Corn tortillas are great for well-loved Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. Of course, making tortillas from scratch can take too much time. If you want to stock up on corn tortillas for future use, freezing is a good option. Tortillas will have a longer shelf-life when frozen. Also, reheating frozen corn tortillas is not a hassle. To make the most of freezing, we have researched expert tips on how to freeze corn tortillas.
If you plan to store your corn tortillas for future use, you can preserve the freshness and taste by freezing them. Freezing corn tortillas is easy. These are the simple steps you can follow in freezing corn tortillas:
- Generally, for unopened store-bought corn tortillas, you can freeze them right away.
- For opened packages, make sure to seal them properly and press out as much air as possible.
- If there are specific instructions in the package, you must follow them.
If the packaging is not safe for freezing, you can use Ziploc bags to store tortillas. Also, make sure that the tortillas lay flat in the freezer in order to maintain their shape. With proper storage, frozen tortillas can last in the freezer for 6 to 8 months.
The proper storage and temperature in freezing affect the shelf-life of the tortillas. Freezing tortillas also depends on the type and how close the tortillas are to the expiration date. After freezing, it is also important to know how to thaw the tortillas properly. If you want to know more, read further to find relevant tips on freezing corn tortillas.
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Freezing Corn Tortillas
Freezing corn tortillas will save you time in preparing your favorite Mexican recipes. You can freeze store-bought or homemade corn tortillas. If you have any tortillas left in your pantry or refrigerator, it is best to transfer them to the freezer to prolong their shelf life. Corn tortillas will last long in the freezer if you follow these tips:
- For any unopened tortilla packaging, you can freeze the tortillas right away in their original packaging.
- For an opened package, press as much air out and seal the packaging well.
- For packaging that is not suitable for freezing, transfer the tortillas into Ziploc bags or wrap them using aluminum foil. Flatten out the tortillas when stacking them in the freezer to maintain their shape.
- When removing the tortillas from the original packaging, use parchment paper between individual tortillas to prevent them from sticking to each other.
How Long Do Tortillas Last Frozen?
When properly stored, tortillas made of corn flour can last from 6 to 8 months in the freezer. Long shelf life is possible if you store the tortillas in air-tight packagings like Ziploc bags or aluminum foil. Wrapping prohibits any air from coming in contact with the tortillas. Hence, wrapping the tortillas prevents freezer burns if you wish to keep them in the freezer for a longer time. If you only plan to freeze the tortillas for a shorter time, it is best to store them in their original packaging.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Corn Tortillas?
When the time comes that you will need your corn tortillas, it is important to thaw them properly. Thawing can make or break your recipes. When frozen, some moisture sticks with the tortillas. The moisture creates some condensation on the surface of the tortilla. With proper thawing, it minimizes the sogginess of the tortillas for your recipes.
Even though the microwave makes thawing quick, it is not recommended to thaw corn tortillas using the microwave. The heat can make the tortillas harden instead of making them soft. The flour will be stiff when heated using the microwave. You can also lose moisture and texture if you thaw using the microwave.
Thawing In the Refrigerator
The best way to thaw your corn tortillas is to let them stay in the refrigerator for at least overnight. This works for a package of 8 tortillas. For thawing bulk tortillas, it can take from 1 to 2 days to thaw in the fridge. If you do not want to thaw them all at once, you can just get a few from the freezer. After this, transfer the tortillas into a Ziploc bag to thaw in the fridge overnight.
Open Flame Thawing
Another recommended way is to thaw the corn tortillas by an open flame. Native Mexicans use this method to reheat stiff corn tortillas. Here are the steps in open flame thawing:
- Completely wet a single tortilla with water.
- Turn on your gas stove. Place the wet tortilla directly over the open flame.
- Roast the tortilla on both sides until heated to your liking.
- Repeat the steps for other tortillas.
Thawing Using A Skillet
You can also safely thaw your corn tortillas using a cast-iron skillet. The corn tortillas warm over medium to high heat for at least 15 to 30 seconds on each side. With a few brown spots and a toasted smell, your corn tortillas are ready for use.
Can You Freeze Mission Yellow Corn Tortillas?
According to Mission, it is okay to freeze their corn tortillas. Mission yellow corn tortillas are best used for enchiladas or flautas. The main ingredient for this product is Maseca, a globally-known corn flour brand. With freezing, you can get an ample stock of Mission yellow corn tortillas for any occasion. Try this savory recipe with these tortillas.
Can You Freeze Mission Whole Wheat Tortillas?
Like other types of tortillas made by Mission, you can also freeze Mission whole wheat tortillas. Some variants include protein, chia & quinoa, and fiber-rich tortilla wraps. Mission whole wheat tortillas are a good substitute for bread. You can wrap anything that you want to eat at any time of day. Make sure that you let the tortillas thaw properly before using them.
Create this trendy keto tortilla wrap recipe idea if you are more health-conscious.
Can You Freeze Tortilla Dough?
If you prefer to make homemade tortilla dough, you can freeze it for future use. Before freezing, make sure that the dough did not dry out. Frozen tortilla dough can last up to 6 months. If you want to keep a stock of tortilla dough for later use, you can freeze it by following these steps:
- Let your dough rest. Shape the dough into golf-sized balls.
- Place each dough ball on a baking pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.
- Put the baking pan in the freezer until the dough balls freeze.
- When frozen, wrap each dough ball with plastic cling wrap. After this, transfer the dough balls into freezer bags. Label these before storing them in the freezer.
Thawing Frozen Tortilla Dough
When you are ready to use your frozen tortilla dough, you must thaw it properly before using it. Here are the steps on how to thaw frozen tortilla dough:
- Remove the dough from the freezer.
- Place the dough (balls) on a lined sheet baking pan.
- Cover and thaw for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Roll the dough to desired thickness.
- Cook your tortillas according to the recipe.
Corn Tortilla Ideas
Using corn tortillas is a healthier option than whole-wheat and flour tortillas. Fiber and other beneficial nutrients like protein are present in corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are also low in fat, sodium, and calories. You can try these healthy recipes using corn tortillas to satisfy your cravings.
In Closing
Corn tortillas are the healthiest option to use in your Mexican-inspired dishes. A stock of corn tortillas will surely save you more time for quick meal ideas. Proper storage procedures can extend the shelf life of corn tortillas for up to 8 months in the freezer. Also, corn tortillas work well if they are properly thawed. The best way to thaw your corn tortillas is by letting them stay in the refrigerator for at least overnight. Follow the tips above, and you will have the best-tasting corn tortilla recipes.
