Chalupas

Chalupas are a beloved Mexican street food made with a lightly fried or toasted tortilla base, traditionally topped with flavorful meats, salsa, cheese, lettuce, and crema. Crunchy on the edges and soft in the center, these handheld treats are vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a build-your-own taco night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chalupas are quick, easy, and full of flavor. The combination of crispy tortilla shells and your choice of savory toppings makes for a perfect bite every time. You can keep them simple with salsa and cheese or pile them high with beans, meats, veggies, and sauces. They’re fun to assemble and even more fun to eat, and they come together with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chalupa shells

• Corn tortillas (or small flour tortillas for Tex-Mex style)
• Vegetable oil (for frying or brushing)

For traditional toppings

• Salsa roja or salsa verde
• Cooked shredded chicken or pork (optional)
• Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced onion
• Mexican crema or sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil. Lightly fry each tortilla until edges are crispy but the center remains soft—about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
2. Add toppings: While tortillas are still warm, spoon on salsa or sauce of choice. Add a layer of meat (if using), then top with cheese, lettuce, onion, crema, and cilantro.
3. Serve immediately: Chalupas are best served warm, fresh out of the skillet with toppings added right before eating.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8–10 chalupas.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Tex-Mex chalupas: Use flour tortillas and top with refried beans, ground beef, shredded cheddar, lettuce, and sour cream.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use refried beans or grilled veggies as the base.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños, hot salsa, or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Breakfast chalupas: Top with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese for a savory start to your day.
• Sweet chalupas: Use fried flour tortillas, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and top with fruit and cream for a dessert version.

Storage/reheating

Chalupas are best assembled and eaten fresh, but you can store the fried tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to crisp them up again. Store toppings separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving.

FAQs

What’s the difference between chalupas and tostadas?

Chalupas have a thicker, slightly soft and chewy center with crisped edges, while tostadas are flat, fully crispy tortillas.

Can I bake the chalupa shells instead of frying?

Yes, brush tortillas with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes until lightly crisped.

Are corn or flour tortillas better?

Traditional chalupas use corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are popular in Tex-Mex variations.

Can I make chalupas ahead of time?

You can fry the shells ahead, but it’s best to add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

What meat works best?

Shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or seasoned ground beef all work beautifully.

Can I use store-bought tostada shells?

For convenience, yes—but they’ll be more like tostadas than traditional chalupas.

How can I make them gluten-free?

Use 100% corn tortillas and check labels on other ingredients like crema or store-bought salsa.

What salsa is best for traditional chalupas?

Salsa verde or a homemade salsa roja made from roasted tomatoes and chiles is ideal.

Can I air fry chalupa shells?

Yes, lightly oil the tortillas and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are chalupas spicy?

They can be, depending on the salsa or added toppings—customize the heat level to your liking.

Conclusion

Chalupas are a crispy, flavorful, and fun-to-make Mexican classic that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them the traditional way with salsa and queso or going bold with Tex-Mex toppings, these customizable shells offer something for everyone. Quick to cook and full of texture and taste, chalupas are perfect for any mealtime fiesta.

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