Cheese Options For Tostadas: The Best Toppings

Tostadas are a popular dish in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. They are made by frying or toasting corn tortillas, which are then topped with a variety of ingredients. While there are many ways to top a tostada, one of the most common ingredients is cheese. But what kind of cheese do you put on a tostada?

What is a tostada?

A tostada is a Mexican or Guatemalan dish based on a toasted tortilla. The tortilla is usually made of corn, but wheat or other ingredients can also be used. It is either flat or bowl-shaped and is deep-fried or toasted until golden, rigid, and crunchy.

Tostadas can be consumed alone or used as a base for other foods. When used as a base, they are topped with a variety of ingredients, such as beans, cheese, sour cream, chopped lettuce, sliced onions, salsa, and meat or seafood. They are often compared to open-faced sandwiches or described as flattened tacos.

Tostadas can be baked or fried at home, but they are also available as ready-made shells in stores. When preparing tostadas, it is important to assemble, cook, and eat them quickly to prevent the ingredients from softening the base.

Tostadas are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are a popular menu item in Mexican restaurants and can be easily customised with various toppings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

What cheese is traditionally used on tostadas?

Tostadas are a Mexican dish that can be topped with a variety of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. While there is no single traditional cheese used on tostadas, there are several popular options.

Queso fresco is a common choice and is often crumbled over tostadas throughout Mexico. It is a mild, salty, and crumbly cheese that can be substituted with feta. Cotija cheese is another popular option and is also crumbly with a salty flavour. It can be substituted with parmesan. For a melty cheese, shredded cheddar is a good option and is classic in taco shops. Other shredded cheeses can also be used, such as Monterrey Jack or mozzarella.

When making tostadas, it is typical to spread refried beans over the tostada shell first, followed by the cheese and other desired toppings.

What other toppings are used on tostadas?

Tostadas are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of toppings. The base of a tostada is a toasted or deep-fried corn tortilla, which is then piled high with various toppings. Here are some popular topping options:

Beans

Refried beans are a classic choice for tostadas. You can use canned refried beans or make your own. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can blend cooked pinto beans until smooth. Beans provide a creamy texture and a hearty base for your tostada.

Meat

You can top your tostada with any type of meat you prefer, such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork. You can also use leftover meat, making it a great option for using up leftovers.

Vegetables

Lettuce, avocado, radishes, cilantro, and jalapeños are all popular choices for adding a fresh crunch to your tostada. You can also include a slaw mix or pickled red onions for some extra flavour and texture.

Cheese

Cheese is an optional but popular topping for tostadas. Traditional Mexican cheeses like cotija or queso fresco are commonly used, but any type of shredded cheese will work. If you can't find Mexican cheese, feta or cheddar cheese can be good substitutes.

Sauces and Condiments

Sour cream or Mexican crema adds a creamy tanginess to your tostada. You can also include salsa, pico de gallo, or hot sauce for some extra flavour and spice.

Tostadas are a fun and versatile dish that can be customised to your liking. You can get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite!

What are some alternatives to traditional tostada cheese?

While cotija is the traditional cheese used on tostadas, there are plenty of alternatives you can use instead.

If you're looking for a substitute that's similar to cotija, you can try another Mexican cheese such as queso fresco, panela, doble crema, or Oaxaca. These cheeses have similar taste profiles and textures to cotija, so they'll work well on your tostada. If you can't get your hands on any of these, feta cheese is a common alternative, as its salty, crumbly texture is comparable to that of cotija.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you could also experiment with other types of cheese. Some people suggest using Monterrey Jack, cheddar, or even Parmesan cheese on their tostadas. As one person commented, "any kind of salty cheese, shredded or crumbled" will work. So, if you're feeling creative, don't be afraid to try something new!

How do you make tostadas?

How to Make Tostadas

Ingredients

Tostadas are a versatile Mexican dish that can be served as a main course, appetizer, or snack. They are typically made with the following ingredients:

• Tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
• Refried beans (pinto or black)
• Meat (ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork)
• Lettuce (shredded)
• Avocado (ripe, thinly sliced or chopped) or guacamole
• Cheese (traditionally cotija, but any type of shredded cheese works)
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Pico de gallo, salsa, or salsa verde
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparing the Tostada Shells

You can either buy pre-made tostada shells or make your own. Here's how to make them:

• Baked Tostada Shells: Spray corn tortillas on both sides with oil-based cooking spray. Lay the tortillas on a greased sheet pan and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until crispy.
• Fried Tostada Shells: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet. Fry one corn tortilla at a time, flipping halfway until lightly golden brown. Place the fried tostada on paper towels to absorb excess oil, then sprinkle with salt and let cool.

Assembling the Tostadas

Once you have your shells ready, it's time to assemble the tostadas:

• Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the tostada shell.
• Add a small spoonful of your chosen meat, such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork.
• Top with lettuce, cheese, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce (if using).
• Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations

• Tostadas are highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings.
• You can make them ahead of time by prepping and storing the components separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply rewarm the meat and beans and assemble.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the meat or replace it with carne asada, seafood, or strips of cilantro lime chicken.
• If you want to replace the refried beans, you can use hummus, sour cream, or spicy guacamole as a base.
• Traditional tostada cheeses include cotija and queso fresco, but any shredded cheese will work.
• Tostadas are typically eaten with your hands, like a pizza. They can be a little messy, so it's best to serve them over plates with a fork to scoop up any toppings that fall off.

Frequently asked questions