Chalupas
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Today’s recipe for chalupas is one of those speedy meals for busy nights. You can still get dinner on the table without stopping at a fast food chain. This will also help your pocketbook. It is a fairly inexpensive meal. Dinner couldn’t be easier. This would be excellent to serve tonight if you have sports practice or games going on.
I found this version of Chalupas over a Recipe Girl. It’s very similar to a tostada. This version is made by crisping some flour tortillas in the oven with nonstick cooking spray. I think these would also be really yummy made with crock pot refried beans.
Ingredients to Make Chalupas
- FLOUR TORTILLAS
- REFRIED BEANS
- CHEDDAR CHEESE (CHEDDAR/JACK BLEND)
- LETTUCE
- FRESH TOMATO (OR SALSA)
- SOUR CREAM
- AVOCADO (OR GUACAMOLE)
How to Make Chalupas
Begin by preheating your oven’s broiler. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the tortillas don’t stick. Place four tortillas on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re evenly spaced so they cook uniformly. Pop the baking sheet on the center rack of your oven.
Broil the tortillas for about 4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The key here is to get the tortillas crisp without letting them burn, so it’s important to stay nearby and check on them frequently. Depending on your oven, the tortillas can go from perfectly crispy to overly browned in a matter of seconds, so watch them carefully. You’re looking for a light golden color and a bit of crispness. This will form the perfect base for your chalupas.
Add the Toppings:
Once the tortillas are lightly crisped, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip each tortilla over so the crispy side is now facing down. This step helps ensure that both sides of the tortilla achieve that delightful crunch. Next, evenly spread ¼ cup of refried beans over each tortilla, using the back of a spoon to smooth it out to the edges. The beans will provide a hearty, flavorful layer that’s essential to any good chalupa.
After spreading the beans, sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese over each tortilla. For the best flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Make sure the cheese is spread evenly so every bite has that perfect cheesy goodness.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil the chalupas for another few minutes until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and slightly brown. This step melts the cheese and helps crisp up the tortillas even more, giving you that perfect chalupa texture. Again, keep a close watch to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
Serve with Toppings:
Remove the chalupas from the oven once the cheese is melted and the tortillas are perfectly crisp. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot. To finish off your chalupas, top each one with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a scoop of salsa, a dollop of sour cream, and slices of avocado or a spoonful of guacamole. The fresh toppings add a delicious contrast to the warm, cheesy base, making each bite a flavorful combination of textures and tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry the tortillas instead of broiling them?
Yes, you can fry the tortillas if you prefer a more traditional approach. Heat oil in a skillet and fry each tortilla until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Drain them on paper towels before adding the toppings. Frying gives the chalupas a rich, crunchy texture.
Can I make chalupas ahead of time?
Preparing the chalupas fresh is best, as the tortillas can lose their crispness if made too far in advance. However, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time and assemble the chalupas just before serving. If you need to reheat them, place them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Chalupas are highly customizable, and you can add a variety of toppings based on your preferences. For example, you can add seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, queso fresco, or black beans. You can also experiment with different sauces, like salsa verde or hot sauce, to change the flavor profile.
Are chalupas gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas, chalupas can be gluten-free. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure that any toppings or sauces you add are also gluten-free.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Chalupas
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 flour tortillas 6-inch
- 2 cups refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or cheddar/jack blend
- 2 cups or more finely chopped lettuce
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomato or salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. On a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, place 4 tortillas on the baking sheet and heat on the center rack in the oven for 4 minutes (keep an eye out so they don’t burn or brown too quickly!)
- Remove the from oven and turn the tortillas over. Spread each tortilla with ¼ cup refried beans and top with ¼ cup cheese. Bake until the cheese is hot and bubbling and the tortillas are crisp, 5 to 7 more minutes (again, keep an eye on them!) Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Serve immediately, topping each tortilla with lettuce, tomato/salsa, sour cream and avocado/guacamole. Serves 8.
Nutrition
Recipe is adapted from Recipe Girl.
This is the original photo from this post when it was first posted in November 2010.
