How to get Tortillas Unstuck (2024)

There is nothing more frustrating than going to make a wrap for lunch to find the tortillas stuck together. This happened recently when I couldn’t get a pack of Trader Joe’s tortillas unstuck. I tried all the usual methods like microwaving and the “wave method”. Neither worked, hanger set it, so lunch was hole riddled bean burrito.

I’ve come the conclusion that this is a manufacturing issue on Trader Joe’s part. The tortillas are either too hot when packaged or not baked for enough time. Either way, the tortillas have too much moisture and we need to dry them out. This is how I successfully unstuck flour tortillas:

Unstick flour tortillas

First, in our tortilla unsticking adventure, heat your oven to a moderate heat like 350°. Pull the stack of stuck tortillas out of the plastic wrapper and wrap tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until the stuck tortillas are steamy & hot all the way through.

Open the aluminum foil to expose the steamy tortillas but don’t try to pull the tortillas apart yet. They are going to be even more stuck and you will curse me. Patience, grasshopper.

Bake for 10 more minutes to allow the excess moisture to evaporate. If you have a fan option, turn it on to aid in driving the moisture out of the tortillas. The top and bottom tortillas will crisp but it’s a sacrifice that must be made for the good of the group.

Finally, using a large offset spatula, carefully peel each tortilla layer away, placing on parchment paper to cool.

Either use tortillas right away or refrigerate in the original plastic wrapper with parchment between each tortilla to prevent sticking.

And there you have it. How I saved the day and my future lunches by unsticking my Trader Joe’s flour tortillas with the oven, heavy duty aluminum foil and a little time. Let me know if this worked for you in the comments below or if you own tips for unsticking flour tortillas!