Can You Freeze Tortillas?
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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:
- Prevents Waste: If you buy tortillas in bulk, freezing them can prevent them from going stale or moldy. Same goes for freezing cheese.
- Convenience: Having frozen tortillas on hand means you can quickly prepare meals without needing a trip to the store.
- 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.
Tips for Freezing Different Types of Tortillas
- Flour Tortillas: These freeze well and retain their texture after thawing. Follow the steps above for best results.
- Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are more prone to breaking when frozen and thawed. To prevent this, consider placing a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each tortilla before wrapping and freezing.
- Homemade Tortillas: If you make your own tortillas, let them cool completely before freezing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to freezer burn.
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Tortilla FAQ
If you freeze tortillas in their original store packaging, they will remain fresh in the freezer for a few weeks. If you package tortillas using our freezing instructions, they should remain fresh in the freezer for up to 6 months or so.
Flour and whole wheat tortillas each last about 7 days in the cupboard and 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Corn tortillas last 7-10 days in the pantry and 6-8 weeks in the refrigerator.
Yes, just make sure they are fully cooled so there isn’t extra moisture which can make the tortillas mushy.
I don’t do this but I have read that others do. Many claim it prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to take out just the amount you need later. Personally, I’ve never had a problem with this.
While you can freeze tortillas in their original packaging, it’s better to repackage them as described above to prevent freezer burn and sticking.
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!
Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Chicken Taquitos are a delicious meal that the whole family will love! After the chicken mixture cooks to perfection, it’s then wrapped up in a flour tortilla and baked. You’re left with a crowd-pleaser meal that came together with minimal effort.
4-Ingredient Breakfast Quesadillas
You’ll make our easy, 4-Ingredient Breakfast Quesadilla again and again. This unique method that gained popularity on TikTok is fast, fun, and results in a mouthwatering breakfast or dinner in minutes.
What Else Can You Freeze?
Wondering what else you can stock up on and freeze? Here are more well-researched and well-tested articles we wrote from our experience.
- How to Freeze Tortillas
- How to Freeze Butter
- How to Freeze Muffins
- How to Freeze Bananas
- How to Freeze Zucchini
- How to Freeze Rice
- How to Freeze Avocados
- How to Freeze Cheese
- How to Freeze Pesto
- How to Freeze Quiche
- How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie
- How to Freeze Chicken and Dumplings
- How to Freeze White Chicken Chili
- How Long Steak Is Good in the Freezer
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