Can You Freeze Tortillas? (2024)

A package of tortillas is a pantry staple that's the start of 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 right away, you might wonder, "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 stored 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 putting it in the freezer.

If the bag of tortillas has been opened, you can freeze them. It just takes a little extra prep. Place sheets of wax paper in between each tortilla before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This will make separating each tortilla when you take them out much easier. 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 and labeled using these steps, your tortillas should last 6 to 8 months in the freezer.

How to Thaw Tortillas

You can thaw tortillas, whether corn or flour, in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw frozen tortillas quickly, leave them on the countertop for up to an hour. Thawing an individual tortilla will take approximately 10 minutes while thawing an entire bag will take approximately an hour.

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 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. Thawed corn tortillas are great as is but can also be used to create homemade chips or Mexican-inspired family-style meals.

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.

More Foods You May Not Know You Can Freeze

Now that you know the answer to "Can you freeze tortillas?" there are other foods you can learn to freeze to use later. Try our Test Kitchen's tricks to save time and money. Freeze cooked pasta by sprinkling a bit of olive oil on it and storing it in freezer bags for up to two months. You can freeze milk in a few ways, including in ice cube trays and canning jars, and keep it to use for up to three months after you bring it home. Soup is a great frozen dish to keep handy for last-minute dinners since you can microwave it by taking it out of its container and placing it in a bowl to heat up. Freeze cookies, baked or unbaked, for when a sweet treat is needed ASAP.