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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Gently heat refried beans in a skillet, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 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.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350F, carefully frying each tortilla until it turns crisp and light golden brown.
- Transfer fried tortillas to a paper towel-lined plate, lightly sprinkle with kosher salt to enhance flavor.
- Place crisp tortilla shells in the warm oven to maintain temperature and crunchiness while preparing toppings.
- Arrange all prepared toppings in separate serving bowls for easy access and customization.
- 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