Can You Freeze Tortillas?

Tortillas are a staple in many households, perfect for making wraps, tacos, burritos, and more. But sometimes, you might buy more tortillas than you can use before they go bad. This leads to the common question: Can you freeze tortillas? The answer is yes!

In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to freeze tortillas properly and how to use them after freezing.

Why Freeze Tortillas?

Freezing tortillas can be incredibly useful for several reasons:

1. Prevents Waste: If you buy tortillas in bulk, freezing them can prevent them from going stale or moldy. Same goes for freezing cheese.
2. Convenience: Having frozen tortillas on hand means you can quickly prepare meals without needing a trip to the store.
3. Cost-Effective: Buying in bulk (especially when on sale) often saves money, and freezing ensures you get the most out of your purchase.

How to Freeze Tortillas

Freezing tortillas is a straightforward process, but following these steps will ensure they stay fresh and don’t stick together:

One important thing we learned when writing From Freezer to Table and From Freezer to Cooker is that if your food—tortillas included—is kept at 0°F in the freezer, it will remain safe to consume indefinitely. That’s the USDA that says that, not us. Shocking, I know!

1. Wrap in Plastic Wrap

Wrap individual or a small stack of tortillas in plastic wrap. This layer of protection helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh.

2. Place in a Freezer Bag

Once wrapped, place the tortillas in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.

3. Label and Date

Label the freezer bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been frozen. Tortillas can be frozen for up to six months, but they are best used within the first two to three months for optimal freshness.

How to Thaw and Use Frozen Tortillas

Thawing frozen tortillas is simple and can be done in several ways:

1. Room Temperature

Place the frozen tortillas on the counter for 1-2 hours until they reach room temperature.

2. Microwave

For a quick thaw, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the number of tortillas.

3. Oven or Stovetop

You can also reheat tortillas directly from the freezer using an oven or stovetop. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the tortillas in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two on each side.

Tortilla FAQ

Conclusion + Recipes to Use Up Your Frozen Tortillas

Freezing tortillas is a simple and effective way to keep them fresh and reduce food waste. By following these easy steps, you can ensure you always have tortillas ready for your next meal. Whether you use flour or corn tortillas, freezing them properly will help maintain their quality and flavor. So, next time you find yourself with more tortillas than you can use, don’t hesitate to freeze them!

Try some of our favorite recipes that use up your tortilla stash. Most of these recipes are freezer-friendly. (Yes, you can freeze your tortillas for a second time in these recipes.)

Make Ahead Lunch Wraps

These make ahead freezer-friendly lunch wraps are nutritious, hearty, and completely adaptable to whatever your family might like in them! They even made our top list of vegetarian meals for kids, because all ages like these!

Make Ahead Lunch Wraps