The Crispy Homemade Shortcut That Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Why buy packaged tostada shells when you can make perfectly crispy, golden oven-baked tostadas in just 10 minutes?
These homemade tostada shells are lighter, crunchier, and way better for you than frying — and they’re the perfect base for taco night, quick dinners, or build-your-own tostada bars.
Minimal ingredients. Maximum crunch.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in 13 minutes
✔ Healthier than fried tostadas
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Customizable toppings
✔ Naturally gluten-free
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Servings: 6 tostadas
- Course: Dinner / Lunch
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, avocado, etc.) or cooking spray
- Pinch of salt
Topping Ideas
- Refried beans
- Shredded chicken
- Ground beef
- Carnitas
- Lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado
How to Make Oven Baked Tostada Shells
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2️⃣ Prepare Tortillas
Place tortillas in a single layer (no overlapping).
Lightly brush both sides with oil.
Sprinkle with salt.
3️⃣ Bake
Bake for 8 minutes total.
Flip halfway through cooking.
They should be golden brown and lightly crisp.
4️⃣ Cool
Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray.
They’ll crisp even more as they cool
5️⃣ Top & Serve
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for Extra Crisp
- Use a wire rack to avoid flipping
- Don’t over-oil (light brush only)
- Bake in batches if needed
- Let cool fully before storing
Pork Substitutions for Toppings
If avoiding pork:
- Shredded chicken
- Ground turkey
- Beef
- Black beans
- Lentils
- Plant-based taco crumbles
Easy Tostada Bar Idea
Set out:
- Beans
- Meat
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Let everyone build their own!
Perfect for parties and family dinners.
Nutrition (Per Shell Only)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 77 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 12mg |
Ten Minute Oven Baked Tostadas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Arrange tortillas in a single layer and bake for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and cool completely to crisp up further. Add desired toppings before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Ten Minute Oven Baked Tostadas are the easiest way to upgrade taco night. They’re crispy, quick, healthier than fried, and endlessly customizable.
Once you try homemade… you won’t go back to store-bought.