Can I use tortillas instead of bread for sandwiches?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can absolutely use tortillas instead of bread for sandwiches. Tortillas make a great bread substitute and can be used to make both cold and hot sandwiches. Some popular tortilla sandwich options include burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and wraps. Using tortillas opens up a world of flavor possibilities beyond regular sandwich bread.

Tortilla Sandwich Options

Here are some of the most common ways to use tortillas for sandwiches:

Burritos

A burrito is a stuffed tortilla that is folded into a cylindrical shape. Burritos are often made by placing fillings like rice, beans, meat, cheese, and veggies into the center of a large flour or wheat tortilla. The tortilla is then folded in half and the ends are tucked in to encase the fillings. Burritos make a hearty and portable meal.

Tacos

Tacos are made by placing taco fillings into the center of a small corn or flour tortilla and then folding it in half. Typical taco fillings include ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas, fish, or veggies along with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and more. The small size makes tacos perfect for snacking or appetizers.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are made by filling a tortilla with cheese and other ingredients, then folding it in half and cooking until the cheese melts. Quesadillas are often cooked on a griddle or pan. Fillings like chicken, steak, shrimp, beans, and veggies pair nicely with the melted cheese.

Wraps

Wraps are made by spreading fillings onto a tortilla, then tightly rolling it up. Typical wrap fillings include sliced deli meats, tuna salad, egg salad, grilled veggies, and more. The rolled shape makes wraps easy to eat by hand. Flour tortillas work best for wrapping.

Benefits of Using Tortillas

There are many benefits to using tortillas rather than regular bread for sandwiches:

Tortillas add more flavor and texture variety than regular sandwich bread.

Tortillas allow you to enjoy the sandwiches and cuisine of different cultures.
Tortillas are versatile enough to hold both cold sandwich fixings or hot grilled ingredients.
Wraps and burritos made with tortillas are convenient finger foods for on-the-go meals.

Tortillas are readily available at most grocery stores alongside sandwich bread.
For gluten-free and paleo diets, corn tortillas make the perfect bread substitute.
Tortillas are fun, kid-friendly bread replacements for sandwich lunches.

Tortillas allow for more creative shapes and folding techniques compared to slices of bread.

Tortilla Types for Sandwiches

The type of tortilla you choose impacts the flavor and suitability for different sandwich fillings. Here are some top options:

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas have a soft, pliable texture that makes them ideal for quesadillas, burritos, wraps, and rolled sandwiches. The mild wheat flavor pairs nicely with most fillings. Look for large 10-inch flour tortillas for burritos.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas have a crisp, slightly grainy texture and sweet corn flavor. They are commonly used for tacos, tostadas, and rolled taquitos. Small 6-inch corn tortillas work well for tacos.

Whole Wheat Tortillas

For a healthy twist, whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber and a nutty, dense texture. The strong wheat taste stands up to bold fillings. Whole wheat tortillas make hearty wraps.

Spinach or Herb Tortillas

Green spinach or herb-flavored tortillas lend color and flavor variety. The vegetables and herbs provide a fresh taste that complements lighter fillings like vegetables, eggs, and seafood.

Low-Carb Tortillas

Low-carb tortillas made from almond flour, coconut flour, or protein offer a gluten-free, low-calorie option. The thinner, more delicate texture requires gentle handling.

Tortilla Type	Description	Best Uses
Flour	Soft, pliable, mild wheat flavor	Burritos, quesadillas, wraps, rolled sandwiches
Corn	Crisp, slightly grainy, sweet corn flavor	Tacos, tostadas, taquitos
Whole Wheat	Nutty, dense, strong wheat flavor	Hearty wraps
Spinach/Herb	Fresh green color, flavor from vegetables and herbs	Vegetable, egg, and seafood sandwiches
Low-Carb	Thin, delicate, gluten-free	Gentle handling required

Choosing Fillings for Tortilla Sandwiches

Tortillas are incredibly versatile for both cold and hot sandwich fillings. Consider these filling ideas:

Cold Sandwich Fillings

Sliced deli meats like turkey, ham, or roast beef

Cheese slices or spreads like cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and queso
Chopped vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, onion, spinach, sprouts
Spreads like mustard, mayo, hummus, pesto or tapenade

Salsa, guacamole, or olive tapenade
Tuna salad, egg salad, chicken salad
Nut butters and jams or honey

Sliced fruits like banana, strawberries, mango
Cold leftover chicken, steak, or pork
Bean spreads and dips like black bean dip, baba ganoush

Hot Sandwich Fillings

Grilled, diced chicken, steak, pork, fish or shrimp
Cooked ground beef or turkey
Refried beans, black beans, pinto beans

Sauteed or roasted vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms
Scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled eggs
Cooked rice, quinoa, farro or other grains

Shredded cheese like cheddar, Oaxaca, pepper jack
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream
Caramelized onions, grilled peppers and onions

Pico de gallo, chimichurri, chutney

Any of these proteins, vegetables, cheeses, and condiments can be combined to make delicious hot tortilla sandwiches. Try out flavorful combinations like Tex-Mex, Mediterranean, and breakfast sandwiches.

How to Make Tortilla Sandwiches

Making great tortilla sandwiches is easy. Follow these simple steps:

Choose tortilla type and size. Pick flour, corn, whole wheat or other tortillas depending on the filling. For burritos, larger 10-12 inch tortillas are ideal. For tacos and wraps, smaller 6-8 inch tortillas work best.
Warm the tortilla. For tacos, quesadillas and burritos, heat the tortilla in a skillet, microwave or oven until warm and pliable.
Add fillings. Place your desired sandwich fillings onto half of the tortilla, leaving a 1-2 inch border. For cold sandwiches, limit wet fillings that can make the tortilla soggy.

Fold and shape tortilla. For tacos, fold in half. For quesadillas, fold in half and cook until browned and crispy. For burritos, wrap by folding in the sides and rolling into a cylinder. For wraps, tightly roll up the tortilla.
Toast and cook fillings. For hot sandwiches, toast the assembled tortilla in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fillings are warm.
Slice in half. For easier eating, cut burritos, wraps and quesadillas in half before serving.

Be creative with mixtures of textures, flavors and colors to make your tortilla sandwiches special.

Tips for MakingGreat Tortilla Sandwiches

Here are some helpful tips for success when using tortillas for sandwiches:

Place a damp paper towel under the tortilla while adding fillings to prevent sliding.

Brush the edges of the tortilla lightly with water or oil to help create a tight seal when wrapping.
Pre-cook any raw vegetables or meat before placing into the tortilla to avoid a soggy sandwich.
Drain off any excess liquid or grease from fillings like cheese, meat or beans.

Spread a thin layer of mayo, mustard or cheese on the tortilla interior to help prevent the filling from escaping.
Heat burritos, quesadillas and tacos in a lightly greased skillet for a crispy exterior.
Let burritos rest seam side down after rolling for the tortilla to seal together.

Reheat leftover tortilla sandwiches by wrapping in foil and baking at 300°F for 15 minutes.

Easy Tortilla Sandwich Recipes to Try

Here are some delicious, easy tortilla sandwich recipes to inspire your cooking:

Chicken Avocado Burritos

Ingredients:

Large flour tortillas
Cooked chicken, shredded
Diced Hass avocado

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Greek yogurt or sour cream
Hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

Lay tortilla flat and spread with a thin layer of yogurt or sour cream.
Top with chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and hot sauce (if using).
Wrap tightly like a burrito and toast lightly in a skillet over medium heat.

Slice in half and enjoy.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

Corn tortillas

Sauteed shrimp
Shredded cabbage
Pico de gallo

Lime wedges
Cilantro
Mexican cheese blend

Directions:

Saute shrimp in olive oil and Cajun seasoning.
Build tacos by topping corn tortillas with shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro and cheese.

Squeeze lime juice over tacos before serving.

Veggie Fajita Quesadillas

Ingredients:

Flour tortillas

Sauteed bell peppers and onions
Baby spinach
Black beans

Monterey jack cheese
Jalapenos (optional)
Cilantro

Greek yogurt or sour cream

Directions:

Saute peppers, onions and jalapenos (if using) until tender.

Build quesadilla by topping tortilla with veggie mix, spinach, beans and cheese.
Fold tortilla over and brown lightly in a skillet over medium heat.
Top with cilantro and yogurt before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tortilla Sandwiches

To keep your tortilla sandwiches fresh:

Store cold sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Store hot sandwiches in sealed containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freeze wrapped tortilla sandwiches for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
Reheat refrigerated or thawed tortilla sandwiches by wrapping in foil and baking at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
Crisp up leftover tortilla sandwiches in a hot skillet or sandwich press.

Proper storage keeps tortilla sandwiches fresh and delicious for days.

Conclusion

Tortillas are a delicious, versatile bread substitute for both cold and hot sandwiches. Flour, corn, whole wheat and other tortilla varieties can be used to make quick and easy meals like tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and wraps. Tortillas add more flavor, texture and creativity compared to regular sandwich bread. Fill your tortillas with proteins, veggies, beans, cheese and more. With the right fillings and folding techniques, you can enjoy Mexican-inspired sandwiches as well as global flavors. Tortilla sandwiches make an easy packed lunch or light dinner. So next time you make sandwiches, reach for a package of tortillas rather than loaf of bread. Your tastebuds will thank you.