
Build the Perfect Tostada Bar
When it comes to feeding a crowd, few things are more fun, interactive, and delicious than a DIY tostada bar. Whether you’re celebrating Mexican Heritage Month, hosting a football tailgate, or gathering family and friends for a cozy fall get-together, tostadas are the perfect way to bring people together around the table.
And the star of your tostada bar? El Ranchava® Tostadas – made from an authentic Mexican recipe, naturally gluten-free, and always perfectly crunchy to hold your favorite toppings.

Step 1: Pick Your Base
Not all tostadas are created equal, which is why El Ranchava® offers three authentic varieties so every guest can find their favorite:
- Regular Tostadas – Sturdy and crisp, perfect for building stacked creations loaded with beans, meats, cheese, and veggies.
- Rancheras – With a fun, wavy shape, these add texture and style while still giving you that crunch that holds up.
- Botaneras – Bite-sized tostadas that are great for kids, samplers, or lighter snacking alongside dips.
Pro tip: offer all three so guests can mix and match!
Step 2: Layer the Flavors
Tostadas are all about creativity, so think in layers:
- Spread the base – refried beans, guacamole, or a layer of Mexican crema.
- Add your protein – shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, carnitas, or grilled veggies for a vegetarian option.
- Top with fresh flavors – lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, radishes, and jalapeños.
- Finish with extras – shredded cheese, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Encourage guests to experiment – from classic combinations to unique flavor pairings, every tostada becomes a personalized masterpiece.
Step 3: Create the Atmosphere
A tostada bar isn’t just about the food – it’s about the celebration.
- For football season and tailgating, serve tostadas with bold toppings like spicy chili or buffalo chicken.
- For Mexican Heritage Month, highlight traditional favorites such as nopales, chorizo, or mole.
- For fall gatherings, incorporate seasonal toppings like roasted squash or corn salsa.
Set up a colorful table with bowls of toppings, bright serving platters, and plenty of napkins (because the best tostadas get a little messy!).
Step 4: Keep It Simple & Fun
Because El Ranchava® Tostadas are made with simple, gluten-free ingredients passed down through generations, you can feel good about sharing them with everyone. They’re light, crisp, and built to hold all your toppings without falling apart.
Your guests get the fun of building their own tostadas, and you get the ease of a no-stress meal that feeds a crowd.
Conclusion
No matter the occasion – family dinner, game day, or a heritage celebration – an El Ranchava Tostada Bar is the perfect centerpiece. With Regular, Rancheras, and Botaneras, you can serve up tradition, flavor, and fun in every crunchy bite.
So gather your toppings, invite your friends, and get ready to crunch into the authentic taste of El Ranchava®.