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Flavorful Antojitos Party Table with Mini Tostadas and Agua Fresca Bar

Mini Tostadas and Agua Fresca Bar - featured image

A festive and customizable party spread featuring crispy mini corn tostadas with a variety of fresh toppings and a refreshing agua fresca bar, perfect for casual gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas (small, about 4 inches)
  • Vegetable oil or corn oil for frying
  • Sea salt
  • Refried beans (canned or homemade)
  • Shredded cooked chicken or carnitas, seasoned with cumin and chili powder
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Finely chopped red onion
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Jalapeño slices, seeded or whole
  • Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa verde or pico de gallo
  • Fresh fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, or pineapple, chopped
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Sugar or agave syrup
  • Filtered water or sparkling water
  • Mint leaves (optional)
  • Cucumber slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350°F). Carefully place the small corn tortillas one at a time into the oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown. Use tongs to flip them gently. Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with sea salt while still hot.
  2. Warm the refried beans over low heat in a small pot until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  3. Toss shredded chicken or carnitas with a pinch of cumin, chili powder, and salt. Warm briefly in a microwave or pan if desired.
  4. Dice tomatoes and red onions finely, chop cilantro, slice jalapeños, and cut avocado just before serving to keep fresh.
  5. In a blender, combine about 2 cups (7 oz) chopped fresh fruit, 4 cups (32 fl oz) filtered water, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons sugar or agave syrup. Blend until smooth and strain if preferred.
  6. Arrange mini tostadas on a large platter. Place bowls of refried beans, chicken, diced veggies, jalapeños, avocado, salsas, and cheeses around them. Pour blended fruit water into pitchers or dispensers and add optional mint and cucumber slices for customization.
  7. Encourage guests to build their tostadas starting with a mini tostada, spreading refried beans, adding protein, fresh veggies, cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Sip agua fresca between bites.

Notes

Salt the mini tostadas immediately after frying for best flavor and crunch. Warm refried beans low and slow to avoid burning. Slice avocado just before serving or toss in lime juice to prevent browning. Fry tortillas in batches and keep warm in a low oven if needed. For a healthier option, bake tortillas at 400°F for 8–10 minutes instead of frying. Store fried tostadas at room temperature in an airtight container to keep crisp. Reheat tostadas in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes to regain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini tostadas, antojitos, party table, agua fresca, Mexican appetizers, easy party food, customizable snacks