Learn how to fold a burrito with this step-by-step guide! You'll be able to roll (and eat!) a burrito without the tortilla tearing or the filling spilling out.
Welcome to how to fold a burrito 101! If you’re anything like me, you’ve rolled many a disappointing burrito in your day. Maybe the tortilla tore, maybe the filling spilled out the end of the burrito as you ate… Whatever happened, you didn’t end up folding—or eating—the Chipotle-worthy burrito of your dreams.
I’ve been there. But a few years ago, after a particularly memorable burrito mess (please, don’t ask!), I finally figured out how to roll a burrito so that it wouldn’t leak or split. As it turns out, the process is super easy—you can find my step-by-step guide below. To master it, you just need the right tortilla and a little bit of practice. In no time, you’ll be a burrito-rolling pro!
How to Fold A Burrito
Here’s my simple method for how to fold a burrito:
Step 1: Choose the right tortilla. Dry corn tortillas work fine for tacos and homemade tortilla chips, but for burritos? Absolutely not. Instead, use large flour tortillas, which can roll without cracking and hold a nice amount of filling. I find that 10 to 12 inches is a good size. Tip: To make the tortillas extra-pliable, warm them in the microwave or in a dry skillet for a few seconds before rolling.
Step 2: Add the filling. Lay the tortilla flat. Place the filling in the center of the tortilla or just below the center. Avoid overstuffing the burrito, which will cause it to burst. I aim to add 3/4 to 1 cup of burrito filling to a 10-inch tortilla.
Step 3: Fold the burrito. Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla in over the filling. Then, start to fold up the bottom flap. Hold the side flaps in place with your fingers.
Step 4: Roll the burrito closed. Bring the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling while keeping the sides tucked in. If needed, gently press the filling towards you so that you’re able to fold the tortilla over it. Tuck the bottom edge of the tortilla around the filling and roll the burrito closed.
Step 5: Eat! You did it! Slice the burrito in half, if desired, and serve it with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sauces for dipping.
Hot Tip
Want to seal your burrito closed? Toast it!
Warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes, or place the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet on the stove and cook until it’s browned and crisp. Flip and let the second side brown before digging in.
Your burrito will be less likely to fall apart this way, and it’ll be extra-toasty and delicious!
Favorite Burrito Recipes
Loved learning how to fold a burrito? Put your skills to the test by trying one of these tasty burrito recipes:
And though these healthy lunch wraps are not technically burritos, you can use this method to fold them too!
How to Fold a Burrito
Ingredients
- 1 large flour tortilla, 10- to 12-inch burrito-size preferred
- Fillings of your choice
Instructions
- Place the tortilla on a clean work surface and add fillings to the center. Be careful not to overstuff the tortilla. I recommend using ¾ to 1 cup of filling for a 10-inch tortilla.
- Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling. Keep the sides tucked in as you start to fold up the bottom flap of the tortilla.
- Bring the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling. Tuck the bottom edge around the filling, then tuck and roll the burrito closed.
- If desired, place the burrito seam-side down in a hot skillet on the stove and cook until lightly brown and crisp. Flip and let brown on the other side. This step will help hold the burrito closed.
