Turn your dinner dreams into a reality, and learn how to make tostadas in the oven or stovetop with these easy tips and tricks. If you enjoy this article, learn how to heat corn tortillas next!
What is a Tostada?
Tostadas are crisp, flat tortillas used as an edible base for toppings. When buying them, look for fresh tostadas that are flat and crisp, or learn these fast, fuss-free methods for how to make tostadas at home.
What Do You Cook Tostadas On?
The materials you need to prepare tostadas from scratch depends on the method you choose. For fried tostadas, use a griddle or nonstick, cast-iron, or stainless steel skillet. For baked tostadas, all you need is a baking sheet and foil.
How to Make Tostadas
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
For Oven Baked Tostadas:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Set tortillas onto the foil and poke them with a fork in several places.
Step 2: Brush both sides with oil. Bake for 4 minutes.
Step 3: Flip and bake for 4 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
For Fried Tostadas:
Step 1: Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Then, warm ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Poke the tortillas with a fork in several places, and once the oil is smoking, add the corn tortilla and cook for 25-35 seconds.
Step 3: Flip and cook the other side for about 5-10 seconds.
Step 4: Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Expert Tips
- For perfectly crispy pan-fried tostadas, it’s best to allow them to dry on a wire rack or blot them with paper towels after cooking.
- When preparing tostadas on the stovetop in oil, you should prepare the corn tortillas individually – one at a time.
- To ensure the tostadas retain their warmth, transfer them to a cloth or a tortilla keeper.
If you love this recipe, pair them with one of these dinner favorites!
Serving Suggestions
You might have a meal planned already, or perhaps you need some inspiration for how to use tostadas, so here are a few suggestions! For even more ideas, try one of these ideas for what to eat with tostadas.
- Salsas: Pico de Gallo, Chunky Salsa, Mango Pico de Gallo
- Ceviche: Ceviche de Camaron Tostada
- Soup: Pozole
- Toppings: Refried Beans, Shredded Beef, Shredded Chicken, Mexican Rice
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to fry corn tortillas to make tostadas?
For best results, fry corn tortillas for 30-45 seconds, flip, and cook them for 5-10 seconds to get them crispy and ready for your meal.
What’s the best oil for frying corn tortillas?
I use avocado oil because of its high smoking point, making it perfect for frying. But use what you have on hand.
What’s the proper way to eat a tostada?
Tostadas are a mess – that’s how it is. The juices will drip all down your hands, the tostada will break, and the toppings with fall off. It’s all a part of the experience, so go for it. And the best part? Just break another tostada and scoop up the leftover toppings on your plate.
How to Make Tostadas
- Aluminum Foil
- Tortilla Keeper or Cloth
- 10 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup avocado oil
For Oven Baked Tostadas:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Set tortillas onto the foil and poke them with a fork in several places.
- Brush both sides with oil. Bake for 4 minutes, flip, and bake for 4 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
For Fried Tostadas:
- Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Then, warm ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Poke the tortillas with a fork in several places, and once the oil is smoking, add the corn tortilla and cook for 30-45 seconds. Flip and cook the other side for about 5-10 seconds.
- Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- For perfectly crispy pan-fried tostadas, it’s best to allow them to dry on a wire rack or blot them with paper towels after cooking.
- When preparing tostadas on the stovetop in oil, you should prepare the corn tortillas individually – one at a time.
- To ensure the tostadas retain their warmth, transfer them to a cloth or a tortilla keeper.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.