A traditional Costa Rican dish — Arreglados are the griddle-toasted stuffed tortillas found at sodas and street carts across the country. A soft corn-masa shell is filled with refried beans, melted cheese, and often sliced hot dog or chorizo, then toasted until the outside crisps and the inside turns gooey. Served with cabbage slaw and a squirt of lizano-style sauce, they are Costa Rica’s answer to the grilled sandwich.
Arreglados
A traditional Costa Rican dish — Arreglados are the griddle-toasted stuffed tortillas found at sodas and street carts across the country.

Step by stepInstructions
- Mix the masa harina, salt, and warm water into a soft dough and knead until smooth. Cover and rest for ten minutes.
- Divide the dough into four balls and press each into a six-inch disc.
- Spread beans over one half of each disc, top with cheese and hot dog slices if using, and drizzle with a little lizano-style sauce.
- Fold the empty half over the filling and press the edges to seal into a half-moon.
- Toast the arreglados on a hot buttered griddle or comal for four to five minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve hot with shredded cabbage slaw and salsa on the side.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Press the edges well or the filling will leak onto the griddle. Feel free to build your own combination — beans and cheese are the non-negotiable base.

Join the conversation
Only members can comment — it takes a few seconds to create a free account.
Log in Create an account