Gluten-Free Memelas

These vibrant gluten-free memelas offer a delightful combination of creamy, savory filling nestled in a warm, corn-based base. Perfect for parties, they deliver satisfying textures and fresh herb notes in every bite.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Total: 30 min Serves: 8

At a glance: This medium party and appetizers recipe yields 8 servings in about 30 minutes (15 min prep, 15 min cook). It uses 8 ingredients — including your favorite gluten-free memela masa dough, shredded cheese, cooked and seasoned black beans — and walks through 5 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more party and appetizers recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shop links in the ingredient list are affiliate links and do not change the recipe.

Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Memelas: When preparing this party and appetizers recipe, masa dough or masa harina should be labeled gluten-free, as should any pre-shredded cheese, canned seasoned beans and salsa. Line the tortilla press with fresh plastic wrap and use a griddle not shared with flour tortillas.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Memelas: This recipe is naturally gluten-free by using gluten-free masa harina for the memelas and ensuring all other ingredients are free from gluten-containing grains.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for cooked and seasoned black beans, mashed, avocado slices, salsa, crema. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

2 cups your favorite gluten-free memela masa dough
1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., Oaxaca, Monterey Jack)
0.5 cup cooked and seasoned black beans, mashed Shop
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings avocado slices, salsa, crema Shop

Instructions

1 Prepare the masa dough by following your gluten-free recipe instructions, ensuring it's pliable and easy to shape. Divide the masa into 8 equal portions and gently flatten each into a disc about 4-5 inches in diameter, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap for even thickness.
2 Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place 2-3 masa discs into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the memelas are golden brown and slightly puffed, indicating they are cooked through.
3 While the memelas cook, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the mashed black beans, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro. Season this mixture with salt and black pepper, then stir until well combined. The cheese should begin to soften slightly from the residual heat.
4 Once the memelas are cooked and lightly browned on both sides, remove them from the skillet and place them on a clean surface. Carefully split each memela horizontally, creating a pocket, or spread the filling over one half. Spoon a generous portion of the bean and cheese mixture into each memela, allowing the cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat of the masa.
5 Serve the gluten-free memelas immediately while they are warm and the cheese is gooey. Offer optional toppings like avocado slices, salsa, or crema for guests to customize their memelas. Enjoy these delightful, savory bites as a party appetizer or light meal.

Nutrition (per serving)

231

Calories

12g

Protein

13g

Carbs

13g

Fat

Fiber

337mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
Mash a portion of the beans against the pot wall to naturally thicken soups and stews.
Mash avocado immediately after cutting to slow browning; a squeeze of lemon or lime juice helps further.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Memelas take?

Gluten-Free Memelas takes about 30 minutes: 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for 8 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Memelas with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Memelas?

Check your favorite gluten-free memela masa dough, shredded cheese, cooked and seasoned black beans, mashed before they go into Gluten-Free Memelas. Masa dough or masa harina should be labeled gluten-free, as should any pre-shredded cheese, canned seasoned beans and salsa. Line the tortilla press with fresh plastic wrap and use a griddle not shared with flour tortillas.

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

Recipes include certified gluten-free ingredient guidance and cross-contamination notes. Check every label and use certified gluten-free products. Learn more about us.

Recipes and images may be created with AI assistance. They pass automated checks, and the team reviews flagged items.