A tostada is a beloved Mexican dish that's all about layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. These crispy homemade tostadas are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection, whether you're hosting a Mexican-themed fiesta or simply craving a delicious meal. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to make tostadas that are irresistible and bursting with authentic flavors.

Why You'll Love This Easy Meal

Crispy Goodness. Achieve that satisfying crunch without deep frying by baking your tostadas.
Endless Customization. Load up your tostadas with your favorite toppings, from seasoned meats to fresh veggies and zesty sauces.
Budget-Friendly. Making tostadas at home is cost-effective and can easily feed a crowd.
Authentic Taste. Experience the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right in your kitchen.

Making your own tostadas at home is not only fun but also allows you to create a personalized masterpiece that suits your taste buds. Plus, these tostadas are a healthier alternative to deep-fried options since we'll bake them to golden perfection. Here's why you'll love them.

What Is The Proper Way To Eat A Tostada?

Eating a tostada can be a delightful experience, but it can also be a messy one if not done properly. Here's the proper way to eat a tostada to ensure you enjoy every bite without making a mess:

Hold It Correctly. Pick up the tostada carefully, holding it with both hands. Ensure you have a firm grip to prevent it from breaking apart or the toppings from falling.
Tilt It. Tostadas are typically piled high with toppings, so it's essential to tilt it slightly toward your mouth to take a bite. This angle helps prevent the toppings from spilling out.
Take a Bite. Take a bite from the edge of the tostada, focusing on the portion that's easiest to reach without making a mess. Ensure you get a little bit of each layer in your bite for a balanced flavor.
Rotate and Repeat. As you eat, continue to rotate the tostada, taking bites from different sides. This approach ensures you evenly enjoy all the toppings and keeps the tostada intact.

Is A Tostada Just A Flat Taco?

Tacos and tostadas share some similarities in terms of ingredients and fillings. The way they are prepared, their texture, and the overall eating experience make them unique dishes in Mexican cuisine.

Tacos are assembled by placing fillings inside the tortilla, which is then folded or rolled. Tostadas are assembled by layering toppings onto the flat, crispy tortilla. The toppings often include beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and more.

What Are Tostadas Made Of?

Corn Tortilla Shells
Ground Beef
Refried Beans
Shredded Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onions
Cilantro
Sour Cream
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Salsa
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

How To Make A Tostada

Corn Tortillas. You'll need corn tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush each tortilla lightly with olive oil on one side.
Cook Tortillas. Place the tortillas, oiled side down, on the skillet. Cook until they become crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and let them cool.
Cook Ground Meat. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Season the meat with your preferred spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, for an authentic Mexican flavor.
Warm Refried Beans. In a separate saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat until warm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare Toppings. Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred the lettuce and cheese. Have your salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole ready for an extra kick.
Assemble Tostadas. Take a tostada shell and spread a generous layer of warm refried beans evenly on it. Add a portion of the cooked ground meat on top of the beans. Sprinkle shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and onions over the meat.
Add Toppings. Drizzle sour cream over the veggies and meat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Garnish and Serve. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you like it spicy, add salsa, hot sauce, or guacamole. Repeat the process with the remaining tostada shells.
Enjoy! Your homemade tostadas are ready to be devoured. Serve them fresh and crispy for the best taste and texture.

Tips And Tricks

Making tostadas is a delightful way to enjoy crispy, open-faced tacos. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make them delicious every time:

Use Corn Tortillas. Traditional tostadas are made with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas tend to yield a crisper texture than flour tortillas when fried.
Select the Right Size. Use small corn tortillas for individual tostadas or larger ones for a meal-sized portion.
Keep Toppings Light. Avoid overloading your tostada with heavy toppings, as this can make it challenging to eat. Keep the toppings balanced and manageable.
Serve Immediately. Tostadas are best when served immediately after frying. Assemble and serve them promptly to enjoy the crispy texture.

Variations

Tostadas are incredibly versatile, and you can create a wide variety of delicious variations to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for different styles and flavors:

Chicken Tostadas- Use shredded or diced cooked chicken seasoned with taco spices. Add lettuce, avocado, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Bean Tostadas- Spread refried beans on the tostada shell, and then add lettuce, diced onions, crumbled queso fresco, and a dash of hot sauce.
Seafood Tostadas- Use grilled shrimp, fish, or even ceviche as your protein. Top with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

What To Serve With Them

Tostadas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some popular options to consider serving with them:

Mexican Rice- Serve tostadas with a side of Mexican rice (arroz rojo) for a classic combination. The rice can be flavored with tomatoes, onions, and spices, and it complements the flavors of the tostadas.
Refried Beans- Refried beans, either as a side or spread on the tostada itself, add a creamy and savory element to the meal. You can top the beans with cheese for extra flavor.
Guacamole- Fresh guacamole is a fantastic accompaniment to tostadas. Its creamy texture and rich avocado flavor provide a nice contrast to the crispy tostada shell.
Salsa- Offer a variety of salsas, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja, for dipping or drizzling over the tostadas. Salsas add a burst of freshness and heat to the dish.
Sour Cream- A dollop of sour cream on top of the tostadas can help balance the flavors and provide a cooling effect, especially if your tostadas have spicy elements.

How Long Do They Last?

Prepared tostadas have a limited shelf life, especially since they involve ingredients like toppings, which can become less fresh over time.

If you need to store prepared tostadas for a short period, you can refrigerate them. In the refrigerator, they will typically stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.

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Whether you're cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a solo fiesta, these tostadas are sure to impress. Enjoy your flavorful journey into the heart of Mexican cuisine!

Easy Tostada Recipe | How To Make Tostadas