In the realm of food, freezing leftovers is a very popular and practical method to preserve additional servings to enjoy later. Tortillas are a staple in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes which are often made or bought in bulk, making it into a category of food that often gets wasted.
This guide will help chefs or home-chefs to preserve various kinds of tortillas (corn and flour tortillas) safely and effectively so they may continue to enjoy this traditional meal for days to come.
If you have leftover tortillas or want to make a big batch to have on hand for quick and easy meals, freezing them is a great idea to extend their shelf life. However, when freezing tortillas, it is important to wrap them tightly, so they do not dry out or get crumbly.
Is Tortilla Bread? Tortillas can be soft or crispy, depending on how they are prepared. You can freeze tortillas to enjoy later, but it’s essential to do this properly to ensure food safety and maintain taste.
Can You Freeze Tortillas?
Tortillas are versatile ingredients that can be used to cook a variety of food, from tacos to quesadillas and enchiladas. While you can buy unopened flour tortillas and corn tortillas pre-made at the store, they’re also easy to make at home.
And if you find yourself with a surplus of tortillas, one question that may pop into your head instantly is, can you freeze tortillas?
The answer is yes, you can freeze tortillas! Tortillas are freezer friendly; can be frozen raw or cooked and will last for months.
When freezing raw tortillas, you can stack them between sheets of wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Cooked tortillas can be wrapped in tin foil before being placed in the freezer.
How to Freeze Tortillas?
If you’re like me, you always have a stash of tortillas in your freezer. But sometimes, they can be a little tricky to work with.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how can you freeze tortillas so that they’ll be easy to prepare your favorite recipes later.
Step 1: Selecting
Start with fresh tortillas. If you’re using store-bought tortillas, make sure they’re soft and pliable. If they’re stiff or dry, they’re not going to freeze well.
Step 2: Cutting
Tortillas can be frozen whole or in halves. If freezing in halves, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that the halves do not touch.
Tortillas can also be cut into strips or triangles before freezing. Again, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so that they do not touch.
Step 3: Freezing
Now, freeze the tortillas for 1-2 hours, or until solid.
Step 4: Wrapping
Once the tortillas are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Stack them on top of each other and wrap the tortillas tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in the container.
Be sure to squeeze out as much excess air as possible before sealing the bag.
Step 5: Labelling
Label the package with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer.
Step 6: Thawing/Heating
When you’re ready to use the tortillas, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. If they’re still frozen in the center, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up.
Once the tortillas are completely defrosted, they’re ready to cook. Enjoy!
Now that you know how to freeze tortillas, put them to good use in your favorite dishes!
Choosing the Right Tortillas to Freeze
When it comes to freezing tortillas, there are a few things to consider to choose the right type:
How You’ll Be Using
First, think aboutwhat you’ll be using the tortillas for once they’re frozen. If you plan on using them for cooking tacos or burritos, then you’ll want to choose a soft tortilla so it will be easy to roll.
If you plan on using them for chips or tostadas, then a harder shell tortilla will work better. Also, it is best to freeze them in pairs. This way, they will thaw at the same rate and be the same size.
The Size of the Tortilla
If you’re freezing them for burritos or tacos, then you’ll want to choose a smaller-size tortilla so it will be easy to roll.
If you’re freezing them for chips or tostadas, then a larger size tortilla will work better.
The Type of Tortilla
If you’re looking for a healthier option, then choose whole wheat tortillas.
If you’re looking for a traditional option, then choose white flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
Once you’ve considered all these factors, then you’re ready to choose the proper tortillas to freeze.
How Long Do Tortillas Last in the Freezer?
This is a question we get a lot, and it really depends on how you store them. The quality will decline after approximately 10 days if you keep fresh homemade tortillas or an unsealed bag of store-bought tortillas in the refrigerator.
If you store them in freezer bags following the abovementioned steps, they will last about 2-3 months.
If you store them in a freezer-friendly airtight container, they will remain fresh longer and last 6-8 months; but it will also make it harder for you to spread them out flat on a baking sheet before cooking them up later on (another great way to use up stale tortillas).
However, keep in mind that freezing tortillas for longer will cause them to lose their shape and become more brittle over time as they thaw out.
Freezing also results in a loss of volume and moisture content (like any food), which means that they won’t keep as well after thawing out. That’s why we suggest not keeping the wheat flour tortillas and corn tortillas in the freezer for more than a month.
How Do I Thaw Frozen Tortillas?
The best way to defrost frozen tortillas is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow them to thaw slowly and evenly.
Just place the stack of tortillas in a covered dish or plastic bag and set them in the fridge before you go to bed. In the morning, they should be thawed and ready to use.
However, it’s always a bummer when you’re in the middle of preparing your meal and realize you forgot to take the tortillas out of the freezer.
But don’t worry, there are a few easy ways to thaw them out quickly so you can get back to your meal prep.
Microwave
If you’re in a hurry, you can place the flour/corn tortillas in a microwave-safe dish and heat them on low power for 30-60 seconds.
Be sure to rotate the tortillas during cooking so they thaw evenly. This will thaw the tortillas quickly, but they may not be as evenly thawed as if you’d used the refrigerator method.
[Pro Tip: Place the frozen tortillas in a damp paper towel before putting them in the microwave; this will help to soften them up so they’re easy to work with.]
Traditional
If you don’t have a microwave, you can also defrost tortillas by placing them in a sealed zip-top bag and then running them under warm water for a few minutes.
Once they’re pliable, you can remove them from the bag and proceed with your recipe.
Once your tortillas are thawed, you can use them just like you would fresh tortillas. They’ll be soft and pliable, and ready for all your favorite fillings.
So, the next time you find yourself with the task of defrosting tortillas, don’t panic! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have thawed tortilla warmer ready to use in no time.
Is It Better to Just Refrigerate Homemade Tortillas?
It looks like a lot of work to store tortillas in the freezer, right? In fact, it is. So, you might be wondering, why not just refrigerate tortillas rather than freeze them. The answer is: it depends on you.
If you want tortillas that are more pliable and you’re sure to use them within the next few days, refrigerating is the way to go.
Tortillas stored in the fridge will last for about a week and will be more flexible than frozen tortillas. Also, this helps you to avoid the procedure of separating, wrapping, freezing, thawing, and warming.
However, be sure to cook your fresh tortilla within a few days. They won’t last as long and might not taste as fresh after 3-4 days, as they will start to become stale after that in the refrigerator.
If your scenario needs keeping the tortillas for a week or longer, however, you are now aware of safe methods to do so.
Whether you choose to store tortillas in the freezer or refrigerator, be sure to enjoy them while they are fresh! Nothing beats fresh, warm tortillas straight from the oven or grill.
FAQs
Can You Freeze Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can freeze flour tortillas. They should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a zip-top freezer bag. Then, put the bag in the freezer. To thaw, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature or place in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Is It Okay to Eat Tortillas After the Expiration Date?
It depends on how long after the expiration date the tortillas are. If they are only a few days past the expiration date, they are probably still okay to eat. The tortillas may not be of their best quality, but they are still safe to eat. However, if they are a week or more past the expiration date, they are probably not safe to eat.
Can You Freeze Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can also freeze corn tortillas like you freeze flour tortillas. Just place them in freezer bags and seal them tight. They should stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to use the corn tortillas, just thaw them out at room temperature or in the oven, the same way as flour tortillas or homemade tortillas.
How Do I Know If Tortillas Are Bad?
You can tell if tortillas are bad if they have mold on them, if they are dry and crumbly, or if they have an off/sour smell. They may also taste sour or have a slimy texture. If you are unsure, it is best to throw them out. Better to be safe than sorry!
How Long Do Corn Tortillas Last?
Corn tortillas keep fresh 3-4 days in the cupboard, up to 10 days in the fridge, and nearly 8 months in the freezer.
How Long Do Flour Tortillas Last?
Wheat flour tortillas also last from 7 to 10 days in the fridge and up to 8 months in the freezer.
How Long Do Tortillas Last in the Fridge?
Most tortillas can be stored in the fridge for up to 10 days but are best used within 3-4 days.
How Can I Defrost Tortillas?
Simply leave them out on the counter and they will thaw in an hour.
Can I Refreeze Tortillas?
As long as your tortillas aren’t moldy or soggy, you can safely refreeze them.