11 Sweet and Savoury Recipes Using Tortillas: From Breakfast to Dinner

Tortillas are one of the most versatile foods out there. These thin, circular flatbreads are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but their simplicity and flexibility make them an excellent option for dishes across various cuisines worldwide.

Tortillas can satisfy your craving for something savoury or sweet, hot or cold. You’ll be amazed at the diverse range of meals you can create with this basic ingredient.

In this article, we’ll explore some creative and tasty recipes using tortillas in unexpected ways. So grab a package of tortillas, and let’s kick things off!

Savoury Dishes Made with Tortilla 

Let’s start with exploring some creative and delicious savoury recipes using tortillas. From classic quesadillas and tacos to unexpected twists like tortilla soup, these recipes will add some excitement to your lunch routine.

Quesadillas

A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish that is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy warm melted cheese and flavourful fillings. Quesadillas are often served with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Here’s a simple recipe for chicken and cheese quesadillas:

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Mix together the shredded cheese, cooked chicken, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Brush one side of each tortilla lightly with vegetable oil.
4. Lay one tortilla in the skillet with the oiled side down.
5. Spoon 1/4 of the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of the tortilla.
6. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
9. Cut the quesadillas into triangular pieces and serve hot with your favourite toppings like salsa or sour cream.

You can customise this recipe by using different types of cheese or substituting the chicken for beef, shrimp, or beans. 

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish made with shredded chicken, rolled in corn tortillas, and covered in a spicy tomato sauce. It is a hearty and comforting meal, often served with rice, beans, and guacamole.

Here’s a simple recipe for chicken enchiladas:

Ingredients:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 kg boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides; stir occasionally.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper and stir.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavours meld together.
6. Dip each tortilla in the tomato sauce to coat both sides, then fill with a spoonful of the chicken mixture and roll up tightly.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
8. Coat the base of a baking pan with a thin layer of tomato sauce.
9. Place the rolled-up tortillas with the seam-side down in the baking pan.
10. Drizzle the remaining tomato sauce on top of the enchiladas.
11. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
12. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Take the enchiladas out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a delicious and easy way to warm up on a cold day and a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies. It is a great combination of bold flavours and textures and is sure to please. 

Here’s an easy recipe for tortilla soup:

Ingredients:

• 6 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. In a large bowl, toss the tortilla strips with vegetable oil until they are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the tortilla strips in a solitary layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake them for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. While the tortilla strips are baking, heat a large pot over medium heat.
6. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper, and cook until softened; stir occasionally.
7. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes until the flavours meld together.
9. Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro.
11. Serve aside with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish typically eaten for breakfast or brunch. It consists of fried tortilla chips simmered in a brothy sauce and topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Here’s a recipe for Chilaquiles:

Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Shredded cheese, sour cream and sliced avocado for toppings

Instructions:

1. Cut the tortillas into triangles and fry them in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
2. Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, chilli powder, paprika, cumin and chicken broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. 
4. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the fried tortilla chips to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
6. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream and sliced avocado, and serve hot.

Burritos

A burrito is a popular Mexican dish that consists of a flour tortilla stuffed with various tasty ingredients. Burritos are often customised to suit any taste or dietary preference, and they’re a perfect option as an on-the-go meal. 

Here’s a basic recipe for making burritos:

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 kg ground beef or shredded chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef or chicken in a large skillet until browned and fully cooked.
2. Add the black beans, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños (if desired) to the skillet. Stir everything to combine and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until warm and pliable.
4. Spoon a portion of the filling onto each tortilla, making sure to leave room around the edges to fold and tuck.
5. Top the filling with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Fold the tortilla edges inward toward the centre, then roll tightly from the bottom up.
7. Serve the burritos immediately, either whole or cut in half.

Nachos

Nachos are a popular Mexican dish typically consisting of crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various toppings. They are often served as an appetiser or snack but can also be enjoyed as a main course.

Here’s how to make classic nachos:

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeño peppers
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream and guacamole for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
2. Spread a layer of tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the tortilla chips.
4. Add the sliced jalapeño peppers and black beans on top of the cheese.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the toppings.
6. Bake the nachos for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Take them out of the oven and top with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
8. Serve hot with sour cream and guacamole.

Taquitos

Taquitos are a delicious Mexican appetiser or snack that consists of small rolled-up tortillas filled with various ingredients and then deep-fried until crispy. They’re often served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Here’s a recipe for making taquitos at home:

Ingredients:

• 10-12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Combine the shredded chicken, cheese, onion, garlic powder, cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds so that they are soft and pliable.
3. Place a spoonful of the filling mixture down the middle of each tortilla.
4. Roll up each tortilla tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Preheat oven to 200°C.
6. Brush the taquitos lightly with vegetable oil.
7. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
8. Alternatively, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Add the taquitos to the hot oil seam-side down and cook until golden brown all over, turning occasionally.
10. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
11. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Smoked Salmon Rolls

Creamy, salty, and packed with flavour, these rolls are the perfect combination of smoky salmon, tangy cream cheese, and aromatic dill. They are a delicious and easy appetiser that can be prepared ahead of time, up to 24 hours in advance. 

Here’s a simple recipe to make smoked salmon rolls:

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 225g smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese, lime juice, and chopped dill in a bowl and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
2. Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
3. Scoop a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edge.
4. Arrange the smoked salmon slices on top of the cream cheese, then add a few slices of red onion.
5. Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling, making sure to seal the ends.
6. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
7. Slice the rolls into rounds and arrange them on a platter, then serve cold.

Sweet Dishes Made with Tortilla

Who says tortillas are just for savoury dishes? Here are some examples of sweet recipes using tortillas to make delicious desserts or snacks. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Dessert Nachos

Dessert Nachos are a delicious, sweet twist on the traditional savoury nachos. They usually consist of crispy baked tortilla chips topped with various toppings, such as fruits, chocolate chips, marshmallows, caramel sauce, and whipped cream.

Here’s a simple recipe for Dessert Nachos:

Ingredients:

• 6-8 flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• Whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.
2. Cut the tortillas into triangular pieces and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Brush the melted butter over the tortilla pieces.
4. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the tortilla pieces.
5. Bake the tortillas for 10 to 12 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove the tortillas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Arrange the tortilla chips on a platter, and sprinkle the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on top.
8. Scatter the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows over the fruit.
9. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
10. Serve the dessert nachos warm, with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Apple Pie Taquitos

Apple Pie Taquitos are a delicious dessert that combines the flavours of apple pie with the crispy texture of taquitos. They are often served with whipped cream or caramel sauce for dipping.

Here’s a recipe for Apple Pie Taquitos:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 12 small flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• A mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon to the skillet, and stir to combine. 
3. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, occasionally stirring until the apples are soft and caramelised.
4. Arrange the tortillas on a flat surface, and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the centre of each tortilla.
5. Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling, and place them seam-side down onto a greased baking sheet.
6. Preheat your oven to 190°C.
7. Brush the tops of the tortillas with the melted butter, and sprinkle them with the mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
9. Take them out of the oven and serve warm with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream as desired.

Chocolate Quesadilla

A Chocolate Quesadilla is a sweet variation of the classic quesadilla. Instead of cheese and chicken, it’s filled with chocolate and fruit like strawberries or bananas. So, it is an amazing combination of warm melted chocolate and a crispy tortilla shell.

Here’s a simple recipe for Chocolate Quesadillas:

Ingredients:

• 4 flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate chips
• 1 banana, sliced (optional)
• Butter or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Spread 2 tablespoons of Nutella or chocolate chips on one half of each tortilla.
2. Arrange banana slices on top of the chocolate on one half of each tortilla (if using).
3. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the chocolate and banana to create a half-moon shape.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter or spray with cooking spray.
6. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
7. Carefully flip the quesadilla and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the opposite side is golden brown and the chocolate is melted.
8. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
9. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

You can add other fillings like strawberries, nuts, or caramel sauce to your chocolate quesadillas. 

The Options Are Endless

Tortillas offer endless possibilities for culinary creativity, whether you’re whipping up breakfast tacos, quesadillas, or even sweet treats. You can also make your own homemade wheat-free tortillas using alternative flour options if you want to exclude gluten from your diet.

If these tortilla recipes have got your appetite going, you may also love our collection of one-pot meal recipes. Check them and more on our website, and bring some variety to your dinner table!

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