Can You Freeze Tortillas?

There is nothing quite as delicious as a hot and fresh tortilla, but buying your favorite brands almost always means you'll have leftovers. The good news is that not only can you easily freeze tortillas, they can be thawed and taste just as good.

"Buying a bulk pack of eighty can sometimes be a cost savings, but most families will not consume that many tortillas at one time. Freezing makes a good solution," World Master Chef Fred Tiess tells Southern Living.

Can You Freeze Tortillas?

Tortillas can be frozen and kept in the freezer for up to six months. Tortillas that have been properly packaged and frozen will maintain their delicious taste and texture when thawed without getting soggy.

"Store-bought flour tortillas and low-carb flour tortillas freeze very well," Tiess says.

Like flour tortillas, corn tortillas also freeze very well because the primary ingredients are masa harina, or ground corn and water. The key is making sure the tortillas are stored properly.

For both types of tortillas, an air-tight container is always preferred for storage. 

"Some tortillas are packed in paper sacks, particularly at a tortilleria," Tiess says, advising that for proper storage, they should be transferred to a container where air and moisture cannot enter.

Tiess says that when stored in an airtight container, tortillas will last for several days in the refrigerator, but beyond that, tortillas should be frozen to maintain freshness.

How To Freeze Tortillas

Step 1: Remove the tortillas from the package they came in.

It's possible to freeze tortillas using the same bag you bought them in if it hasn't been opened, but it’s not the best solution for long-term freezing.

"The use of a resealable bag is a great way to remove the air and moisture to prevent ice crystal development," Tiess explains.

Step 2: Portion the tortillas.

"The use of wax paper can help with portioning larger packs into convenient smaller packs while using a large resealable freezer bag," Tiess says, adding that the wax paper keeps the tortillas from sticking together. "This way you can pull out what you need for a meal and preserve the freshness of the remaining tortillas for future use."

Step 3: Wrap the tortillas in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This helps to keep the tortillas fresh and keep moisture out.

Step 4: Place the tortillas in a resealable plastic bag.

Make sure all the air has been removed and the bag is properly labeled and dated. 

How To Thaw Tortillas

Tiess says the best way to thaw any ingredient from the freezer is to remove it ahead of time and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator. Tortillas are no exception.

"In a pinch, you can remove them and allow them to thaw at room temperature by placing them on a plate and covering the plate with plastic wrap so that they do not dry out," Tiess says.

How To Reheat Tortillas

• Flour: For flour tortillas, heating them over a clean cast-iron pan or griddle will help you evenly warm them.  "You can grill them quickly, but be careful because they burn very easily," Tiess warns.
• Corn: For corn tortillas, you can follow the same process, but Tiess says he likes to use a different method. "I prefer to moisten two paper towels, lay your stack of [corn] tortillas between the towels, and place them on a microwave plate," he explains. "Cover the plate with an inverted plate or plate cover and microwave for about a minute. Let them rest in the microwave for one minute before taking them to the table."