Tostada Shells are the starting point for a so many delicious Mexican recipes… and homemade shells make ALL the difference! Made with just 3 simple ingredients, they’re crispy, fresh, and so much more sturdy than store bought. Once you try them… you’ll never go back!
If you’ve ever had an amazing tostada, you know that a good shell is EVERYTHING. Because without a good shell… the whole thing falls apart!
It’s a mistake I’ve made often… going with the store bought shells because I was short on time… and it’s a mistake I’ve regretted every single time. Especially when I know just how easy they are to make at home!
All you need is 3 simple ingredients – corn tortillas, cooking spray, and salt – and you’re 10 minutes away from the most crunchy, sturdy, flavorful tostada shells you’ve ever tasted. And ones that will never fall apart on you!
And best of all… they store well, too!
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🧂 Ingredients
Just 3 simple ingredients is all you need to make the BEST tostada shells you’ve ever had!
- 12 white corn tortillas
- cooking spray
- salt, to taste
📋 Instructions
The key to great tostadas is the shell… and the key to great shells is making sure they’re nice and crispy. Don’t be afraid to leave these in the oven until they’re browned and bubbled up… the crispier, the better!
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Spray both sides of tortillas generously with cooking spray. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake 5-7 minutes more, until tortillas are crispy.
🌶 Recipe variations
You can’t beat a classic tostada shell, but sometimes you might just want to add a little something fun. These are some of our favorite ideas for jazzing up your shells!
- Use yellow corn tortillas instead of white corn tortillas
- Brush tortillas lightly with oil in place of cooking spray
- Sprinkle with seasonings, such as garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, or cayenne
- Sprinkle with cheese before baking
- Squeeze fresh lime juice onto tortillas before baking
- Adjust the crispiness by baking for more or less time
🌡 Make-ahead & storage tips
Tostada shells are easy to store, so I often make a bunch in advance and save them for a quick and easy dinner option. Shells should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. A large, tightly sealed Ziploc bag works well.
🌮 How to use tostada shells
Tostada shells are typically used as a base for homemade Tostadas, and can be eaten with a variety of toppings for any meal. They can also be broken and eaten like chips with dip. Here are some of our favorite recipes that could easily be converted into a fun tostada:
- Shrimp Tacos
- Fish Tacos
- BLT Chicken Nachos
- Bacon Jalapeño Nachos
- Loaded Chicken Quesadillas
- Crab Cake Quesadillas
- Chicken Flautas
🥑 Tostada toppings
No tostada is complete without ALL the toppings! We love loading ours up with beans, meat, cheese, and any of these favorites:
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Fresh Corn Salsa
- Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Homemade Queso
- Pineapple Guacamole
- Pineapple Salsa
Tostada Shells
Ingredients
- 12 white corn tortillas
- cooking spray
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Spray both sides of tortillas generously with cooking spray. Place them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then flip and bake 5-7 minutes more, until tortillas are crispy.
Nutrition
Have you done these with cinnamon sugar instead of salt? I am trying to get away from the salt & from deep fat frying them for cinnamon sugar ones? Thanx ss
You could try it! I have done cinnamon sugar on flour tortillas vs. corn. 🙂