Tortillas

What Are Tortillas?

Tortillas are round, unleavened flatbreads traditionally associated with Mexican and Central American cooking. The two most common varieties are corn tortillas and flour tortillas.

Their flexible shape makes them useful for wrapping fillings, layering in casseroles, serving alongside meals, or cutting into pieces for chips and baked snacks.

Corn Tortillas vs. Flour Tortillas

Corn tortillas are traditionally made with masa harina, water, and sometimes salt. They have a distinct corn flavor and are commonly used for tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and tortilla chips.

Flour tortillas are usually made with wheat flour, water, fat, and salt. They tend to be softer and more flexible, making them ideal for burritos, wraps, quesadillas, and pinwheels.

The best choice depends on the recipe, desired texture, flavor, and dietary needs.

How to Warm Tortillas

Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat, turning once until they become soft and flexible. They can also be wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel and heated in the microwave for a short time.

To warm several tortillas in the oven, wrap them in foil and heat until soft. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a clean towel so they retain heat and moisture until serving.

How to Use Tortillas in Recipes

Fill tortillas with seasoned meat, chicken, beans, eggs, cheese, vegetables, rice, salsa, or avocado. Fold them into tacos, roll them into burritos, or layer them with sauce and cheese for enchiladas and casseroles.

Tortillas can also be cut into wedges and baked or fried to make chips. Use them for breakfast wraps, sandwich-style pinwheels, thin-crust pizzas, and quick snacks.

What Flavors Go Well With Tortillas?

Tortillas pair well with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, eggs, beans, rice, cheese, tomatoes, onions, peppers, avocado, corn, and fresh herbs.

Mexican-inspired seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic, and lime juice complement many tortilla recipes. Tortillas can also be used with sweet fillings such as cinnamon, fruit, chocolate, or cream cheese.

Tips for Cooking With Tortillas

• Warm tortillas before folding or rolling to help prevent cracking.
• Avoid overfilling tacos, burritos, and wraps.
• Place rolled tortillas seam-side down to help them remain closed.
• Cover warmed tortillas with a clean towel until ready to serve.
• Brush tortillas lightly with oil before baking them into chips.
• Use smaller tortillas for tacos and larger tortillas for burritos or wraps.

Easy Tortilla Recipe Ideas

• Tacos: Fill tortillas with seasoned meat, beans, vegetables, and toppings.
• Quesadillas: Add cheese and your favorite fillings, then cook until crisp.
• Burritos: Roll tortillas around rice, beans, protein, cheese, and salsa.
• Breakfast wraps: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
• Tortilla chips: Cut tortillas into wedges, season them, and bake until crisp.
• Enchiladas: Roll tortillas around a filling and bake them with sauce and cheese.

How to Store Tortillas

Keep packaged tortillas sealed and follow the storage instructions on the label. Depending on the variety, they may be stored at room temperature for a limited time or refrigerated after opening.

For longer storage, separate tortillas with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator or reheat them gently from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tortillas be frozen?

Yes. Place parchment paper between the tortillas, seal them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Separating them makes it easier to remove only the number needed.

How do you keep tortillas from breaking?

Warm tortillas before folding or rolling them. Heat makes them softer and more flexible, reducing the chance that they will crack.

Are tortillas gluten-free?

Flour tortillas usually contain gluten. Traditional corn tortillas may be gluten-free, but people who must strictly avoid gluten should check the label and choose tortillas specifically labeled or certified gluten-free.