Homemade Tostada Pizza: Better Than CPK 2025! (Vegan Options Included)

Have you tried making a Tostada Pizza at home yet? If you’re obsessed with California Pizza Kitchen’s famous Mexican-inspired masterpiece like I am, you’re in for a MAJOR treat! 🌮🍕 I’m absolutely thrilled to share this recipe because my entire family literally BEGS me to make this whenever we have pizza night instead of ordering takeout. Not only does it taste even better than CPK’s version (bold claim, I know!), but you’ll save so much money making it at home—we’re talking like $25+ per pizza savings!

This incredible Tostada Pizza combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines into one mind-blowing dish. You start with a perfect crispy-edged pizza crust that’s topped with seasoned refried beans and a blend of cheeses, then after baking, it’s loaded with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and finished with a drizzle of homemade cilantro lime dressing, crunchy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility—you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based cheese and beans (more on those California Pizza Kitchen vegan options inspiration below!). For meat lovers, add some seasoned grilled chicken or taco-spiced ground beef. Either way, this pizza will become your new obsession!

I’ve been perfecting my 15-Minute Express Pizza Dough for years now, and it makes this recipe completely achievable even on busy weeknights. No waiting around for dough to rise means you’re only about 25 minutes away from pizza heaven!

The contrasting textures are what make this pizza absolutely magical—warm, crispy crust with creamy beans, melty cheese, cool crisp lettuce, and those addictive crunchy tortilla strips. Trust me when I say the combination of temperatures and textures will completely blow your mind. I was skeptical about lettuce on pizza at first too, but now I’m a total convert!

One important note—this pizza is definitely best enjoyed fresh. The tortilla strips get soggy and the lettuce wilts if left sitting too long. My family of four has ZERO problems devouring the entire pizza in one sitting, but if you’re cooking for fewer people, you might want to make a smaller version. That said, if you do have leftovers, here’s my pro tip: remove the veggie toppings and store them separately from the base, then reassemble with fresh tortilla strips when you’re ready to eat again. For cold leftovers, just reassemble and enjoy! If you prefer it warm, heat just the base in the microwave for 30 seconds, then add your fresh toppings.

Ready to create pizza magic that rivals (dare I say outshines?) California Pizza Kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Tostada Pizza {Better Than CPK!}

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 from 28 votes

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Servings: 8 slices
Author: Lina Tasnim

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 recipe 15-Minute Express Pizza Dough (or store-bought dough for a shortcut)
• 1 can (15 oz) refried black beans (or pinto beans)
• 2 teaspoons homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ cups Mexican blend cheese (or dairy-free cheese for vegan option)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (or additional dairy-free cheese)

For the Fresh Toppings:

• 3 cups romaine lettuce, finely shredded
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 large avocado, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
• ⅓ cup Cilantro Lime Dressing (recipe below, or use store-bought)
• 1 cup tortilla strips (found in salad section) or crushed tortilla chips
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat lovers)
• Lime wedges for serving

Quick Cilantro Lime Dressing:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cumin

Instructions | Tostada Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Otherwise, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare your dough according to the 15-Minute Express Pizza Dough recipe or use store-bought dough. Shape into a 12-14 inch circle on a floured surface.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the refried beans over medium-low heat. Stir in the taco seasoning and a tablespoon of water if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
4. Transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Brush the outer edge with olive oil for a golden crust.
5. Spread the seasoned beans evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the beans.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. While the pizza bakes, prepare your fresh toppings and make the Cilantro Lime Dressing by whisking all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for just 1-2 minutes.
9. Layer on the fresh toppings: First the shredded lettuce, then tomatoes, avocado, and red onion if using.
10. Drizzle with the Cilantro Lime Dressing, then sprinkle generously with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. Add jalapeño slices if using.
11. Slice and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst.

Recipe Notes | Tostada Pizza

• Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and ensure your refried beans are made without lard.
• Protein boost: Add seasoned grilled chicken, ground beef, or black beans on top of the refried bean layer before baking.
• Spice it up: Mix ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder into the beans for a smoky kick, inspired by CPK’s Spicy Chipotle Chicken Pizza flavor profile.
• Time-saving tip: Use store-bought pizza dough and pre-made cilantro lime dressing to get this on the table in under 20 minutes.
• Calorie-conscious option: Use a thin crust and light cheese to reduce calories (CPK’s original Tostada Pizza runs about 780 calories per serving, but this homemade version can be customized to your dietary needs).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or pre-made crust. Just be sure to check that your refried beans and tortilla strips are also gluten-free.

How does this compare to California Pizza Kitchen’s version?

Our homemade version has fresher ingredients, more customizable toppings, and honestly tastes even better (in my humble opinion!). Plus, CPK’s Tostada Pizza costs around $19-24 depending on location, while this homemade version costs about $6-8 to make.

Is this recipe healthy?

This Tostada Pizza is packed with fresh vegetables and protein from the beans, making it more nutritionally balanced than traditional pizza. To make it even healthier, use whole grain pizza dough and go lighter on the cheese.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beans and dressing up to 3 days ahead. The dough can be made earlier in the day. Just don’t assemble with fresh toppings until right before serving.

How does this compare calorie-wise to CPK?

A CPK pepperoni pizza typically runs about 650-800 calories per serving, while our Tostada Pizza can be adjusted to contain fewer calories by controlling cheese amounts and using a thinner crust.

I hope you love this Tostada Pizza as much as my family does! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! 🍕❤️

For more delicious pizza recipes and California Pizza Kitchen-inspired dishes (including their amazing vegan options), check out my other recipes:
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