How To Use a Tortilla Warmer (Keep Your Tortillas Warm While Eating)

A tortilla warmer not only keeps them warm, if you have guests it demonstrates to them you have prepared the meal in a classic Mexican way. 

Many people from Central America see the warmer as both a functional and visually appealing way to serve their tacos.

A plastic tortilla warmer will keep your tortillas warm for at least 20 minutes while on the table, enough time to savour and enjoy your meal. Ceramic or stoneware warmers tend to hold heat for longer.

Step-by-step of using a tortilla warmer (microwave heating)

Preparing the tortilla warmer

For those of you who own a microwave safe warmer, follow this guide. In some cases the lid will not be safe to use in a microwave. Double check the warmer is microwave safe prior to using.

To warm your tortillas in a microwave, fold 3 to 4 pieces of paper towel into a square and dampen the towel very lightly by sprinkling water onto the towel.

Place the damp towel inside the warmer at the base. Carefully remove the tortillas from the packet and separate with a round ended knife such as a dinner or butter knife and place up to 5 tortillas one by one onto the damp paper towel.

By separating the tortillas straight out the packet, this avoids them sticking together during the warming process.

Place the warmer in a microwave

Set the microwave onto full power and place the warmer with up to 5 tortillas into the microwave with the lid removed. 

Heat on full power for 20 seconds to start off with. Then open the microwave carefully to see if they are warm by checking to see if a small amount of steam is rising.

Heat for a further 20 seconds and no more than minute maximum until you see steam rising off the surface of the tortillas.

Remove your tortilla warmer

Carefully remove the warmer from the microwave using a pair of oven gloves to avoid burning yourself from the hot steam.

Once removed from the microwave attach the lid to the warmer immediately and serve by placing the warmer onto a heat proof table serving mat.

Placing your tortillas inside the warmer on the table allows your guests to grab them at their leisure.

Using a tortilla warmer effectively

The best part of using tortillas warmers is that they help to retain heat. Don’t forget to close the lid every time you serve a tortilla. 

How long will tour tortillas stay warm?

To enjoy your tortillas fully they have to be warm. However, not all warmers keep the tortillas warm for extended periods. On average, a warmer will retain warmth for around 20 minutes.

If you want to keep your food warmer for as long as possible, a ceramic tortilla warmer is a better option compared to plastic versions.

Remember, for the best results, you should always heat your tortillas in small batches of up to five at a time. 

Final Thoughts

Cold tortillas are unappealing and can take the joy out of otherwise classic Central American tacos. Whether you favour flour or corn tortillas, you should keep them fresh and warm throughout the mealtime. 

Warming your tortillas shouldn’t be a tedious task. If you want to try a more conventional way of warming tortillas, use a warmer. And depending on your needs, you can choose a warmer that works with your existing microwave. 

Since there are different materials used in the manufacture of tortilla warmers it’s worth mentioning to check that your tortilla warmer is both microwave and dishwasher safe prior to using.

Finally, always use extreme caution when handling hot dishes. Always use a pair of heat proof gloves when handling anything hot in the kitchen.