Tostaguac Bliss: A Delicious Twist on Your Favorite Snack

Tostaguac cravings hit hard, right? You’re standing at the fridge, debating between boring leftovers or another night of chips and salsa. But then—aha! Why not switch it up with something fun, crunchy, and loaded with flavor? The first time I tried tostaguac, I was honestly just hungry and wanted something different from the same old tacos.

Turns out, this crunchy creation is a mashup of my favorite things, and sneaky simple. If you’ve also wondered what else you can do with that bag of tostadas, you’re in the right place. For those baking their own taco shells, check out my favorite trick in my homemade tacos post, and if you’re dying for more ways to use avocados, scope out my quick and easy guacamole hack.

How to Make Tostaguac

Making tostaguac is shockingly easy. Seriously, when friends pop by and I need to whip up a quick snack that looks impressive, this is my go-to. Here’s my kinda wonky method: I lay out store-bought tostadas (I’ve made my own too, but, let’s be real, sometimes nobody’s got time for that). Pile on a generous scoop of guacamole—don’t be shy! The messier, the better.

Next, I toss on shredded lettuce, sprinkle on chopped tomatoes, and maybe add a few dollops of sour cream. If you want to get wild, throw on diced onions or some jalapeño slices for a little zing. Cheese? Yes, please. Grated or crumbled both work. Final touch: just a hint of salt and maybe a squirt of lime. Voila. A plate of tostaguac that disappears fast. (My nephew calls it “taco pizza,” which is… not quite right, but kind of true.)

One tip from me: serve right away, because soggy tostadas are sad tostadas. I learned that the hard way during movie night—RIP crunch.

Key Ingredients for Tostaguac

Let’s talk ingredients. Every family in my neighborhood seems to do theirs a little differently, but the basics don’t really change. You’ll need corn tostadas—those flat, crispy beauties. Guacamole is the star, so use good, ripe avocados if you can.

Here’s my short list for a classic take:

• Corn tostadas (store-bought or homemade, your call)
• Guacamole (homemade is best, with chunky tomato and onion, but the store stuff isn’t the end of the world)
• Chopped lettuce (I like iceberg for crunch, but try romaine for something bigger)
• Diced tomatoes (for a pop of color)
• Sour cream (for that cool, creamy bite)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija if you’re fancy)
• Jalapeños or onions, optional for heat and zip

If you want to dip your toes in a more authentic direction, try adding a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a good squeeze of lime. You can use what’s in the fridge and no one will judge you—the tostaguac police are on vacation.

A friend once asked me, “Isn’t it just a taco on a tostada?” Sort of, but guac is the MVP here,
making it crazier good.

Tips for Making the Perfect Guacamole

Let’s get you sorted with proper guac, yeah? Don’t overthink it. The best guacamole for tostaguac is fresh, chunky, and not too runny. Trust me, I’ve tried smooth guac for this dish—just slides right off and makes chaos.

Start with soft-ripe avocados (the kind that give a little when you poke them). Mash them with a fork, leaving behind some bigger bits—texture is your friend! Mix in diced tomato, chopped onions, jalapeño for a whisper of heat, lime juice, salt, and some fresh cilantro if you want. That’s it.

My aunt always adds garlic, but I can’t decide if that’s genius or criminal—test your own taste buds. Oh! Always taste as you go. Avocados are moody (just like me waiting for the oven to preheat).

“I followed your guacamole tips and now my tostaguac is gone before it even hits the table. Even my picky teenager gobbled it up. Lifesaver!”
— Jenny B.

Serving Suggestions for Tostaguac

Here’s how I love to serve it up so it becomes the star at any get-together or “what’s for dinner” moment:

• Stack the tostaguac high for dramatic effect—you eat with your eyes first!
• Add a side of Mexican rice or simple refried beans if you want a meal (leftover rice works wonders).
• Serve with a big pitcher of cold lemonade or your favorite salsa on the side.
• Cut tostadas in half for perfectly dippable party snacks.

Tostaguac is basically an open-ended invitation to have fun with your food. Don’t stress about fancy plating—just keep napkins handy.

Variations of Tostaguac

Let’s be real, the classic version is unbeatable, but if you’re like me and need a twist now and then, try this. Swap iceberg lettuce for arugula if you want a deeper bite. Go for blue corn tostadas for a change in color (my kids freaked out over the “blue chips”).

Looking for protein? Toss shredded rotisserie chicken or even some black beans on top. My cousin makes hers vegan with just veggies and creamy cashew sauce—kind of a flavor bomb. Sometimes I sneak in roasted corn or lightly pickled onions and feel like a five-star chef (in my own kitchen, anyway).

And if you’re out of tostadas, honestly just pile those toppings on tortilla chips. Tostaguac nachos. It’s a thing. Try it.

Common Questions

Do tostaguac get soggy quickly?
Yes, kind of! That’s why I say serve them fresh and fast. If you’re prepping for a crowd, keep guacamole and toppings ready, then assemble right before eating.

Can you make tostaguac ahead of time?
Only sorta. You can prep all ingredients in advance, but don’t put them together until you’re ready to eat. No one wants limp tostadas.

What’s the best guacamole for tostaguac?
Chunky, fresh, and with just a little lime. Skip over-processing so it sticks to the tostada.

Can you add meat or beans?
Absolutely. Chicken, ground beef, or beans all go great. Build your perfect snack.

Are tostaguac gluten-free?
Usually, yes, since most tostadas are made from 100% corn. Just check the package if it matters to you.

Give Tostaguac a Go—You’ll Thank Yourself

If you’re craving something different, tostaguac just hits the spot—no lie. You can tweak it a million ways and everyone at the table gets what they like. For more inspiration, check out a classic Tostaguac | Senor Villa menu version or get hands-on with these Tostaguac (Guacamole Tostadas) ideas. And if you want to see more ways locals are serving it up, browse this Tostaguac – Menu – Los Rios for flavor combos that’ll rock your kitchen. Seriously, make this once and good luck going back to regular chips and guac—life’s too short for boring snacks.