How to Reheat Your Tortillas

​If you’re from Texas or just a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine y’all know that H-E-B’s butter tortillas are a local treasure. Their soft, rich, and slightly sweet flavor makes them the perfect companion for breakfast tacos, fajitas, or a simple snack with a pat of butter.

Then there’s those of y’all that used to live in Texas or visited once but live somewhere else and have ordered tortillas from Texas to be shipped to you. We do our best to ensure your order stays fresh on their journey, but to truly enjoy them, reheating properly is key.​

These instructions work for our beloved H-E-B Butter Tortillas and pretty much any tortilla too!

The Art of Reheating Tortillas

1. Cast Iron Skillet (Comal) Method

This traditional method brings out the best in your tortillas. Works great with any type of stove.

Instructions:

1. Preheat a cast iron skillet or comal over medium heat.
2. Place the tortilla on the skillet for about 30 seconds, until it starts to puff slightly.
3. Flip and heat the other side for another 30 seconds.
4. For extra flavor, lightly brush the skillet with butter before placing the tortilla.​

2. Texas Method

Embrace the Lone Star spirit by using your outdoor grill or smoker. This method imparts a smoky flavor that’s quintessentially Texan.​

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat around 350°F to 450°F.
2. Sprinkle your favorite wood smoke chips (not chunks) over the coals.
3. Place your tortillas directly on the grill grates for about 20 seconds per side.

3. Gas Stove Open Flame Technique

For those with a gas stove, this method can add a delightful char, but be careful to not char too much or let the pieces drop into your stove.

Instructions:

1. Using tongs, place the tortilla directly over the burner set to low.
2. Flip every 10-15 seconds until you see light char marks.
3. Be cautious to avoid burning.

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4. Microwave with a Damp Paper Towel

Quick and effective, especially for a single tortilla.

Instructions:

1. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel.
2. Place them on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the quantity.

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5. Oven Warming Technique

Ideal for serving a crowd or reheating a larger quantity of tortillas.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil.
3. Place the wrapped tortillas in the oven for 10-15 minutes.​

6. Summer Warming Method

Cheap and easy for picnics, lakes, and other outings that takes advantage of our brutal summer heat. Note this might only work when temps are over 100°F+ (aka, every day from May through October)

Instructions:

1. Get any clean baking sheet, metal pan, cast iron pan, or comal – or even a grilled top and place it directly in the hot Texas sun.
2. Let the pan preheat for about 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it is ready when it is hot to the touch, but it might be best to just guess it’s ready.
3. Place tortillas on the clean hot surface for about 20 to 30 seconds each side.​

You can cover the tortillas with foil temporarily to keep bugs, dust, etc… from getting on them.

7. Foil Packet Technique

This technique works if temps are below 100°F but still fairly hot and you don’t have immediate access to fire, electricity, or a kitchen stove and don’t mind waiting a bit.

Instructions:

1. Lightly brush your tortillas with a tiny bit of melted butter or sprinkle a few drops of water on each one.
2. Stack 4–6 tortillas together.
3. Wrap the stack tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
4. Place the foil packet on a flat surface (like a metal tray, stone patio, or the hood of your truck) directly under full sun. It helps if the surface can retain heat.
5. Let them slow warm for about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how hot the day is.
6. Flip the packets halfway through for even warming.

8. Campfire Method: The Cowboy Way

Because sometimes you don’t need a kitchen, just fire and a little grit.

Instructions:

1. Build a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of hot, glowing coals (not big flames).
2. Place a cast iron skillet, comal, or even a heavy-duty grill grate directly over the coals.
3. Let your pan or grate preheat for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Toss your H-E-B butter tortilla or any tortilla right onto the hot surface.
5. Warm for 20 to 30 seconds per side, flipping with tongs until it’s soft, a little puffy, and maybe even kissed with a few rustic char spots.
6. If you’re feeling extra old-school cowboy, you can even warm the tortilla directly on a clean, flat stone that’s been heated by the fire.

 
How to Know When Your Tortillas Are Warmed Up

There are a few different kinds of re-heated tortillas:

• The first is a little fluffy, light, warm, and soft.
• The second is slightly charred, warm to the touch, but not as soft.
• The third is heavily charred and approaching crispy tostada.

It all really depends on how you like your tortillas and which method you’re using to heat them up that will determine when they are done.

If you are heating up tortillas for the first time we recommend checking in on them often, don’t take any of the above guidelines or things you find online like solid rules. Figure out what works best for your tastes.

 
Keeping Tortillas Warm
Once reheated, keep your tortillas warm and pliable by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or placing them in a tortilla warmer. This ensures they stay soft and ready to serve.​

Whether you’re reheating H-E-B butter tortillas you purchased on our site, making breakfast tacos, or preparing for a family dinner; properly reheating your tortillas enhances their flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience.​