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Mexican Tostada

Learn to make authentic Mexican tostadas from scratch, starting with frying corn tortillas until crisp. Top with warm refried beans and traditional garnishes for a customizable meal.

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:25:07 GMT
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A colorful tostada topped with seasoned meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served on a dark plate with lime wedges in the background. Pin it
A colorful tostada topped with seasoned meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served on a dark plate with lime wedges in the background. | zestplate.com

Need an easy homemade Mexican dinner idea? These tostadas are my family's favorite! A crispy homemade base topped with refried beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This easy recipe is perfect for taco night - just set out the ingredients and let everyone build their own!

What Makes A Tostada Special

Think of this easy recipe as an open-faced taco with extra crunch! My homemade version starts with a crispy corn tortilla, then layers on warm beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. This homemade meal works great with any protein - chicken, beef, or fish!

Building The Perfect Bite

The Base
Start your homemade tostada with a perfectly crispy tortilla.
Layer One
This easy recipe needs a good spread of beans - they hold everything together!
Top It Off
Load up your homemade creation with cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Fresh Finish
A sprinkle of cilantro makes this easy recipe complete!

My Best Tips

Make this homemade meal fun by setting up a topping bar - everyone loves customizing their own! For this easy recipe to stay crispy, only build your tostadas right before eating. My homemade version tastes best when you mix creamy, crunchy, and spicy toppings!

Quick Tricks

This easy recipe works great with canned beans - just add some chili powder! When I'm short on time, I use store-bought shells for my homemade tostadas. Need a quick protein for this easy recipe? Rotisserie chicken with lime juice is perfect!

A close-up of a colorful taco topped with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese on a grilled tortilla. Pin it
A close-up of a colorful taco topped with tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese on a grilled tortilla. | zestplate.com

Mix It Up

While this easy recipe works great with store-bought ingredients, try making homemade tortillas and beans when you have time! My homemade version tastes amazing with freshly fried shells, but the quick easy recipe is still delicious with pre-made ones.

Try These Versions

Love seafood? Top your homemade tostada with ceviche or grilled fish. Make this easy recipe vegetarian with black beans and grilled veggies. My kids love breakfast tostadas with eggs and bacon. Sometimes I mix sweet mango salsa with spicy chicken in my homemade version - so good!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dry tortillas first?

Pre-drying helps tortillas fry more evenly and crispy.

→ How do I know oil is hot enough?

Tortilla should bubble immediately when added. If not, oil needs to heat more.

→ Can I use store-bought shells?

Yes, just warm briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

→ Why season lettuce?

Salt and vinegar add flavor that complements other toppings.

→ How do I eat them?

Pick up with both hands like pizza. Don't overload or they'll break.

Tostada Recipe

Crispy fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, lettuce and fresh toppings. A classic Mexican street food made at home.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 12 corn tortillas.
02 Corn oil or olive oil.
03 Salt.
04 3 1/2 cups refried beans.
05 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, sliced.
06 2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
07 1-2 avocados, chopped.
08 8 oz shredded cheese.
09 1 cup salsa.
10 Fresh cilantro.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm refried beans in pan, keeping creamy consistency.

Step 02

Dry tortillas in 250°F oven for 10 minutes.

Step 03

Heat 1/4 inch oil until sizzling hot.

Step 04

Fry tortillas one at a time until crispy, about 1 minute per side.

Step 05

Drain on paper towels and salt lightly.

Step 06

Keep shells warm in 250°F oven.

Step 07

Set out toppings in separate bowls.

Step 08

Spread beans on shells and add desired toppings.

Notes

  1. Can use store-bought shells.
  2. Customizable toppings.
  3. Make shells ahead.
  4. Traditional street food.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large frying pan.
  • Metal tongs.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Paper towels.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 586
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 23 g