the pan until fluffy.
- Once done, remove the eggs from the heat so they do not overcook
- Peel and slice the avocado removing the pit. Save the pit for any leftovers store remaining avocado with the pit to keep it from spoiling quickly.
- Once done, add a layer of refried beans to the flour tortillas.
- Sprinkle the scrambled eggs over the tortilla and beans
- Add a layer of sliced avocado over the eggs
- Sprinkle the queso fresco over the tortillas.
- Serve with your favorite hot sauce. You can also drizzle fresh crema over the baleadas or serve it on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
- Mix a little lime zest into crema for brightness.
- Use queso fresco and a few pickled onions for restaurant-level flavor.
- Brush tortillas lightly with butter or oil before heating for a golden, soft bite.
- Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
- Use smooth, creamy beans add a little oil or water if they’re too thick.
- Don’t overfill the baleadas it’s all about balance!
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