Tostadas

Tostadas: A Crispy Delight with Endless Possibilities
Tostadas are the perfect canvas for creativity and deliciousness! These crispy delights are not only fun to assemble but are also packed with flavor and vibrant colors.
With a base of crunchy tostada shells, you can layer on your favorite ingredients and make each bite a delightful explosion of texture and taste.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual gathering, tostadas are quick, easy, and so satisfying!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 34 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why I Love This Tostadas
There’s just something about tostadas that brings a smile to my face. They remind me of warm summer evenings spent with family and friends, where the laughter flows as freely as the salsa! Each tostada can be customized to suit any mood or craving, making them a hit at any gathering.
Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to throw together, so they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous snack sessions. It’s all about those crispy layers and vibrant toppings!

Ingredients
Tostada shells
Refried beans
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Salsa
Cooked meat (optional, e.g., chicken, beef)

How to Make Tostadas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your tostada shells get nice and crispy!
Step 2: Bake the Tostada Shells
Place your tostada shells on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and crunchy. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 3: Spread the Beans
Once baked, spread a generous layer of refried beans on each tostada shell. This creamy layer will serve as a flavorful base.
Step 4: Add Fresh Veggies
Top the beans with a hearty sprinkle of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes and sliced avocado. Look at all that color!
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese
Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the veggies for a delightful melty finish.
Step 6: Add Cooked Meat
If you like, add your choice of cooked meat—chicken, beef, or pork—for extra protein and flavor.
Step 7: Final Touches
Top with a dollop of sour cream and a splash of salsa. Your tostadas are ready to shine!
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your tostadas right away, while the shells are crispy and the toppings are fresh. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, look for corn tostada shells. They’re just as tasty!
- Want some heat? Add jalapeños or a spicy salsa.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more beans or grilled veggies.
- Serve topped with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for that extra zing!
Delicious Variations
- Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and jalapeños, then bake until melty.
- Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese and your choice of fillings, grill until crispy, and enjoy with salsa.
- Burrito Bowls: All your favorite burrito ingredients served in a bowl, perfect for a filling meal.
- Chalupas: Similar to tostadas but using a thicker, softer dough, topped with flavorful fillings.
Serving Suggestions for Tostadas
Tostadas are best enjoyed right after assembling them, so they maintain that delightful crunch. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a fun meal option for casual weeknights. Pair them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light Mexican beer for a perfect meal combo. They also go wonderfully with a side of guacamole for that extra creamy kick!
Storage and Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the toppings separately from the shells to keep them crisp.
Tostada shells can last in an airtight container for up to a week, while toppings should be used within 3 days when refrigerated.
If you want to freeze the toppings, they should be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Helpful Questions
Can I make tostadas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the toppings in advance, but assemble them just before serving for optimal crunch.What kind of beans should I use?
Refried beans are traditional, but you can also use black beans or pinto beans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.How do I make homemade tostada shells?
You can easily fry corn tortillas until they’re crispy or bake them in the oven for a healthier option!Are tostadas gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tostada shells. Just make sure they are labeled gluten-free.What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream, giving you a creamy texture with added protein!
Enjoy your tostadas, and happy cooking!
Print
Tostadas: A Crispy Delight with Endless Possibilities
- Total Time: 17
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy tostadas that serve as a canvas for your favorite ingredients, packed with flavor and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
- Tostada shells
- Refried beans
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Cooked meat (optional, e.g., chicken, beef, or pork)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place your tostada shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crunchy.
- Spread a generous layer of refried beans on each tostada shell.
- Top the beans with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
- Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the veggies.
- Add your choice of cooked meat if desired.
- Top with sour cream and a splash of salsa.
- Serve immediately while the shells are crispy and the toppings are fresh.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use corn tostada shells. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 7
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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