Can You Freeze Corn Tortillas? Here’s the Best Way To Do It

These methods work with both homemade or store-bought corn tortillas.

tortillas on a cutting board
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If taco night is a frequent event in your home, you may often find yourself with a bag of leftover tortillas. The good news: not only is it possible to freeze corn tortillas, but it’s the ultimate hack for an easy, last-minute meal. At a moment’s notice, you can throw together a savory breakfast taco, simple chicken quesadilla, or even some homemade tortilla chips with guacamole

This freezing method makes it easy to thaw and use as many tortillas as you need. That means, even if you need just one tortilla, you can grab it from the freezer and have it thawed in minutes.

Can You Freeze Corn Tortillas?

Want to know one of the best hacks for quick and easy meals? Freeze those leftover corn tortillas for all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Whether you’re whipping up last minute tacos, or want to make homemade tortilla chips for nachos, you'll always be happy to have a secret stash of corn tortillas in the freezer. Keep reading for the best way to freeze ‘em.

How to Freeze Tortillas

Freezing corn tortillas is incredibly easy, but be sure to do it properly, otherwise they might end up sticking together. 

  1. Place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between each corn tortilla and stack them on top of one another. This will prevent them from sticking together and allow them to thaw quicker. 
  2. Store the stack of tortillas in a freezer-friendly plastic bag, making sure to remove any excess air before sealing. 
  3. Label the bag with the date, then put the tortillas in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, the tortillas will become brittle and can crack easily, so don’t store anything too heavy on top of them. 

How to Thaw Tortillas

There are a few ways to thaw frozen tortillas, and it all depends on how quickly you want to use them. 

  1. If you are thawing out a big bag of tortillas, the best way to do it is by placing them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 hours, or on the counter for about 2 hours.
  2. To thaw your tortillas quickly, wrap a few at a time in a paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 5 seconds at a time, until they're warmed through. 

How To Use Tortillas That Have Been Frozen

The most important thing to note about frozen tortillas is that once they’re thawed, they should be used immediately. That’s simply because the texture and consistency changes slightly once tortillas have been frozen. 

There are a few simple methods to warm up corn tortillas. You can either warm them through in a microwave or steamer basket, or you can heat them up in a cast-iron skillet. If you need some inspiration for how to put your tortillas to good use, might we suggest these succulent and slow-cooked Cuban Pork Tacos With Orange Slaw, or these vibrant, Summer Nachos. Both options are perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a fun get-together. 

How Long Do Tortillas Last

Corn tortillas will retain their flavor and texture for up to six months in the freezer. The sooner you eat them once frozen, the better quality they will be.

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