
Mini sheet pan tostadas are my secret for quick weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike. Street taco-sized tortillas get baked until crisp and then piled high with beans, juicy rotisserie chicken, and melty cheese. Just add a few fresh toppings and you have a platter that disappears fast.
The first time I made these tostadas was for my kids’ birthday party and they vanished before I could grab a second one. Since then they have become my go-to for both quick dinners and party snacks.
Ingredients
- Street taco corn tortillas: about four inches wide look for fresh smelling pliable tortillas so they turn crisp not brittle
- Vegetable or canola oil: this is brushed on for golden crunch use a neutral oil for best flavor
- Refried beans: choose traditional canned beans for convenience I prefer pinto over black for a classic taste
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: go for breast meat that is moist and pull it into bite-size pieces for better topping distribution
- Shredded cheese: sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and add flavor
- Sour cream: brings creamy coolness on top
- Red onion: for sharpness and color
- Cilantro leaves: fresh and bright they wake up the whole bite
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: pick firm and sweet ones slice small for easy topping
- Hot sauce: choose a zippy classic like Cholula or your favorite for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup then set the oven to four hundred fifty degrees F so it is fully heated by the time you are ready to bake
- Crisp the Tortillas:
- Using a pastry brush cover both sides of each tortilla thoroughly with oil arrange on the baking sheet as close as needed since they shrink a bit while baking bake for nine to ten minutes until they feel firm but are not browned or totally crisp let them rest for about five minutes so they can finish crisping as they cool
- Load with Beans Chicken and Cheese:
- Flip the tortillas over and evenly spread each one with a layer of refried beans then add a layer of shredded chicken sprinkle generously with cheese covering all the way to the edges
- Second Bake:
- Return the loaded tortillas to the oven and bake for another five to six minutes the beans and chicken will heat through and cheese will completely melt when you pull them out let them sit for a minute or two to set
- Add the Toppings:
- Finish each mini tostada with a small dollop of sour cream a little diced red onion two pieces of cherry tomato pressed into the sour cream and some fresh cilantro each bite should look colorful and inviting
- Serve:
- Transfer tostadas to a big platter and offer hot sauce alongside for anyone who likes extra heat

Tostadas are best right after baking but you can keep assembled ones in the fridge for up to two days They will soften a bit but a quick pass under the broiler refreshes the crispiness Store toppings like sour cream and veggies separately and add just before eating
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use black beans instead of pinto for a deeper taste Leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey also works well Colby Jack or pepper jack cheese can replace Monterey Jack if you want a little bit more bite
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer for casual gatherings or game days You can turn them into a build-your-own tostada bar with bowls of different toppings Give everyone a chance to customize their own
Cultural Context
Tostadas are beloved throughout Mexico and come in all sizes and styles This mini version is inspired by the street-food scene where snackable crispy bites are always in demand They bring that festive feel right to your home even on a busy weeknight
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → How do you keep the mini tostadas crispy?
Bake the tortillas until just crisp, let them rest briefly, and avoid adding wet toppings until serving.
- → Can I use other types of tortillas?
Corn tortillas provide classic flavor, but flour tortillas can also work, though texture will differ.
- → What is the best cheese for mini tostadas?
A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and adds great flavor, but any meltable cheese works.
- → Can I prepare toppings ahead of time?
Yes, prep garnishes in advance and assemble just before serving for best freshness and crunch.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
Simply omit the chicken and add more beans, sautéed vegetables, or grilled corn for a vegetarian version.