Breakfast Tostadas

When it comes to starting your day with a delicious and vibrant breakfast, tostadas can offer a delightful twist on traditional morning meals. Breakfast tostadas are crispy corn tortillas piled high with a variety of savory toppings, making them the perfect fusion of textures and flavors. They can be adapted to suit a range of preferences—whether you’re craving a hearty, protein-packed dish or a lighter, veggie-filled option.

What Are Tostadas?

Tostadas, a traditional Mexican dish, are crisp, flat tortillas usually topped with beans, cheese, meats, vegetables, and salsas. For breakfast tostadas, the toppings are often modified to incorporate morning favorites like eggs, avocado, and fresh herbs. The base remains the same—fried or baked tortillas that are golden, crispy, and capable of holding a generous amount of toppings.

Why Choose Breakfast Tostadas?

1. Versatile: You can tailor them to suit dietary preferences, from vegetarian to meat-lover versions. You can also adjust the toppings to match what you have in your pantry.
2. Nutritious: Packed with protein (thanks to eggs and beans), fiber, and healthy fats, they provide a balanced meal that will keep you full and energized.
3. Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, breakfast tostadas can be made in under 20 minutes.
4. Fun & Customizable: The range of toppings lets everyone personalize their tostada just the way they like it.

Ingredients

Here are some staple ingredients to get you started:

• Tostada Base: You can use store-bought tostada shells or make your own by frying or baking corn tortillas until crispy.
• Protein: Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs are a common choice. Black beans, refried beans, or cooked chorizo can be added for extra protein.
• Healthy Fats: Slices of avocado or a dollop of guacamole add creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
• Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes, onions, spinach, and peppers offer crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to top with fresh cilantro.
• Cheese: Cotija, queso fresco, or shredded cheddar add a creamy, savory element.
• Salsa or Hot Sauce: For that extra kick, drizzle your tostadas with salsa verde, pico de gallo, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Optional Extras: Sour cream, jalapeños, pickled onions, and radishes can give your breakfast tostadas an additional layer of complexity.

How to Make Breakfast Tostadas

Step 1: Prepare the Tostada Shells

• If using corn tortillas, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry them in hot oil until crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

• Scramble or fry eggs to your desired consistency. If you’re adding beans, warm them in a small saucepan or skillet. Chorizo or bacon can also be cooked alongside.

Step 3: Assemble the Tostadas

• Spread a layer of beans on the crispy tostada shell.
• Add your cooked eggs and top with avocado slices or guacamole.
• Sprinkle cheese, fresh vegetables, and herbs on top.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

• Drizzle with salsa or hot sauce. Add a spoonful of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra tang.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve immediately while the tostada shell is still crispy. Pair with a side of fresh fruit, a cup of coffee, or even a mimosa for a leisurely brunch.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian: Use scrambled tofu or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Add refried black beans, avocado, and fresh salsa.
2. Spicy Chorizo Tostadas: Cook up spicy chorizo sausage and pair it with fried eggs, black beans, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.
3. Huevos Rancheros Tostadas: Top with fried eggs, salsa roja, and queso fresco for a classic Mexican breakfast feel.
4. Avocado-Lover’s Tostadas: Use mashed avocado as the base and load it up with fried eggs, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Tips

• Crispy Shells: If you’re making your own tostada shells, ensure they are crispy enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.
• Layering: To prevent sogginess, layer the ingredients strategically. For example, putting the beans as the first layer helps create a barrier between the tortilla and wetter ingredients like salsa or eggs.
• Quick Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper when toasting tortillas for easier cleanup.

Nutritional Breakdown for 1 Breakfast Tostada:

Breakdown of Key Ingredients:

• Tostada shell (1): 60–100 kcal, 2–4 g fat, 10–15 g carbs, 1–2 g protein
• Scrambled egg (1 large): 70–80 kcal, 5 g fat, 1 g carbs, 6–7 g protein
• Black beans (1/4 cup): 60–70 kcal, 0 g fat, 13 g carbs, 4 g protein
• Avocado (1/4 medium): 60 kcal, 5 g fat, 3 g carbs, 1 g protein
• Cotija cheese (1 tbsp): 20–30 kcal, 2 g fat, 1 g carbs, 1–2 g protein
• Salsa (2 tbsp): 10–15 kcal, 0 g fat, 3 g carbs, 0 g protein

Nutritional Benefits:

• Protein: Eggs and beans provide good protein content to support muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber: Black beans and avocado are rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and keeps you full longer.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins & Minerals: This meal provides a good dose of vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, and iron, which support various bodily functions, including immune health, bone strength, and oxygen transport in the blood.

Customization Tips:

• For lower calories, use egg whites and reduce the amount of cheese.
• For higher protein, add an extra egg or more beans.
• To reduce sodium, choose low-sodium salsa and beans.