If you are wondering - "can I freeze corn or flour tortillas?", this article is for you. I will review everything you need to know about freezing tortillas. This includes that you can freeze tortillas, how to store them, how long they will last, and the best way to defrost frozen tortillas. Freezing is a great way to not have food waste and to save your pennies so read on.
Fresh corn or flour tortillas are wonderful to enjoy in so many recipes or just to enjoy plain at times. They are a staple in many kitchens nowadays and are often purchased in large quantities.
When you find yourself with extra tortillas or didn't get a chance to use them as quickly as you thought, do not worry. Nothing will go to waste and you can save money by storing tortillas in the freezer.
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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.
Best Recipe Ideas for Frozen Tortillas
There are so many recipes to use with tortillas or wraps, whether they are fresh or frozen give them a try. Make some tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, chips, chilaquiles, sandwich wraps, and more. My kids enjoy them even plain with butter or some cheese rolled up for a quick snack.
As a side note, I have noticed that flour tortillas will remain a bit more pliable than the corn tortillas that have been frozen. For rolling corn tortillas like for enchiladas, those that have been frozen will likely not roll as smoothly and can tend to crack or break. But if you are using frozen corn tortillas for making chips, tacos, or even stacked enchilada casserole - they will all work just fine.
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How To Freeze Tortillas
Materials
Unopened Corn or Flour Tortillas
- 1 or more package/packages of tortillas
For Corn or Flour Tortillas That Have Been Opened
- corn or flour tortillas
- gallon-sized Ziplock bags
For Corn or Flour Tortillas That You Will Not Want to Thaw All at Once
- corn or flour tortillas
- waxed sheets
- gallon-sized Ziplock bags
Instructions
- 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 a package that has been opened. It is best to place the full package inside an airtight Ziplock. Then place it in the freezer. This is if you wish to enjoy the entire remaining package all at once later.
- If you want to defrost only a few tortillas at a time. 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 place in an airtight Ziplock.
- 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.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.
Tammy Horvath says
I never knew you could freeze tortillas. I always threw them away. Thanks for the tip.
Laura Schwieter says
I’ve frozen unopened bags of tortillas in the past, but hadn’t really thought about doing a partial stack. My kids usually eat them quickly once opened.
Marianne says
Great advice. We will buy them when they are on sale and freeze for later use. Definitely makes sense to put the parchment paper between the tortillas.
Angela says
Yes, a great economical way to buy tortillas in bulk and then freeze for later.
Barbara says
Great advice! Freezing when buying in quantity is a great idea!
Emily says
Thanks for sharing! We use tortillas alot but I have never frozen them. Do the corn tortillas fall apart at all?
Angela says
They will not be as pliable. So rolling them for enchiladas may not work best but they are still good if you want to stack them for enchilada casserole. They are just fine for making tacos or chips even once frozen then thawed.
Michael Press says
The entire reason I’m even reading this page is because mine always fall apart, they break into pieces. But I haven’t been separating them, I froze a huge block and then thawed (in the microwave, not the refrigerator, also wrong now that I read this) and re-froze them (not sure if that’s covered here?). And most importantly I was definitely not separating them into smaller batches and putting parchment paper in between them. So I will do that and re-post.
Angela says
I hope you find better luck with separating them before freezing. I find it does help ensure they do not stick together when defrosting and when you want to use them. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes for you - thank you for the message.
Cindy Moore says
Good info to know! I've never tried freezing them. Now I know I can.
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog says
We never thought about freezing them! Thank you so much for the tips!
Faye says
I was just given a generous stack of corn Tortillas and was a little lost so this came at the perfect time! I'll be freezing them in packages of 4 -ish for myself! Thank you for the tips love!
Angela says
You are welcome. I am glad these tortilla freezing tips helped.
Reveca Rodriguez says
My parents came to live in northern part of panhandle state of Texas ,Dimmitt to be exact ! In the middle of Amarillo to north & Lubbock to south ! My mom told me when they first lived here , there was a very small grocery store , they would buy either flour or corn tortillas in airtight can containers, like your Spam ! We’ve come a long way to plastic ! That was in 1951-52 !
Angela says
I love food memories and history - thanks for sharing.