Baking Soft Tortillas: Melting Cheese, Timing Tips

Baking soft tortillas with cheese is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. The first step is to prepare the tortilla dough by mixing flour, salt, water, and fat (oil, lard, butter, or shortening). After kneading the dough and letting it rest, it can be divided into portions and rolled out into thin discs. These discs are then cooked on a hot skillet for a short time, until lightly browned. At this point, the tortillas can be filled with cheese and other desired ingredients, such as meat or vegetables, and then baked in an oven until the cheese melts. The baking time will depend on the amount of filling and the desired crispness of the tortilla.

How to make soft tortillas from scratch

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Warm water
• Fat (oil, lard, butter, or shortening)

Optional Ingredients

• Baking powder
• Garlic powder

Utensils

• Large bowl
• Fork
• Rolling pin
• Wide, heavy-bottomed skillet
• Dishcloth or tortilla warmer

Method

• Dissolve the salt in warm water.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour with the fat using a fork until the mixture looks crumbly.
• Pour in the salty water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more water.
• Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until smooth.
• Cover with a clean dishcloth and leave to rest for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.
• Divide the dough into equally-sized pieces and shape them into small disks.
• Use a rolling pin to roll each disk into an 8-inch round. The thinner, the better.
• Stack the rolled tortillas with a piece of parchment paper between them.
• Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
• When the skillet is hot, add the first tortilla. Within 20 to 30 seconds, you should see it puffing up with bubbles.
• When the bottom of the tortilla has some brown spots, flip it and cook until the second side is browned in places and the tortilla looks dry around the edges. Each tortilla will take 1 to 2 minutes to cook.
• Transfer the cooked tortilla to a dishcloth or tortilla warmer, then continue with the remaining tortillas, adjusting the heat as needed.

Tips

• If the dough keeps shrinking back when you try to roll it out, let it rest for another 15-30 minutes.
• For whole wheat flour tortillas, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. The dough might need a bit more water.
• To make ahead, divide the dough into smaller balls, wrap them, and place them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

30 to 40 minutes before cooking, take the balls out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature before rolling them out.

• Store leftover tortillas in a resealable plastic bag for a day or two, or freeze for longer.
• To reheat room-temperature or cold tortillas, warm them in a skillet until pliable again.

How to assemble cheese-filled tortillas

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Cheese (shredded)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Other fillings of your choice (optional)

Method

• First, decide whether you want to roll your tortillas or fold them. If you want to roll them, you can choose to either roll them before filling them with cheese or roll them after. If you want to fold them, you will need to place your fillings on one half of the tortilla and fold the other half over.
• If you are rolling your tortillas before filling them, place your tortillas on a clean surface and roll them into tubes using a rolling pin. Ensure that the tortillas are rolled out thinly and evenly.
• If you are using corn tortillas, heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before filling and rolling to prevent them from breaking.
• If you are using flour tortillas, you can choose to secure your rolled tortillas with a toothpick or bamboo stick.
• Next, heat a pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can use a heavy skillet or a cast-iron skillet for this.
• Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Spread it around the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
• If you have rolled your tortillas, place them in the pan and cook until browned. If you are using an air fryer, cook for around 6 minutes. If you are using a skillet, you may need to cook for longer.
• If you have not rolled your tortillas yet, place one tortilla in the pan. Flip the tortilla over a few times, leaving around 10 seconds between each flip.
• Once air pockets begin to form within the tortilla, sprinkle your grated cheese over the tortilla, ensuring that the cheese does not land on the pan itself.
• If you are adding other fillings, such as cooked chicken, vegetables, or spices, add them now. Ensure that you do not layer the ingredients too thickly, as they may not heat through properly.
• If you rolled your tortillas before filling them, place them in the pan now and cook until the cheese melts.
• If you have not rolled your tortillas, use a spatula to lift up one side of the tortilla and flip it over, similar to making an omelette.
• Once the cheese has melted and the tortilla is slightly browned, remove the tortilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
• If you are using toothpicks or bamboo sticks, remove them now.
• Allow the tortilla to cool for a few minutes to let the cheese set.
• Cut the tortilla into triangles or wedges using a knife or pizza cutter.
• Serve with dips such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Tips

• If you are using flour tortillas, try to roll them as thinly as possible. The thinner they are, the crispier they will become.
• If you are using corn tortillas, do not fold them over, as they will break.
• If you are making multiple tortillas, stack them up directly after cooking and keep them covered with a kitchen towel. This will help them stay soft.
• If you are making a single tortilla, you can add cheese to half of the tortilla and fold it over.
• If you are using butter, watch it carefully as it melts to prevent it from burning.
• If you are frying your tortillas, ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the tortilla to the pan.
• If you are baking your tortillas, grease a casserole dish or baking tray and place your rolled tortillas inside. Spray with oil or spread with butter and bake until crispy.

How to bake soft tortillas with cheese

Ingredients

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of this recipe. You can also use whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or bread flour.
• Salt: Use a teaspoon of salt to add flavour to the tortillas.
• Water: Use warm water to help the dough come together more easily and dissolve the salt.
• Fat: Use oil, lard, butter, or shortening to make the tortillas soft and pliable.
• Cheese: Choose your favourite type of shredded or melted cheese to add to the tortillas.

Instructions

• Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
• Add liquids: Stir in the water and oil until a shaggy dough forms. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more water.
• Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Let the dough rest: Cover the dough with a clean dishcloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours. This will make it easier to roll out.
• Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions and shape them into small discs.
• Roll out the tortillas: Use a rolling pin to roll each disc into thin circles, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
• Heat a skillet: Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• Cook the tortillas: Place one tortilla in the hot skillet and cook for about 20-30 seconds on each side, until you see some brown spots. Flip and cook the other side until it is browned in places and the tortilla looks dry around the edges. Each tortilla should take about 1-2 minutes to cook. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Add cheese: Once the tortillas are cooked, remove them from the heat and sprinkle with shredded cheese or spread with melted cheese.
• Fold or roll the tortillas: If making quesadillas, fold the tortillas in half after adding the cheese. If making enchiladas or taquitos, roll the tortillas into cylinders.
• Bake the tortillas: Place the folded or rolled tortillas in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Enjoy your soft and cheesy tortillas!

Tips:

• For softer tortillas, add a teaspoon of baking powder to the dough.
• To prevent the dough from sticking, use parchment paper between the rolled tortillas.
• If the tortillas feel stiff after cooking, you may have cooked them too long or at too high a temperature.
• To keep the tortillas soft, stack them in a covered container or zippered bag after cooking.
• You can also freeze the tortillas for later use by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between them.

How to store soft tortillas with cheese

To store soft tortillas with cheese, you can follow the same guidelines as for storing regular soft tortillas.

Firstly, it is important to note that storing your tortillas in the right way will ensure they stay soft and fresh. The best way to store tortillas is to place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you are using a plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing. You can then store the tortillas in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If you want to store your tortillas for longer, you can place them in the freezer. Again, use a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to six months.

When you are ready to use the tortillas, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw. This can take several days. Once they are thawed, you can heat them up in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Cover the plate with a clean towel to keep the tortillas soft until you are ready to use them.

If you are using store-bought tortillas, you can keep them in their original packaging as long as it is intact with no tears or holes. Unopened, they can be stored in a pantry or cupboard for up to two weeks.

How to reheat soft tortillas with cheese

Soft tortillas with cheese are a delicious and easy meal to make. They can be served as a quick snack or a full meal, and they are perfect for those who are short on time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat soft tortillas with cheese:

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

Start by warming your tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in foil and placing them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can place them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds, depending on the number of tortillas you are heating. If you are using room-temperature or cold tortillas, it is recommended to reheat them in a skillet until they are warm and pliable.

Step 2: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Once your tortillas are warm, it's time to add the cheese! Spread a layer of cream cheese or any cheese of your choice on each tortilla and top it with chopped green chilies. Then, carefully roll the tortillas into tight cylinders, securing them with toothpicks or bamboo sticks if needed.

Step 3: Heating Options

At this point, you have a few options for heating your stuffed tortillas:

• Skillet: Place the rolled tortillas in a skillet over medium heat and cook until the cheese melts.
• Air Fryer: Place the rolled tortillas in an air fryer at 450˚F for 4-5 minutes or until crispy.
• Oven: Place the rolled tortillas in a greased baking dish or tray and bake at 450˚F until crispy.
• Microwave: Place the rolled tortillas in a microwave-safe container and heat for 15-30 seconds or until the cheese melts.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once your tortillas are heated and the cheese has melted, it's time for the final touches! If you want your tortillas to be extra crispy, you can place them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. If you prefer them soft and pliable, keep them wrapped in a cloth or covered in a container. Serve your soft tortillas with cheese immediately while they're still warm and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions