How to Heat Tortillas 3 Best Methods

July 2024 · 3 minute read

If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know that Taco Tuesday is a huge deal in my house. So to make sure it’s the best day of the week for you as well, I’m showing you 3 easy ways to warm up tortillas using the stove, oven, and microwave.

So whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, there’s a perfect method here for you. Keep watching to find out how to heat tortillas and keep them warm.

How to Heat Corn and Flour Tortillas

Corn and flour tortillas can both be heated in the same ways. The key is to let them warm until they become pliable or easy to bend. The only difference is in their taste.

Watch how to heat everything in this quick video below.

Heating up tortillas is the method we use for soft shell tacos. But, if you’re wanting to have both soft and hard shell tacos, you can also make your own taco shells using soft tortillas!

Heating Tortillas on the Stove

There are two methods to heat tortillas, depending on what kind of stove you have. First, if you have an open flame, grab a tortilla with a pair of metal kitchen tongs. Then, hold it about a couple of inches over the flame. After about 30 seconds, flip the tortilla over another 30 seconds or until the tortilla is soft.

If you have an electric stove, use a pan instead of placing your tortillas directly on the cooktop. I prefer a cast iron pan or a non-stick pan to prevent the tortillas from sticking. Place the tortillas on the warm pan for about 30 seconds, and flip them over for another 30 seconds.

Time needed: 1 minute

Heating Tortillas on an Electric Stove

  • Prepare the pan

    Use a cast iron pan or non stick pan to prevent the tortillas from sticking.

  • Place the Tortillas

    Put the tortillas on the pre-heated, warm pan for 30 seconds.

  • Flip the Tortillas

    Turn the tortillas to the other side and warm for another 30 seconds.flipping a tortilla on a pan

  • How to Heat Tortillas in the Microwave

    The best part about heating tortillas in the microwave is that you can do 3 or 4 at once and have them ready for everyone at dinner.

    The best trick is to use a moist paper towel. Place it on a plate, add the tortillas on top, and cover them with another damp paper towel. Cook the tortillas for 20-30 seconds, keep a careful eye on them, and immediately serve them.

    Oven Heating Method for Tortillas

    The fastest way to heat a lot of tortillas is to use the oven method. To do this, set your oven to the lowest setting. Then, place your tortillas on a baking sheet (don’t worry if they overlap), and put them in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until warm.

    Best Method to Warm Tortillas for a Crowd

    While all 3 methods are great ways to warm up tortillas, I highly suggest opting for the oven method if you’re cooking for a crowd. That way, you can warm many tortillas at once, so you don’t have to wait around cooking and get back to the party.

    How to Keep Tortillas Warm

    Once heated, tortillas cool down super fast. To keep your dinner warm, place your tortillas on a clean towel, and keep them covered until you’re ready to eat!

    Then, fill your warm tortillas with one of these taco recipes, and enjoy!

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