How to Heat Up Taco Shells and Tortillas (Keep Warm & Maintain Shape)

Are you tired of soggy, lifeless taco shells and tortillas? Do you need to know how to heat up and keep taco shells and tortillas warm while maintaining their shape? 

Look no further! In this post, we’ll show you how to heat up your taco shells and tortillas to perfection, ensuring they stay warm and maintain their shape for the perfect crunch in every bite. 

In this article, we will explain why it is important to follow the correct steps when heating up taco shells and tortillas. We will also provide you with a solution so you can find out what works best for you. 

Say goodbye to bland and unappealing tacos and hello to delicious, mouth-watering tacos every time!

Why to Heat Up Taco Shells and Tortillas Is Important

Heating up the taco shells and tortillas is an important part of making the perfect taco, as it can improve the dish’s texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment.

The correct way to heat up taco shells will depend on the type of shell you are using. Hard taco shells are typically fried or baked to make them crispy, while soft taco shells are typically heated to make them warm and pliable.

Hard Taco Shells

Hard taco shells are usually made of corn and are pre-shaped and fried. They are usually packaged in a curved shape, and when heated correctly, they will become crispy and provide a great crunch. Hard shells are perfect for tacos with a lot of toppings and can support the weight of the filling.

Soft Taco Shells

Soft taco shells, also made of corn, are usually folded and steamed or grilled. They are usually packaged in a flat shape, and when heated correctly, they will become warm and pliable. Soft shells are perfect for tacos with a simple filling and are easier to eat and fold than hard shells.

How to Heat Up Taco Shells and Tortillas

We will talk about different ways to heat taco shells, such as in the oven, on the stove, and in the microwave. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be used to achieve different results. 

By the end of the post, you will be able to select the best method for heating up your taco shells according to your preference and the type of shell you are using.

1. Oven Method

Heating up these taco shells and tortillas can be done quickly in an oven, so you don’t have to worry about soggy, cold tacos and quesadillas. If you’re looking for a way to heat up your taco shells and tortillas quickly and efficiently, try using the oven method! 

To heat up taco shells using the oven method, you will need a baking sheet, aluminum foil, and an oven.

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Then, place the taco shells on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. This will prevent the shells from getting too brown or burned while they are baking.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the taco shells for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy. Keep an eye on the shells as they bake, as the time may vary depending on your oven and the type of shells you are using.
4. Once the shells are crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. This method works well for hard taco shells and can be used to make them crispy, which is perfect for tacos with a lot of toppings and can support the weight of the filling.

Some additional tips:

• You can also brush the shells with a little bit of oil before baking them, this will help to make them even more crispy.
• You can also add some spices or seasoning to the shells before baking them for an extra flavor boost.
• Bear in mind that the oven method may not work as well for soft taco shells as they are already pre-cooked and may burn or become too crispy if left in the oven for too long.

2. Stovetop Mehod

Using nothing more than your kitchen stove, you can turn hard, cold taco shells into warm and pliable wraps that are perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. All it takes is a few minutes of heat to make them soft and ready to eat. 

To heat up taco shells using the stovetop method, you will need a skillet or griddle and a pair of tongs.

1. Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Once the skillet or griddle is hot, place the taco shells in the skillet or griddle.
3. Cook the taco shells for a minute or two on each side, or until they are warm and pliable.
4. Keep an eye on the shells as they cook, as the time may vary depending on your stove and the type of shells you are using.
5. Once the shells are warm and pliable, remove them from the skillet or griddle and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. This method works well for soft taco shells and can be used to make them warm and pliable, which is perfect for tacos with a simple filling and are easier to eat and to fold than hard shells.

Some additional tips:

• You can also add some butter or oil to the skillet or griddle before cooking the shells, this will help to make them more flavorful.
• You can also add some spices or seasoning to the shells before cooking them for an extra flavor boost.
• Keep in mind that the stovetop method may not work as well for hard taco shells as they are already pre-cooked and may become too soft or soggy if left on the stovetop for too long.

3. Microwave Method

A quick and easy way to heat up taco shells and tortillas is the microwave method. This technique can be used for softening store-bought taco shells, as well as re-heating leftovers from stored tacos.

The microwave method is a great option if you don’t have time to preheat an oven or use a stovetop to warm your tacos.

To heat up taco shells using the microwave method, you will need a microwave-safe plate and a damp paper towel.

1. First, place the taco shells on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Then, cover the taco shells with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep the shells from becoming too dry or hard while they are heating up in the microwave.
3. Place the plate with the hard taco shells in the microwave and heat them on high power for 15-20 seconds, or until they are warm and pliable. Keep an eye on the shells as they heat up, as the time may vary depending on your microwave and the type of shells you are using.
4. Once the shells are warm and pliable, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes.
5. This method is quick and convenient, but can make the shells soggy if not done correctly. Therefore, it’s important to use a damp paper towel to cover the shells and use a low power setting.

Some additional tips:

• You can also add some butter or oil to the shells before microwaving them, this will help to make them more flavorful.
• You can also add some spices or seasoning to the shells before microwaving them for an extra flavor boost.
• Keep in mind that the microwave method may not work as well for hard taco shells as they are already pre-cooked and may become too soft or soggy if left in the microwave for too long.

Reheating Pre Made Taco Shells

How Do You Heat Taco Shells So They Don’t Break?

Heating taco shells so they don’t break can be a tricky task, but with the right technique, you can achieve perfectly crispy and pliable shells every time. 

The best way to heat taco shells without breaking them is to use the right heating method for the type of shell you are using and pay attention to the temperature and length of time you cook them.

When heating hard taco shells, the oven method is the best choice. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shells on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Bake the shells for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy. This method works well for hard taco shells and can be used to make them crispy, which is perfect for tacos with a lot of toppings.

When heating soft taco shells, the stovetop method is the best choice. Place the shells in a skillet or griddle that has been heated over medium-high heat. Cook the taco shells for a minute or two on each side, or until they are warm and pliable. This method works well for soft taco shells and can be used to make them warm and pliable, which is perfect for tacos with a simple filling.

The microwave method can also be used to heat taco shells, but it can be tricky and can make the shells soggy if not done correctly. It’s important to cover the shells with a damp paper towel and use a low power setting.

Tips for Keeping Warm & Maintaining Shape Taco Shells and Tortillas

When you’re serving taco shells and tortillas at a party or gathering, it can be hard to keep them warm and keep their shape. But with the right techniques, you can keep your taco shells warm and your tortilla chips from going stale. They stay in good shape for an enjoyable and satisfying experience.

1. One tip for keeping taco shells and tortillas warm is to wrap them in foil or place them on a warming tray. The foil will help to keep the heat in and the tortillas or shells warm. If you don’t have a warming tray, you can also use a slow cooker or a chafing dish.
2. Another tip is to heat the taco shells and tortillas before serving. Heating them up before serving will not only make them more flavorful but also keep them warm for a longer period of time. You can heat them in the oven, on a skillet, or in a microwave. 
3. Be sure to use the appropriate method for the type of shell or tortilla you are using and to be mindful of the temperature and cooking time, as too much heat can cause the shells or tortillas to become too crispy or break.
4. To maintain the shape of the taco shells, it’s important to fill them immediately after heating them. This will prevent the shells from becoming too soft and losing their shape. You can also place them in a holder or stand that is specifically designed for holding taco shells in shape.
5. In addition, if you are using soft tortillas, it’s important to keep them covered with a damp cloth or foil to prevent them from drying out

Conclusion

In conclusion, heating up taco shells and tortillas can be done in a few different ways, such as using a skillet, oven, or microwave. It is important to keep the shells and tortillas warm and maintain their shape in order to ensure the best taste and texture. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can easily heat up taco shells and tortillas to perfection every time.