Can the tortillas be frozen?
Omelettes are one of the healthiest and most common breakfasts enjoyed by people all over the world. They are not limited to breakfast and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
They are packed with nutrients and can be combined with various types of ingredients, such as cheeses, vegetables, and meats, to make different versions.
Although they are extremely quick and easy to make, sometimes due to time constraints, especially in the morning, it can be immensely helpful to prepare them beforehand and save them for later use.
Can the tortillas be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the tortillas and they can keep their fresh flavor while frozen for up to 3 months. Some people can keep them in the freezer for longer, but it is not recommended.
Read on to find out the best ways to freeze tortillas, whether you can freeze them in a bag, whether you can freeze tortilla mix, and much more.
Can tortillas be frozen in a bag?
Freezing omelettes is not only a convenient way to have eggs prepared, but also one of the best ways to preserve them.
If you don’t want your eggs to go to waste, rather than leaving them in the fridge and ending up throwing them away when they go bad, it’s a good idea to make a few omelettes and store them in the freezer.
In this way, you can keep them for a good 3 months and have delicious omelettes for breakfast, lunch, lunch or dinner.
There are many ways to freeze tortillas, and one of the best is to use a high-quality freezer-safe bag.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to freeze tortillas in a bag:
- Once the tortillas are prepared, the first step is to let them cool before storing them in the freezer. This won’t take long, as the eggs cook at a lower temperature and should cool down in a few minutes.
- Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, start by wrapping them individually in at least two layers of plastic wrap. The double coating will ensure they keep well and are protected from freezer burn.
- Next, place the plastic-wrapped tortillas inside a freezer-safe bag. Try to expel as much air as possible and close it.
- The tortillas are now ready to be stored in the freezer. Remember to write the date on the bag, as well as the preferred consumption date, and make sure to use them within 3 months.
Can the tortilla mix be frozen?
Yes, it is possible to freeze the tortilla mix and it will last in the freezer for up to 1 year, much longer than cooked tortillas.
That being said, tortilla mix does not freeze as well as cooked tortillas , and while it is safe to do so, we recommend cooking them before freezing to ensure the best possible quality.
In any case, if you want to freeze the uncooked tortilla mix, here’s what to do:
- Beat the eggs to prepare the omelet mixture, being careful not to introduce too much air into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers and close tightly, making sure to label them with the number of eggs and the date.
- For smaller individual batches, about the size of half an egg, you can transfer the mixture to an ice cube tray.
- Place the ice cube tray in the freezer until the tortilla mixture is frozen.
- When the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and seal it well.
You can also freeze the whites and yolks separately . The process of freezing the egg whites is really simple and follows the same steps as freezing the whole egg mixture.
Pour the whipped whites into an ice cube tray and transfer to the bags when well frozen.
Freezing separate egg yolks can be a bit tricky, as they tend to thicken and become gelatinous when frozen on their own.
For this reason, the egg yolks require a bit of special treatment and need sugar or salt to be added to the whipped mixture to prevent thickening.
Once the yolks are separated from the whites, beat them gently until they are liquid. If you want to use the yolks in a savory dish, add ½ teaspoon of salt for every cup of yolk.
If you plan to use the frozen yolks for a dessert recipe, add 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar for each cup of yolk.
Next, transfer the mixture to ice cube trays, just like you did with the tortilla mixture, and transfer to freezer-safe bags when frozen.
Can tortillas with ingredients be frozen?
Who says tortillas have to be plain and boring? There are many different types of tortillas made with a wide variety of ingredients.
You can opt for the popular cheese omelette, accompany the eggs with some delicious meat, such as ham, sausage or bacon, or snack on some healthy vegetables to accompany the eggs.
Although you can add any of the ingredients to your tortilla mix and make yourself a delicious and filling meal, the question remains whether you can freeze tortillas with those ingredients.
The answer is yes, you can, but it depends on the ingredients you put into your omelet, as some items freeze considerably better than others.
Cheese, because of its high fat and protein content, freezes better than most other ingredients. You can prepare your cheese tortillas and freeze them without problems.
However, you should keep in mind that low-moisture cheeses freeze better in tortillas than high-moisture ones. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing the right type of cheese to freeze with the eggs.
Other common ingredients are mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach and bacon. The mushrooms freeze exceptionally well for about 9 months, much longer than the tortillas themselves.
Tomatoes are another ingredient that you can add to your tortillas and they freeze very well, both cooked and raw.
Avoid cooked spinach, as it has a different structure and may not last as long . Instead, opt for fresh, raw spinach that can last about 6 months in the freezer.
Cooked bacon goes very well with omelettes and can be frozen for about 3 months, exactly the same time as frozen omelettes.
Although most popular tortilla toppings freeze very well, you should remember that some ingredients may release more water than others, increasing the risk of ice formation and freezer burn.
To mitigate these risks, you need to store your tortillas properly by wrapping them in plastic wrap and using freezer-safe bags.
Related questions
Let’s clear up a few more questions about tortilla storage.
What is the best way to defrost tortillas?
The way to defrost tortillas is just as important as the way to freeze them . They are extremely delicate, so it is important to thaw them slowly and gently.
The best way to thaw tortillas is to leave them overnight in the fridge. If you put them in the pan right after you take them out of the freezer, they’ll get tight and rubbery, which you don’t want.
Once the tortillas are thawed, you can proceed to reheat them so they taste freshly made. There are 3 ways to reheat tortillas: in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven.
Using the microwave is the easiest option, in which you will have to cover the tortilla with a damp cloth and heat it at the lowest temperature for about 30 minutes.
You can do 10 more seconds if needed, but be sure not to overdo it, as the tortillas are already cooked and will get rubbery at higher temperatures.
When you reheat the tortillas on the stove, take a regular skillet, add a little olive oil or butter (or a substitute of your choice), and heat them over low heat for a minute or two on each side.
As an alternative, you can use an oven, normal or toaster, where you will have to preheat it to about 350 degrees and heat the tortillas for 10 minutes.
How long do tortillas last in the fridge?
The tortillas can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 or 4 days. However, they must be well wrapped or sealed in airtight bags or containers so they do not spoil.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, it is best to freeze them following the method described above, where they will keep for about 3 months.
Can tortillas be refrozen?
No, you should not refreeze tortillas. Although it’s okay to freeze them for up to 3 months, it’s not okay to refreeze them once thawed. Doing so will ruin the flavor and structure of the egg.
To avoid the problem of refreezing, be sure to freeze the tortillas in small batches so that you only thaw the amount you need at a time.