A package of tortillas is a pantry staple that’s the start to many recipes. Chances are you’ve got a bag in your fridge for wraps, tacos, or homemade quesadillas. A package of flour tortillas can last in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. But if you have more tortillas on hand than you can use in that time, you might find yourself wondering, “can you freeze tortillas?” Whether you opt for corn or flour tortillas, the good news is that tortillas can easily be frozen and thawed. Here’s how to do it.
How to Freeze Tortillas
Unopened packages of tortillas can be placed in the freezer as is. Simply lay them flat and you’re good to go. If you’d like to add an extra layer of freezer burn protection, place the unopened package of tortillas in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Be sure to label and date the bag before placing it in the freezer.
Rachel Marek
If the bag of tortillas has been opened, you can still freeze them. It just takes a little extra prep. Place sheets of wax paper in between each tortilla before placing in a freezer-safe bag. This will make it much easier for you to separate each tortilla once they come out of the freezer. Remove as much air as possible and place in another zip-top freezer bag to help prevent freezer burn. Add a label and date.
For homemade tortillas, the freezing instructions are just about the same. Just make sure your homemade tortillas are completely cooled before freezing and place them in a labeled freezer bag, ideally with sheets of wax paper between each tortilla.
How Long Do Tortillas Last in the Freezer?
If frozen with these steps in mind, your tortillas should last you 6 to 8 months in the freezer. It’s always a good idea to write the date you’re freezing them and label the package with a use by date as well. This can be written with a ballpoint pen or permanent marker on a label sheet and then adhered to the package.
How to Thaw Tortillas
You can easily thaw tortillas, whether corn or flour tortillas, in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw frozen tortillas quickly, you can leave them out on the countertop for up to an hour. An individual tortilla will take approximately 10 minutes, while an entire bag will take approximately an hour to thaw out. Another method is to thaw the tortillas in the microwave. Place the individual tortilla or the pack of tortillas in the microwave and heat gradually in 10 second intervals until the tortillas are completely thawed. Once thawed, you can use the tortillas as you would in any dish. For example, you can make them into tortilla chips, or use them for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, enchiladas, or baked casseroles.
Can You Freeze Corn Tortillas?
Just like flour tortillas, you can freeze corn tortillas. Follow the same steps for freezing corn tortillas. If unopened, place in a freezer-safe bag and add a label and date. For open packages of corn tortillas, layer them with wax paper and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze. Thawed corn tortillas are great as is but can also be used to create homemade chips or Mexican-inspired casseroles.
Can You Freeze Tortilla Chips?
It may seem like a strange idea but you can freeze tortilla chips. If packaged properly, they’ll come out crisp without any freezer taste. The key is stealing them tightly in an airtight freezer bag. If any moisture comes into contact with the chips during thawing, they will become soggy and the texture will change. For the best flavor, plan on storing frozen tortilla chips for up to two months.
Now that you know how to freeze tortillas, you can stock up the next time they are on sale at the grocery store or prolong the life of a batch of homemade tortillas. Try using the thawed tortillas in your favorite burrito recipe or toss them in the air fryer to make a batch of homemade chips. Thanks to their short thaw time, you can have fresh tortillas any time you need them.
