8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (2024)

Has anyone else ever noticed that corn tortillas, as compared to their delicious counterpart, flour tortillas, are sold in HUGE quantities? I understand that corn tortillas are historically smaller than flour (which come in packs of 8-12), but is there really a need to sell them only in packs of 30? I pretty much buy them for 2 recipes and I’m often left with quite a bit of lonely leftovers. I don’t like wasting food and I’m always up for trying new recipes, so here’s a great list I’ve found of putting your leftover corn tortillas to hard work!

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Source: BakedByRachel.com

1. Homemade Tortilla Chips

Sometimes you just want some tortilla chips, whether or not you already have them in your pantry. Or maybe you need some tortilla strips to add to your bowl of tortilla soup or to the top of your southwestern salad. Well, if you’ve got corn tortillas in your house, you can make your own! It’s as simple as cutting into triangles or strips, seasoning and baking!

BakedByRachel.comhas a delicious looking recipe for baked seasoned tortilla strips, so head over to her site and give it a try!

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Source: TheWanderlustKitchen.com

2. Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are as tasty as their name is exotic. It is a traditional Mexican dish that is most often served at breakfast or brunch, but variations like adding chicken has made this into a dinner meal as well. Your corn tortillas will be turned into lightly baked chips, and then added to a simmering skillet of flavored tomatoes with all types of goodies. Top with cheese and avocado for a great brunch!

VisitheWanderlustKitchen.comfor this delicious recipe and many more inspired by kitchens across the globe!

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Source: PlainChicken.com

3. King Ranch Chicken Soup

I’ve never made King Ranch Chicken Casserole but I’ve only heard wonderful things about it. This soup is another version that alway receives rave reviews and will use up that handful of corn tortillas you’ve got! It’s a quick cooking soup that uses rotisserie chicken and has tons of flavor, probably a little on the spicy side! Oh, and it looks pretty too!

Check outPlainChicken.comfor this recipe and many more on one of your favorite ingredients: chicken!

8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (4)

Source: CantStayOutOfTheKitchen.com

4.Taco Lasagna

Put a spin on Italian night with this latin version, Taco Lasagna. This Tex-Mex meal has all your favorites: ground beef, onions, peppers, beans and much more. You can’t go wrong!

CantStayOutOfTheKitchen.com‘s version uses flour tortillas, but there’s absolutely no reason you can’t substitute corn! Go for it!

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Source: LilLuna.com

5. Cream Cheese & Chicken Taquitos

I’ve never met a taquito I didn’t like and these cream cheese and chicken ones are next on my list! Traditional taquitos are usually just packed with meat and probably don’t offer much in the way of nutrition. This version uses cream cheese, chicken and spinach! I’d also wager you could add whatever veggies you want to make this your own, and something the kids will enjoy.

For this recipe and other yummy Mexican themed meals, get over toLilLuna.com!

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Source: SimplyRecipes.com

6. Mexican Tostadas

Tostadas are a wonderful dinner for a summer night or an evening where you have little time for cooking. Or maybe you just want to eat a flat taco? The tostada is for you. Simply fry up a corn tortilla and then top with your average taco goodies.

SimplyRecipes.comhas a great recipe for Mexican Tostadas. You’ll also find a great collection of others perfect for your own cooking skills!

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Source: PinchOfYum.com

7. Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

As if enchiladas weren’t tasty enough, this recipe is a healthy (SKINNY) version. Now you don’t need to feel so guilty for indulging in one of your favorite comfort foods. Additionally, your crock pot will help you prepare the chicken, so that’s one less step for you. Score!

PinchOfYum.comis one of my personal favorite good websites. Be sure to visit for this recipe and many others!

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Source: WearyChef.com

8. Quesadillas

Most of the time when you think of a quesadilla you probably imagine flour tortillas. They are a little more pliable than corn, and you can make larger tortillas with them. However, you can basically create any quesadilla you want using a corn tortilla! Breakfast, sweet or savory- they are all at your fingertips! Just like this spicy spinach quesadilla- tons of flavor and fewer carbs than making with a flour tortilla.

Check outWearyChef.comfor this tasty quesadilla. You’ll also find recipe roundups and even weekly dinner menus!

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Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle

I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!

8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (12)

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8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (13)

Karly Wood

I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!

8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (2024)

FAQs

What to do with tortillas before they go bad? ›

Wrapping tortillas in plastic wrap and storing in a cool, dry place is another option. To further prolong the shelf life of tortillas, you can freeze them. You'll just need to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each tortilla. Then place them all in an airtight container or freezer bags.

Can I freeze corn tortillas? ›

Just like flour tortillas, you can freeze corn tortillas. Follow the same steps for freezing corn tortillas. If unopened, place in a freezer-safe bag and add a label and date. For open packages of corn tortillas, layer them with wax paper and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze.

What are corn tortillas best used for? ›

Corn tortillas go well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. They are also perfect for use in tostadas, sopes, and quesadillas. Flour tortillas are often used in burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas.

Can you fry corn tortillas? ›

Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet. Carefully add half of the tortilla (folded into a taco shape) and fry until golden (you will need to hold up the tortilla half the entire time.). Using tongs, carefully flip the tortilla to fry the other side until golden (continue holding the free edge to maintain the shape).

Can you fry flour tortillas? ›

Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy 10-inch skillet over medium heat until 360 degrees F (182 degrees C), about 8 minutes. Lower tortilla triangles carefully into the hot oil in batches; fry, turning frequently, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Can you eat 3 week old tortillas? ›

If stored refrigerated, open or unopened: products may remain fresh up to 30 days beyond the sell-by date. If frozen, products can be stored and used up to 90 days past sell-by date. If you've frozen your tortillas, we recommend placing them in the refrigerator to thaw prior to enjoying them.

Can you eat 10 day old tortillas? ›

If you are not going to consume the whole package after opening it, wash your hands, remove the amount of tortillas required and place the remainder in an air tight container. The product should be consumed within 7 days under refrigerated conditions.

How to tell when corn tortillas are bad? ›

When tortillas expire, they'll begin to stiffen. Even if they are a little solid, they may be ok to eat - but if you see any spots of mold on the tortilla's surface, you should presume that the entire packet is bad and should be thrown away.

Is it better to freeze or refrigerate tortillas? ›

Fresh, fragrant homemade tortillas are a wonder, and making a batch big enough for a few meals is a delicious project. They'll keep refrigerated only for 4 to 5 days however, so freezing them should be your go-to if you can't get around to using them all up.

How do you store corn tortillas long term? ›

For long-term storage, freezing provides the best option. Store corn tortillas in freezer bags or airtight containers, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Freezing tortillas can maintain their quality for up to 6-8 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for best results.

Is it okay to freeze butter? ›

Properly stored butter can be frozen for up to four months if frozen prior to the USE BY date on the package. Butter may begin to lose its fresh butter taste and pick up flavors and odors from the freezer if stored for longer than four months. Once the butter is removed from the freezer, use it within 30 days.

How long will corn tortillas last in the fridge after opened? ›

It depends on the handling conditions the product was exposed to. If you are not going to consume the whole package after opening it, wash your hands, remove the amount of tortillas required and place the remainder in an air tight container. The product should be consumed within 7 days under refrigerated conditions.

What to do with leftover flour tortillas? ›

7 Ways To Utilize Leftover Taco Shells and Flour Tortillas
  1. Nachos. Break the taco shells and create delicious nachos with cheese, beans, olives, guacamole and other fan-favorite ingredients. ...
  2. Breakfast Tacos. ...
  3. Salad Topping. ...
  4. Chicken Quesadillas. ...
  5. Tortilla Pinwheels. ...
  6. Tortilla Pizza. ...
  7. Cinnamon And Sugar Tortilla Chips.
Aug 13, 2022

Does refrigerating corn tortillas make them last longer? ›

A: We recommend that you refrigerate your tortillas after purchase to help extend the shelf life. Even though our packages are re-sealable, once the package is open storing your tortillas in a cool refrigerator helps them last through the shelf life. It's important to store your tortillas at a steady temperature.

How long do corn tortillas last in the fridge? ›

Shelf Life Expectancy

Pantry (Room Temperature): Properly stored in original packaging, corn tortillas can last up to 7-10 days. Refrigerator: When refrigerated, they can last approximately 6-8 weeks. Freezer: For extending freshness further, tortillas can be frozen, where they can maintain quality for 6-8 months.

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