- Looking for a fun dinner that'll make everyone happy? These tostadas are my family's favorite Mexican night treat! Think crispy corn tortillas loaded with warm beans melty cheese creamy avocado and whatever toppings make you smile. They're like tacos but easier to load up with all the good stuff. Plus everyone can build their own just how they like it!
What's A Tostada?
- Think of tostadas as mini edible plates made from crispy corn tortillas. They're basically open-faced tacos that you can pile sky high with goodies. I love how versatile they are throw on some beans cheese salsa whatever you've got in the fridge. Want chicken? Go for it! Fish? Perfect! Just veggies? They're amazing too!
Let's Get Cooking
- Get Those Beans Ready
- Start with warming up your refried beans. Want them extra tasty? Add a splash of water and if you're feeling fancy a little bacon fat or cheese makes them incredible.
- Prep Your Tortillas
- Pop your corn tortillas in a warm oven about 250°F for 10 minutes. This helps them fry up perfect and crispy.
- Frying Time
- Get your oil nice and hot then fry each tortilla until golden about 30 seconds each side. They should be crispy but not burnt!
- Build Your Beauty
- Spread those warm beans on your crispy tortilla then go wild with toppings! Layer on lettuce tomatoes cheese avocado whatever makes you happy.
What You Need
- Corn Tortillas: The base of our masterpiece.
- Refried Beans: Canned works but homemade's amazing.
- Fresh Stuff: Lettuce tomatoes avocados cilantro.
- Cheese Options: Any Mexican cheese works great.
- The Spicy Bits: Your favorite salsa and jalapeños.
My Best Tips
- Grab the thicker tortillas they hold up better under all those toppings. Want to switch things up? Skip the beans and start with guacamole instead. Just remember save the wet stuff like salsa and sour cream for last keeps everything crispy longer!
Serving Tips
- Make it fun! Set up all your toppings in bowls let everyone build their own. Keep those extra shells warm in the oven they stay crispy at 250°F. If you've got leftovers store everything separate the shells can go crispy again with a quick pop in the oven.
More Mexican Favorites
- Love Mexican food? Try making fresh pico de gallo for your tostadas. My chicken tortilla soup's perfect for chilly nights and don't get me started on carne asada! Once you start cooking Mexican at home you won't want to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I keep tortillas crispy?
Dry in oven first, fry in hot oil until stiff.
- Can I use store-bought shells?
Yes, just warm briefly in oven first.
- Why dry tortillas first?
Helps them fry better and crispier.
- How do I eat a tostada?
Like pizza, with both hands, don't overload.
- How hot should oil be?
Hot enough to make bubbles form immediately.