The Best Way to Reheat Tortillas and Keep Them Warm
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Whether you’re planning a family taco night or serving a crowd at your next fiesta, knowing how to reheat tortillas properly is key to delicious Mexican foods.
In this post, you’ll discover the best tips on how to heat corn tortillas for a crowd, from using an open flame to quick microwave methods, so that you can enjoy warm, soft tortillas every time.
When I weighed nearly 300 pounds, I would eat several store-bought tortillas anytime we had Mexican food. Now that I have lost 125 pounds and eat a healthy, vegan diet, I love making my own like these healthy homemade corn tortillas and these low carb almond flour tortillas, but I want them warm when I enjoy them.
Before I show you the reheating methods, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains tips and recipes to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free Eat Clean, Feel Great food guide to show you which foods you should eat for optimum health.
Why Reheat Tortillas
A cold tortilla just doesn’t do justice to your taco recipe. The best options for heating tortillas will give you soft tortillas that don’t crack, with just enough warmth to bring out their flavor.
How to Reheat Tortillas
Here are 4 methods for reheating tortillas:
Method 1: . The Open Flame Method (Gas Stove)
This is the preferred method for many chefs and home cooks.
- Place a single tortilla directly on a gas burner over medium-high heat.
- Heat for 20-30 seconds per side, using tongs to flip.
- Look for brown spots and a little char for that authentic flavor.
- If you have a stack of tortillas, keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel or this tortilla warmer.
Method 2: Skillet or Pan Method
Great for store-bought corn or flour tortillas.
- Heat a dry skillet (cast iron skillet or non-stick pan) over medium heat.
- Place tortillas in a single layer and heat each side for about 30 seconds. Add a bit of oil for a crispy tortilla.
- For big batches, use a flat grill.
- Keep them warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F oven).
Tip: A hot skillet gives you warm tortillas with just the right amount of dry heat, eliminating any sogginess.
Method 3: Microwave Method (Fastest Way)
The easy way to reheat tortillas quickly.
- Place a stack of tortillas directly inside the fabric warmer, cover them with a slightly damp (not wet) paper towel, and microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. This helps steam the tortillas gently without making them soggy.
If you don’t have a fabric warmer –
- Stack tortillas on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer or slightly overlapping.
- Cover with a slightly damp paper towel or clean towel.
- Microwave tortillas at 70-80 percent power for 20-30 seconds.
- For a large stack of flour or corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp dish towel and heat in 30-second bursts.
Once heated, the fabric tortilla warmer acts as an insulated pouch, keeping your tortillas warm and fresh for about 20 minutes or more, making it perfect for taco night or serving a crowd. Just be sure not to overheat to avoid drying them out, and always handle the warmer carefully as it can get hot.
Tip: The microwave method is the quickest, but be careful- a little water on a dish towel or paper towel goes a long way! Too much, and you’ll end up with a soggy tortilla.
Method 4: Oven Method
Perfect for big batches.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil with a couple of tablespoons of water sprinkled inside.
- Place the packet on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Keep tortillas warm
- Keep tortillas warm in the foil or transfer to a clean towel or tortilla warmers.
Tip: This is the best option for taco bars or parties when you need to heat a lot of tortillas at once.
The only difference between these methods is the texture you prefer and the time you have. Try each reheating method to find your favorite way!
Recipes that use tortillas:
The Best Keto Tortilla Chips Recipe
Bean and Avocado Tortilla Wrap Recipes
4 Incredible Best Tortilla Wrap Recipes
How To Keep Tortillas Warm
Option 1: Insulated Cooler
Once you have them warmed, the best way to keep a large number of tortillas warm for a crowd is to wrap small stacks of heated tortillas (5–10 at a time) in aluminum foil and place them in an insulated container like an ice chest or small cooler.
This method is widely used in Mexico and helps maintain warmth and softness for hours, making it ideal for taco night, parties, or any large gathering.
Option 2: Tortilla Warmer
Alternatively, you can use a tortilla warmer (either cloth or ceramic) or keep wrapped tortillas in a low oven (around 200°F) until serving.
Option 3: Slow Cooker
To keep tortillas warm in a crockpot, preheat them using your preferred method, such as in a skillet, microwave, or oven. Once warmed, line the bottom of your slow cooker with a clean kitchen towel or a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking and help retain moisture.
Stack the warm tortillas inside the crockpot. If you’re keeping a large number, you can separate the layers with parchment to avoid them sticking together. Fold the towel loosely over the top of the stack to trap in steam, then cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to the “Warm” setting.
Avoid using “Low” or “High” heat, as those settings can dry out or overcook the tortillas. This method will keep your tortillas soft, warm, and ready to serve for hours.
For more information about food safety and storage, go to www.foodsafety.gov.
Serving Suggestions
These tortillas are perfect with:
- Hummus Wrap Recipe
- How to Make a Taco Bowl
- Instant Pot Fajitas
- Or check out these 25 Easy Recipes With Tortillas Wraps!
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The Best Way to Reheat Tortillas and Keep Them Warm
Ingredients
- corn tortillas or flour tortillas
Instructions
Open Flame Method (Gas Stove)
- Place a single tortilla directly on a gas burner over medium-high heat. Heat for 20-30 seconds per side, using tongs to flip. Look for brown spots and a little char for that authentic flavor.
Skillet or Pan Method
- Heat a dry skillet (cast iron skillet or non-stick pan) over medium heat. Place tortillas in a single layer, heating each side for about 30 seconds. Add a tiny bit of oil for a crispy tortilla. For big batches, use a flat grill.
Microwave Method (Fastest Way)
- Stack tortillas on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer or slightly overlapping. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel or damp towel. Microwave tortillas at 70–80 percent power for 20-30 seconds.
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil with a couple of tablespoons of water sprinkled inside. Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes.
How to Keep Tortillas Warm
- Insulated cooler – After heating, arrange your tortillas in small stacks of 5 to 10. Wrap each stack snugly in aluminum foil to lock in heat and moisture. Place the foil-wrapped stacks in an insulated container, such as an ice chest or small cooler.
- Slow Cooker – Warm tortillas using your preferred method. Line the crockpot with a clean towel or parchment paper. Stack tortillas inside, separating layers with parchment if needed. Fold the towel over the stack, cover, and set to “Warm.”
Notes
Tips
-
- A hot skillet gives you warm tortillas with just the right amount of dry heat, eliminating any sogginess.
- The Microwave Method is the quickest, but be careful- a little water on a dish towel or paper towel goes a long way! Too much, and you’ll end up with a soggy tortilla.
- The Oven Method is the best option for taco bars or parties when you need to heat many tortillas at once.
Serving Suggestions
You can make a Taco Bowl for a taco salad, enjoy tortillas with these Instant Pot Fajitas, or this Hummus Wrap Recipe.Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more?
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About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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I hope you enjoyed learning how to reheat tortillas and found it helpful!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
