Fiesta-Ready Mexican Tostada Recipe for Tasty Homemade Fun

Crispy corn tortillas form the perfect base for these mouthwatering Mexican tostada delights that dance with vibrant flavors and textures.

Layers of seasoned protein, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings create a meal bursting with authentic charm.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through traditional Mexican street food culture.

Crunchy and satisfying, these tostadas deliver a punch of color and taste that will electrify your dinner table.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes to craft a crowd-pleasing dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Spice up your culinary repertoire and treat yourself to a feast that celebrates bold, fresh ingredients.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Mexican Tostada Why It’s Always a Hit

• Whip up these tostadas in minutes with simple steps that make meal prep a breeze.
• Mix and match toppings to suit every family member's taste preferences, turning dinner into a personalized feast.
• Learn an authentic technique for creating crispy, restaurant-style tortilla shells right in your own kitchen.
• Use affordable ingredients to create a delicious meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

What You Need for Authentic Mexican Tostadas

• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are the foundation of this classic Mexican dish.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and smooth beans that provide a rich base for the tostada.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying tortillas to create a crispy base.
• Salt: Adds a light seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.

• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and freshness to the tostada.
• Cheese: A dairy topping that adds creaminess and flavor.
• Salsa, Sour Cream: Condiments that provide additional moisture and tang to the dish.

Tools for Crunchy Tostada Night

• Oven: For warming and drying tortillas at 250F.
• Large Skillet: To warm refried beans and fry tortillas in hot oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining and absorbing excess oil from fried tortillas.
• Tongs: To handle and flip tortillas while frying.
• Serving Bowls: For setting out and presenting various toppings.
• Baking Sheet: Optional, to keep tortilla shells warm in oven.

Stepwise Method for Mexican Tostadas

Step 1: Prepare Refried Beans

Heat the refried beans in a skillet over medium heat.

Stir continuously to maintain a smooth and creamy consistency.

Add a splash of water if the beans seem too thick.

Step 2: Crisp Tortilla Bases

Place corn tortillas on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven at 250°F.

Bake for 10 minutes until they start to become firm and slightly dried out.

Step 3: Deep Fry Tortilla Shells

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot.

Carefully lower each tortilla into the hot oil, frying for about 30-45 seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Use tongs to flip and remove.

Step 4: Drain and Season Shells

Transfer fried tortillas onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt while still hot to enhance flavor and help excess oil drain.

Step 5: Keep Shells Warm

Place the crispy tortilla shells in the warm oven at 250°F to maintain their crunch while you prepare toppings.

Step 6: Prepare Topping Selection

Arrange toppings in separate serving bowls.

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Step 7: Assemble Tostadas

Spread a layer of warm refried beans on each crispy tortilla shell.

Top with selected ingredients.

Serve immediately and enjoy the layers of flavor and texture.

Tostada Assembly Tips for Big Flavor

• Pat tortillas completely dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splatter.
• Maintain consistent oil heat around 350-375F for perfectly crisp, golden-brown tostada shells without burning.
• Spread warm beans first as a base layer to help toppings stick and prevent ingredients from sliding off the shell.
• Add lighter ingredients like lettuce and herbs last to maintain shell's crunchiness and prevent early softening.
• Assemble tostadas right before serving to preserve the crisp texture and prevent ingredients from making the shell soggy.

Mexican Tostada Ingredient Combos

• Gluten-Free Tostadas: Replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option that maintains authentic Mexican flavor.
• Vegan Tostada Delight: Use black beans instead of refried beans, top with dairy-free cheese, avocado, and plant-based protein like seasoned tofu crumbles.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or roasted portobello mushroom caps as a crispy base for toppings.
• Seafood Version: Replace traditional meat toppings with grilled shrimp or white fish, adding a coastal Mexican-inspired variation to the classic tostada.

Ideas for Serving Up Tostadas

• Fiesta Family Feast: Invite friends and family to build their own tostadas with a colorful toppings bar, letting everyone customize their plate.
• Mexican Movie Night: Pair these crispy tostadas with salsa, cold Mexican beer, and a classic film for a fun dinner experience.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack pre-fried shells and separate toppings for a playful lunch that kids and adults will love assembling.
• Healthy Twist: Offer extra veggie toppings like roasted corn, diced bell peppers, and fresh cilantro for a nutritious meal variation.

Storing Mexican Tostadas So They Stay Crisp

• Store leftover tostada components separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep tortillas, beans, and toppings in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual tostada components tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Beans and meat can be frozen for 2-3 months. Separate crispy tortillas from wet ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Crisp cold tortillas in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes. Spread on baking sheet in single layer, avoid overlapping to ensure even heating and maintain crunchiness.
• Gently reheat beans in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add small splash of water or broth to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Are tostada shells hard to make at home?

No, they’re easy! You can either bake or fry corn tortillas until crispy. Baking takes about 10 minutes at 250F, while frying in hot oil creates a crunchier result.

• What's the best way to prevent soggy tostada shells?

Always drain fried tortillas on paper towels and sprinkle with salt immediately. Keep shells warm in a low-temperature oven to maintain crispness before serving.

• Can I prepare tostada shells in advance?

Yes, you can make tostada shells a few hours ahead. Store them in a single layer at room temperature, uncovered, to keep them crisp. Avoid stacking to prevent moisture buildup.

Mexican Tostada Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crunchy Mexican tostadas bring zesty layers of flavor to your plate, combining crisp tortillas with savory toppings. Homemade or store-bought, these delightful discs promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 1/2 cups (840 milliliters) refried beans
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cheese (Monterrey Jack, Cheddar, or queso fresco)

Vegetables and Toppings:

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1–2 avocados, chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa or pickled jalapenos
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Ingredients:

• Corn oil or olive oil for frying
• Salt

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Instructions

1. Gently heat refried beans in a skillet, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2. Arrange corn tortillas on a baking sheet and crisp in a preheated 250F oven for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring they become firm and slightly golden.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350F, carefully frying each tortilla until it turns crisp and light golden brown.
4. Transfer fried tortillas to a paper towel-lined plate, lightly sprinkle with kosher salt to enhance flavor.
5. Place crisp tortilla shells in the warm oven to maintain temperature and crunchiness while preparing toppings.
6. Arrange all prepared toppings in separate serving bowls for easy access and customization.
7. Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on each crisp tortilla shell, then invite diners to personalize with their preferred toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Notes

• Toast tortillas perfectly by ensuring they’re completely dry before frying to prevent oil splattering and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Switch to baking tortillas instead of frying for a healthier version, reducing oil content without sacrificing crunch.
• Prep toppings ahead of time to create a smooth, quick assembly process and allow guests to customize their tostadas.
• Select corn tortillas for authentic flavor and gluten-free option, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious Mexican dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg