Can You Freeze Tortillas?
Tortillas are versatile and perfect for feeding large crowds, but can you freeze tortillas if you don’t use them all at once? It’s tempting to grab a big packet of your favorite tortillas at the grocery store, be it corn or flour, so that you’re always ready for taco night. But, how often do you find yourself throwing the unused portion away after a few weeks in the fridge? Freezing tortillas could be an excellent way to make sure they don’t go to waste, but is this option viable?
Solo cooks know that many grocery products — including tortillas — are made with families in mind, which is why the answer to this question is even more pertinent. So, can you freeze tortillas? Which type of tortilla freezes best? Can you freeze pre-made taco shells? Keep reading to discover the answer to these and many other questions related to tortillas and their freezing capabilities.
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- Can You Freeze Tortilla Wraps?
- How To Store Tortillas
- How To Freeze Tortillas
- How Long Can You Freeze Tortillas?
- How To Thaw Frozen Tortillas
Can You Freeze Tortilla Wraps?
There’s good news for solo chefs and families alike who have ever wondered if tortillas can be frozen. The answer is yes, meaning you’ll always have them on hand when they’re needed. Now you don’t have to be afraid to stock up when you see your favorite brand on sale.
Can You Freeze Flour Tortillas?
You probably already know that you can freeze bread, bagels or pizza crusts, but can you freeze tortillas made from flour? Store-bought tortillas will last for about a month in the refrigerator before they start to dry and crack, while fresh tortillas only last for about a week. A better option would be to throw your unused tortillas in the freezer so that they’ll keep for up to six months.
Can You Freeze Corn Tortillas?
Can you freeze tortillas that have a corn base? The answer is yes, most definitely. The shelf life for refrigerator and freezer storing is the same for both flour and corn tortillas, with the comparison of fresh vs. store-bought tortillas also being the same as above.
Can You Freeze Taco Shells?
This question poses a slightly trickier thought process. Why is that? Because hard taco shells are already cooked and have oils in them, it seems a bit riskier to freeze them. But, to answer the question, taco shells can also be frozen. The key to doing this as successfully as possible is to package them carefully and remove as much air from the container as possible.
Can You Freeze Store-Bought Tortillas?
Store-bought tortillas contain preservatives, meaning they’ll stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to a month, but can you freeze these tortillas after your next grocery run? As mentioned above, this is possible, so keep a lookout for those in-store specials.
Pro tip: If you aren’t going to use all of them at once, it’s best to get them in the freezer while they are fresh vs. freezing tortillas that are already a month old.
Can You Freeze Homemade Tortillas?
Now that we’ve answered this question about store-bought tortillas, can you freeze tortillas made by the master chef in your home? Yes, you just need to act a bit quicker.
Since homemade tortillas only stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week, it’s best to freeze them right away if you don’t plan to use them within those seven days. Never tried making your own tortillas? Why not do so for your next Mexican-themed dinner? Check out this homemade tortilla recipe and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
How To Store Tortillas
As with all foods, storing in appropriately sized containers is important. The good news about tortillas is that they often already come in packaging that works for both refrigeration and freezing.
How Long Do Tortillas Last in the Fridge?
Tortillas will stay fresh in the fridge for one week to a month, depending on whether they are fresh or store-bought. It’s always best to use up a product when it’s fresh versus freezing it, if possible.
How To Freeze Tortillas
What’s the best way to freeze tortillas? Make sure they are in a good-quality container with as little exposure to air as possible to extend their shelf life while frozen. You can also throw a packet of tortillas right in the freezer, but it’s a good idea to double-wrap them by either placing the original package in a zip lock bag, or wrapping it in plastic wrap or tin foil before freezing.
How Long Can You Freeze Tortillas?
How long do frozen tortillas remain edible? Store-bought tortillas will last up to six months in the freezer, while their fresh counterparts should be used up in one to two months for best results.
How Long Can You Freeze Flour Tortillas?
There is no difference between freezing corn and flour tortillas. Try to use them up as early as possible for that freshness you desire. Six months is the maximum time store-bought tortillas can live in the freezer, so keep that in mind when planning your social get-togethers or family gatherings.
How To Thaw Frozen Tortillas
Now that you know you can indeed freeze tortillas, the next question is, how do you thaw them? Easy. There’s one of two methods you can use:
1. Pull them out of the freezer and pop them in the fridge the night before you plan on using them.
2. Tortillas will also thaw in just over an hour at room temperature, but they’re more likely to come out a little soggy with this method, so thawing in the refrigerator overnight is your best bet.
Everyone loves a good handheld dinner treat, and tortillas are always an easy and popular choice. Because tortillas come in large amounts, it’s convenient to know that you can freeze those that don’t get used up right away.
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And thawing tortillas is easy too, so there’s no need to throw them away or pop them in your refrigerator with the added pressure of having to use them ASAP. Simply freeze them so that you’re always ready for taco night or your next Mexican fiesta.
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