We’ve always been huge fans of Tostada Pizza from CPK with its crispy base layered with beans fresh veggies and tangy sauce. It’s a fun cross between pizza and taco night so we can’t resist making it at home.
We love how the flavors meld together in each bite and we’re excited to share our spin on this beloved classic. Our version brings that restaurant flair to our own kitchen in a quick no-fuss recipe.
Tostada Pizza Cpk Recipe
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Oven Temperature | 450°F |
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza crust
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup prepared pico de gallo
- 1 avocado sliced
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brush the surface of the prepared pizza crust with olive oil. Spread refried beans on top. We recommend leaving a thin border around the edge for a classic pizza look.
- Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese evenly across the beans. We love the melted cheese blend for its savory taste and subtle creaminess.
- Place the crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Slide it into a preheated 450°F oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 1 minute. Top with shredded romaine lettuce prepared pico de gallo avocado slices and sliced black olives. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice and serve this Tostada Pizza Cpk Recipe while it is warm. We enjoy the crunchy crust and fresh toppings that remind us of the authentic experience at California Pizza Kitchen.
Tools And Equipment
We keep our kitchen setup simple to recreate the Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe. We use a pizza stone or baking sheet to achieve a crispy base. We rely on a mixing bowl and a silicone spatula to blend and spread the refried beans. We keep a sharp knife and a cutting board on hand to chop lettuce, tomatoes, and olives. We grab a cheese grater for fresh shreds of Monterey Jack and cheddar. We finish with a pizza cutter to slice neat, even portions. Each tool helps us maintain our efficiency and deliver a restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients
We gather all essentials to bring out the crisp bite and zesty flavors of Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe. These staples let us capture that signature taste.
For The Crust
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prepared Pizza Crust | 1 large 12-inch |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
For The Bean Layer
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Refried Beans | 1 cup |
| Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
For The Toppings
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup shredded |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup shredded |
| Romaine Lettuce | 2 cups sliced |
| Pico de Gallo | 1 cup |
| Avocado | 1 large diced |
| Black Olives | 1 handful |
Directions
We transform a prepared pizza crust into a crisp and flavorful base for our Tostada Pizza CPK recipe. We top it with creamy refried beans, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce.
| Stage | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Prep The Dough | 5 |
| Prepare Bean Layer | 3 |
| Assemble The Pizza | 5 |
| Bake And Finish | 10 |
| Total | 23 |
Prep The Dough
- Preheat oven to 450 F
- Place the crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet
- Lightly brush surface with olive oil
Prepare The Bean Layer
- Combine refried beans, chili powder, and cumin in a small bowl
- Mix until combined
- Warm in a microwave for 1 minute if desired
Assemble The Pizza
- Spread the bean mixture over the crust
- Add shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese
- Scatter chopped black olives if desired
- Slide the pizza into the oven
Bake And Finish
- Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden
- Remove from oven
- Top with shredded romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado
- Slice with a pizza cutter and serve warm
Make-Ahead Tips
We like to simplify our process by prepping key components of our Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe in advance. Here are a few ways we handle it:
- Refried Bean Mixture: We stir together our beans with chili powder, cumin and salt up to two days before baking. We refrigerate them in an airtight container and reheat gently in a saucepan with a few spoonfuls of water.
- Shredded Cheese: We grate our Monterey Jack and cheddar together. We store them in a zip-top bag. This saves time on pizza night because we have our cheese blend ready to sprinkle.
- Chopped Vegetables: We slice our romaine lettuce and dice our tomatoes the day before. We keep them in separate containers. We wait until just before serving to chop the avocado for maximum freshness.
- Prepared Crust: We like to keep a spare pizza crust in the freezer. We thaw it in the fridge overnight. This guarantees we have a sturdy base for our bean mixture and cheese.
Below is a quick view of our recommended timelines for prepping each component:
| Component | Prep Time | Storage Method | Maximum Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refried Bean Mixture | 5 minutes | Airtight container in fridge | 2 |
| Shredded Cheese Blend | 3 minutes | Zip-top bag in fridge | 3 |
| Chopped Romaine Lettuce | 2 minutes | Sealed container in fridge | 1 |
| Prepared Pizza Crust | 0 minutes (store-bought) | Freezer-safe bag | 30 |
We take these steps to ensure that our final Tostada Pizza comes together quickly and still delivers restaurant-quality taste. We assemble and bake right before mealtime for a fresh and crunchy finish without losing flavor.
Conclusion
We love how this recipe brings bold flavors together in an irresistibly crunchy slice. It’s a wonderful way to treat your taste buds to a restaurant-style feast without stepping outside. The fresh toppings create a light contrast while the quick baking process fits easily into any busy schedule.
Cooking it all in one place keeps cleanup minimal so we can spend more time enjoying every bite. We can’t wait to see how you put your spin on this Tostada Pizza. Let’s keep exploring new flavors and celebrating great food together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tostada Pizza?
Tostada Pizza is a flavorful fusion of pizza and Mexican-inspired ingredients. Popularized by California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), it features a crispy crust layered with refried beans, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce. Think of it as a fun mash-up of pizza night and taco night rolled into one delicious dish. This recipe captures that signature crunch and fresh taste, creating a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.
How do I make Tostada Pizza at home?
Start with a prepared pizza crust and brush it with olive oil. Spread seasoned refried beans on top, sprinkle on a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and bake until crispy. Once out of the oven, add crisp romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, and any preferred toppings. Finish with a drizzle of tangy sauce if desired. The key is the balance between the warm, cheesy base and fresh, cool toppings.
What tools are essential for making Tostada Pizza?
Ideally, use a pizza stone or a baking sheet to achieve a crispy crust. You’ll also need a mixing bowl and spatula for blending refried beans with seasonings, a knife and cutting board for slicing vegetables, a cheese grater for freshly shredded cheese, and a pizza cutter for serving. Having these tools on hand helps streamline each step, ensuring a smooth, efficient process from prep to plate.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes. You can season and store the refried beans in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Grate and bag your cheese to save time, and chop your fresh vegetables the day before. Keep an extra pizza crust in the freezer for quick assembly. By preparing refrigerated or frozen components beforehand, you’ll be ready to bake and serve your Tostada Pizza in minimal time.
Can I modify the toppings for different tastes?
Absolutely. While the classic version features beans, cheese, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, and olives, feel free to add or swap ingredients. Consider jalapeños for added heat, grilled chicken for extra protein, or a sprinkle of cilantro for fresh flavor. Adjust the spices in your refried beans or try different cheese blends. The beauty of Tostada Pizza is its flexibility, letting you customize each layer to suit your taste.