Can You Freeze Tortillas? (How to Store & Thaw)

Can you Freeze Corn or Flour Tortillas?

Whether you have corn, flour, gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, or any kind of tortillas, they all can be frozen for later enjoyment.  The answer is simply yes, you can freeze tortillas.  Freezing is a great way to save food and money. The best method to store them in the freezer and how to defrost them will also be the same. This is true for freezing any tortillas or wraps.

Therefore, all the tips and tricks shared here about how to freeze tortillas will apply to all tortillas. If you have tortillas that are already 5-10 days old in your pantry or refrigerator and you want to preserve them, freezing is the way to go.

Best Way to Store Tortillas in the Freezer

If you want to know the best way to store tortillas, it is actually quite easy. If you have a package that has never been opened. You can simply place the full package in your freezer.  This is if you wish to enjoy the full package all at once later.

If you have an opened package or missing the package, you will want to place your tortillas in an air-tight wrapping.  The best option is a Ziplock bag that you can place the tortillas in and get as much air out as possible before sealing shut. 

You can also wrap tightly in cling wrap and then an outer second layer of aluminum foil.  The key is to keep in the freshness. This will also keep any moisture or icy environment off the frozen tortillas.

Freezing Large Batches of Tortillas

When you have a large number of tortillas to freeze at once, keep in mind if you want to defrost them all at once.  If you do, that is fine to wrap them all together. If you may want to defrost only a few at a time, that is ok and I will share how to do that. 

To freeze many tortillas at once, it is best to place parchment paper between each tortilla before wrapping and freezing. So stack them by altering parchment to tortilla and then wrap and/or place in an airtight Ziplock.

TOP TIP: No matter which method you use, please do not forget to label and date the packing for the tortillas. You want to be sure you know when you have placed your tortillas in the freezer so you can keep track of how long they have been stored and frozen.

How Long do Tortillas Last in the Freezer?

The amount of time that tortillas will last in the freezer will first depend on several factors.  It will rely on how well they were wrapped and stored while in the freezer.

It will also depend on whether they are store-bought versus homemade tortillas or those without preservatives like Trader Joe's flour tortillas.  In addition, unopened tortilla packages will last a bit longer than those opened and already exposed to air and the elements before being wrapped again and frozen.

For tortillas that are stored in an air-tight wrapping and were store-bought, the tortillas will last about 6 months in the freezer but they won't be optimal.  They are likely best if eaten within 2 months though.  Those that were never opened can last longer and probably best within 3-4 months.

How to Thaw Frozen Tortillas?

The best way to defrost frozen corn or flour tortillas is to do so overnight in the refrigerator.  Depending on how many you are thawing at the time, the tortillas are typically defrosted in 1-2 days at most. I find when I am defrosting a package of 8, overnight seems to do fine and they are ready to eat come dinner time.

If you have packaged them with parchment between your tortillas and are separating them to defrost, simply remove the few you want from the freezer.  Then defrost in a Ziplock overnight in the refrigerator.

If you want to use frozen tortillas immediately for a last-minute recipe or you forget to defrost them overnight in the fridge, that is ok.  To thaw tortillas quicker, you can microwave them on defrost at 50% wattage for a few seconds at a time until they become softened.  Be careful not to overdo it.

Two great recipes I suggest are: 

• POTATO ENCHILADAS
• SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP