What to do with leftover flour tortillas?

Introduction: Creative Ideas for Leftover Flour Tortillas

Leftover flour tortillas can be a common occurrence in households, especially when we overestimate how many we need. However, throwing them away would only contribute to unnecessary food waste. Instead, there are many creative ways to repurpose them into delicious meals and snacks! In this article, we will explore some simple and tasty ideas for using up leftover flour tortillas.

Turn Leftover Tortillas into Chips: Easy Recipe

Transforming leftover flour tortillas into crispy chips is a great way to enjoy them in a new form. Simply preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil and sprinkle with salt or any other seasoning of your choice. Cut them into triangles and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite dip, such as salsa, guacamole, or queso.

How to Make Quesadilla with Leftover Flour Tortillas

Quesadillas are a classic Mexican dish that can be easily made with leftover flour tortillas. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Add any other fillings you desire, such as cooked chicken, veggies, or beans. Top with another tortilla and cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown, flipping once. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Leftover Tortillas? Try Making Enchiladas!

Enchiladas are another popular Mexican dish that can be made with leftover flour tortillas. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, cook your choice of protein, such as ground beef, chicken, or tofu. Add enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Fill each tortilla with the mixture and roll tightly. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish and top with more sauce and shredded cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Use Leftover Tortillas for Tasty Burritos

Burritos are a satisfying and filling meal that can be made with leftover flour tortillas. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven. Fill them with your favorite ingredients, such as rice, beans, meat, veggies, and salsa. Roll them up tightly and serve warm. You can even wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and take them on the go for a convenient and delicious lunch.

Leftover Tortillas? Make a Cheesy Tortilla Bake!

A cheesy tortilla bake is a great way to use up leftover tortillas and create a comforting meal. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Add diced onions, garlic, and canned diced tomatoes. Season with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Layer tortillas, meat mixture, and shredded cheese in a baking dish, repeating until all ingredients are used up. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Make a Mexican-Style Pizza with Leftover Tortillas

A Mexican-style pizza is a fun and creative way to repurpose leftover flour tortillas. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush a tortilla with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Top with salsa, shredded cheese, cooked chicken or beef, black beans, and sliced jalapenos. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Leftover Tortillas? Make a Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast burritos are a delicious and hearty way to start the day, and they can be made with leftover flour tortillas. Scramble some eggs in a non-stick pan and add cooked sausage, bacon, or veggies. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven. Fill them with the egg mixture, shredded cheese, and salsa. Roll them up tightly and serve warm.

Make a Tortilla Soup with Leftover Flour Tortillas

Tortilla soup is a flavorful and comforting meal that can be made with leftover flour tortillas. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened. Add chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Add shredded chicken and torn tortillas. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the tortillas are soft and the soup is heated through. Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Don’t Waste Your Leftover Tortillas: Freeze Them!

If you have more leftover flour tortillas than you can use up, don’t worry. You can freeze them for later use! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge or microwave and enjoy any of the above recipes.

Photo of author

Elise DeVoe

Elise is a seasoned food writer with seven years of experience. Her culinary journey began as Managing Editor at the College of Charleston for Spoon University, the ultimate resource for college foodies. After graduating, she launched her blog, Cookin’ with Booze, which has now transformed into captivating short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, offering insider tips for savoring Charleston’s local cuisine.

Leave a Comment