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!

8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (1)

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!

8 Recipes For Your Leftover Corn Tortillas (2)

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 can I do with too many 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

Is a type of corn used to make tortillas and other Mexican dishes? ›

Masa harina needs to be mixed with water or another liquid to form a dough, which can be used to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes.

What can I do with day old tortillas? ›

Upcycle leftover soft tortilla wraps (or stale nachos) in minutes by simply frying them up with some huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs) and a little tomato. Mexican migas are very similar to the classic Spanish and Portuguese dish of fried stale breadcrumbs, only using tortillas instead of old bread.

Does corn tortillas go bad? ›

In any type of tortilla, the next step is looking for signs of color changes. If you see signs of mold growth or changes in color, it's time to say "So long, tortillas!" Any color changes such as a green tinge, dark spots, or unusual spots of any kind are signs of spoilage.

How many corn tortillas can you eat in a day? ›

Maximum of meeting the Carbohydrates that you need for that day it equals around 14 regular/medium size Corn tortilla 🌽. That's if you're not going to eat any other Carbohydrates nor sugars. But if you're watching your calorie intake, that's too much tortilla or course.

Why do you get two corn tortillas? ›

But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side. Other reasons include preventing a tortilla from breaking, or if you have a particularly moist filling, & others do it because corn tortillas are delicious – can't argue with that!

Why do Mexicans eat so many tortillas? ›

Tortillas have been a fundamental part for Mexicans because it is what accompanies most of their dishes, it has always been part of their traditions and gastronomic culture.

What do Mexicans use corn tortillas for? ›

Uses. Corn tortillas are the basis of many traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, chilaquiles, and tortilla soup.

What is a Mexican corn tortilla called? ›

During that time, the Conquistadors saw for the first time the flatbread made from corn. It was called tlaxcalli in the native language. The Spanish dubbed them tortillas and they quickly spread worldwide. Once wheat was brought over to the New World from Spain, flour tortillas were created.

Does taco Bell use corn or flour tortillas? ›

Taco Bell's signature taco shell is made from corn flour, water, and oil, and is crispy, curved, and has a distinct texture and flavor. In contrast, traditional Mexican taco shells are made from corn tortillas that are soft and flexible.

Why do my corn tortillas fall apart when I make tacos? ›

They are probably to cold, try reheating them before rolling them. Corn tortillas are inherently more brittle than wheat ones and require a gentler handling, is almost impossible to fold a burrito with corn tortillas, but rolling them for tacos when they are warm is rather easy to learn.

How to fry a corn tortilla for tacos? ›

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add about ½ inch vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees. Add one tortilla to the skillet and cook until it is blistering but still soft, 10 to 15 seconds.

Can you freeze corn tortillas for later? ›

You can freeze both corn and flour tortillas. Freezing is an excellent way to extend tortillas' shelf life and allows you to make last-minute tacos al pastor, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas doradas, taquitos, or chicken enchiladas. To prevent freezer burn, keep tortillas tightly sealed in their packaging.

Can I freeze leftover 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.

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

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 happens when you freeze corn tortillas? ›

Tortillas are one of the most freezer-friendly baked goods out there: As long as they're properly wrapped, they'll maintain their flavor and texture excellently for up to 6 months. Even better, they're easy and speedy to defrost once you're ready to use them.

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