We recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the blog running. See our full disclosure here.
What to Do with Leftover Tostada Shells
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Snack Ideas
I have so many ideas on what to do with leftover tostada shells when you find yourself with a surplus. Whether you make a batch of tostadas or buy them at the store, you usually have a few leftovers.
It’s a common scenario – you’re left with a stack of crispy tostada shells after using them for one meal. And while they’re delicious for snacking, you are probably looking for creative ways to repurpose them. Well, you’re in luck!
Fried Tostada Shells
Create crispy and flavorful tostada shells at home using this fried method. Perfect for loading with your favorite toppings for a delicious and customizable meal.
Below, I categorize ideas into breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
But really, most of these options can be interchanged as meal types. We love a good breakfast for dinner! Add a fried egg to many of the recipes below and turn them into brunch.
Hopefully, these ideas for leftover tostada shells inspire you to get creative.
Dinner Ideas for Leftover Tostada Shells
Customizable Tostadas Recipe
Build your own tostada with layers of flavor with my customizable tostada recipe. It's perfect for using up leftover tostada shells and also offers endless topping possibilities.
Instead of tortillas, use tostadas in this classic southwestern King Ranch Chicken Casserole. Instead of the traditional canned soup, try my Bechamel Sauce recipe for a less processed version.
Pineapple House Rules Salsa Verde Chicken Tostada Casserole
Make your own tostada casserole by layering tostada shells in a baking dish with cooked meat, beans, cheese, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Then bake until heated through and the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and sour cream. This recipe uses salsa verde, crushed tostada, rotisserie chicken, pinto beans, sautéed onion, and cheese. Comfort food meets Tex-Mex.
Tostada Pizza -Use the tostada shells as a base for mini pizzas. Top them with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Crispy pizza is yours in about 5-10 minutes!
Tostada Nachos – First, arrange the tostada shells on a baking sheet. Then, top them with refried beans, cheese, jalapenos, and other nacho toppings you want. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. For more ideas on tostada nachos, see my loaded nachos recipe.
Avocado Tostada ‘Toast’ – Spread mashed avocado over a crispy tostada shell. Then, top with sliced tomatoes, pickled red onion or radish, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This creates a delicious and nutritious open-faced avocado toast with a crunchy twist. Turn this snack into a heartier breakfast or lunch option by adding a soft-boiled egg.
‘Chips’ and Salsa – Make a batch of various salsas. Prepare bean dips, queso, and avocados. Use the tostadas as chip options. This makes for a great party platter.
Loaded Nachos
An easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for dinner or game day parties. Customize with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Tostada Salad – Crush the tostada shells and sprinkle them over a salad for added crunch and flavor. They make a good alternative to croutons and add a unique Tex-Mex twist to your salad. You can also halve them or serve them at the bottom of a salad bowl.
Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Tostadas – Pack leftover tostada shells separately. Include toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and beans or cooked chicken in your kid’s lunchbox. Kids can assemble the tostadas at school for a fun, interactive lunch.
Tortilla Soup – Serve on the side and then break the tostada shells into bite-sized pieces. A great garnish for tortilla soup. They add crunch and texture.
Carls Bad Cravings Southwest Chicken Salad
Try tostadas crushed in this tantalizing southwest chicken salad. Grilled chicken is layered with lettuce, beans, veggies, pepitas, and a creamy southwestern ranch dressing.
The soup simmers in one pot and is on the table in under 30 minutes for a delicious, economical weeknight meal. Packed with chicken, veggies, and beans. Tostadas are perfect for topping this tortilla soup.
Chilaquiles – Broken/crushed leftover tostada shells serve as the base for chilaquiles. This is a traditional Mexican dish made with tortilla chips or, in this case, tostada shells. They are simmered in salsa and topped with cheese, eggs, and other toppings of your choice.
Breakfast Tostada – Top a tostada shell with refried black beans. Add a fried egg and avocados. A delicious and filling breakfast in mere minutes!
Huevos Rancheros or Divorciados: Use the leftover tostada shell instead of the traditional unfried corn tortilla. Top with refried beans and fried eggs. Smother with ranchero sauce—a savory tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. Enjoy this as a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. For Divorciados, make one with red sauce and one with a green sauce.
Love and Lemons Chilaquiles
Topped with fried eggs, these chilaquiles verdes are a delicious breakfast or brunch. Load them up with crema and fresh garnishes before digging in!
