Need an exciting, flavorful, filling twist on pizza night? This Copycat Tostada pizza CPK recipe is the whole kit and caboodle. If you’ve ever tried the California Pizza Kitchen cpk tostada pizza, then you know exactly how addictive it is. Now picture duplicating that very same delightful scenario, in your own home — for a bit less than a small fortune and in under 30 minutes.
The tostada pizza is great for families, fast lunches or impressing friends when you’re hosting a low-key gathering on the weekend. It’s one of those dishes that seems fancy but is actually immensely doable, even on a busy weeknight. And you can tweak it to suit your taste easily enough, which is always a plus in my book.
And, if you love our Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza, then this CPK-style recipe is going to blow your mind! It’s less heavy, crispier and full of strong, fresh flavors. Are you ready to take the California kitchen vibe home? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents
What is Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe?
Tostada pizza — sounds vaguely like a taco trying to be a pizza, no? That’s because it kind of is! This playful hybrid was made famous by California Pizza Kitchen, or CPK as devotees call it. They used a crispy tortilla, piled on black beans and cheese, lettuce and salsa, and you had one of their biggest menu hits.
Why call it tostada pizza? Because it has the best of both worlds: the crispy crunch of a tostada and the cheesy comfort of pizza. Who says you can’t have it all? Because the saying goes “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” — and this tostada pizza will surely steal some hearts. One listen and you’ll want it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
There’s so much to love about this tostada pizza:
- Crispy, fresh and loaded with flavor : Between the crunchy tortilla, the gooey cheese foundation and the cold toppings, this is an all-out flavor bomb.
- More cost-efficient & healthier than takeout :Why pay top dollar at a restaurant when you can whip up the legendary cpk tostada pizza recipe in your kitchen? Also, you choose the ingredients, so it can be lighter and more healthful.
- Topped with fresh fixin’s : shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sumptuous avocado and a drizzle of ranch-style dressing. Every mouthful is a balance of textures and flavors.
For those who loved our Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza, this delivers the same tasty restaurant quality with a Mexican flair. So let’s get cooking!
How to Make Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
Quick Overview
This is an easy, quick, and crazy delicious recipe. It will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s a great option for busy weeknights or easygoing weekends. It’s the ideal balance of savory, creamy and crunchy — and entirely customizable.
Key Ingredients for Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
- 4 large flour tortillas (or gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and mashed
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Ranch dressing or chipotle ranch for drizzling
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges


Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crisp the tortillas: Brush each tortilla with olive oil on each side, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, 5–7 minutes.
- Make the bean base: In a medium bowl, mash black beans with salsa, salt and pepper. Warm briefly in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
- Populate the foundation: First, evenly distribute the warm black bean mixture over each tortilla.
- Add cheese: Dust shredded cheese over the top, then pop back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese turns melted and bubbly.
- Finish with fresh ingredients: Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado and cilantro.
- Drizzle ranch dressing or chipotle ranch over the top.
- Serve right away, while the tortilla is still crisp and the toppings are fresh.
What to Serve Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe With
Pair your tostada pizza with:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) : Brings a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy flavor contrast.
- Fresh Lime Margaritas or Agua Fresca : Make it light and refreshing.
- Simple Guacamole & Chips : Because one cannot have too many dips!


Top Tips for Perfecting Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
- For ultra-crisp results, bake tortillas on a pizza stone or on a wire rack.
- Swap beans : Use refried black beans or pinto beans instead for a different flavor base.
- Make it your own : Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Hold on to ingredients until serving time : Add lettuce and avocado just before serving to keep ingredient from getting soggy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the leftover toppings and tortillas separately. Store toppings in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Tortillas: Crispy tortillas should be stored in a dry container or bag to keep them crunchy.
- Reheating: Reheat tortilla base in oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness. Add cold ingredients on top after heating.
- Freezer: Not recommended to freeze once assembled but the tortillas and bean mixture are freeze friendly.
Table: Health Benefits of Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
Nutrient | Benefit |
---|---|
Black Beans | High in fiber and protein |
Avocado | Rich in healthy fats and potassium |
Romaine Lettuce | Hydrating and low in calories |
Tomatoes | High in vitamin C and antioxidants |
Olive Oil | Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats |
Let me know if you’d like to add Schema.org markup, printable recipe format, or Pinterest pins!
Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe From DelishDish!
Easy Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe – Make the CPK Favorite at Home
Course: main courseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes420
kcalThis Easy Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe brings the iconic California Pizza Kitchen flavor to your kitchen with a crispy tortilla crust, zesty beans, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch drizzle—all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas (or gluten-free if preferred)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and mashed
1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, sliced or diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Ranch dressing or chipotle ranch for drizzling
Olive oil for brushing
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crisp the tortillas: Brush each tortilla with olive oil on each side, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, 5–7 minutes.
- Make the bean base: In a medium bowl, mash black beans with salsa, salt and pepper. Warm briefly in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
- Populate the foundation: First, evenly distribute the warm black bean mixture over each tortilla.
- Add cheese: Dust shredded cheese over the top, then pop back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese turns melted and bubbly.
- Finish with fresh ingredients: Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, avocado and cilantro.
- Drizzle ranch dressing or chipotle ranch over the top.
- Serve right away, while the tortilla is still crisp and the toppings are fresh
Notes
- Swap flour tortillas with gluten-free options as needed.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Best served fresh to keep the crunch intact.
Conclusion
And there you have it — your own home-made Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe! It’s crunchy, fresh and loaded with bold flavors, and frankly, just plain fun to prepare and eat. Whether you’re copying a classic from California Pizza Kitchen or just want something a little out of the ordinary for dinner, this recipe satisfies on all fronts — cheap, easy and totally crowd-pleasing.
The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings and put it together in less than half an hour. Skip the takeout, stock up on your ingredients and treat yourself (and your family!) to this homemade tostada pizza own much better.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out our other CPK-inspired recipes and be sure to share your version on social media, we’d love to see how yours turns out! 🍕🌮
FAQs :
Frequently Asked Questions About Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe
What is the Tostada Pizza CPK Recipe?
It’s a homemade version of the famous CPK Tostada Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. It features a crispy tortilla base topped with black beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
How do I store leftover Tostada Pizza?
Store the toppings and tortilla separately. Keep toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the tortilla before serving for maximum crispiness.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber-rich black beans, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil. You can make it even lighter by using low-fat cheese or dressing.