Learn how to fold a burrito with this step-by-step guide! You’ll be able to roll (and eat!) a burrito without tearing the tortilla or spilling the filling.
Welcome to how to fold a burrito 101! If you’re anything like me, you have a lot of frustrating burritos in your day. Maybe the tortilla ripped, maybe the filling spilled out of the end of the burrito while you were eating… 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 it doesn’t leak or split. As it turns out, the process is pretty easy—you’ll find my step-by-step guide below. To master it, you just need the right tortilla and a little practice. In no time, you’ll be a burrito-rolling pro!
How to Fold a Burrito
Here is my simple method for folding a burrito:
Step 1: Choose the right tortilla. Dry corn tortillas work well tacos and homemade tortilla chips, but for burritos? Definitely not. Instead, use large flour tortillas, which can roll without cracking and hold a good amount of filling. I find that 10 to 12 inches is a good size. Tip: To make the tortillas softer, warm them in the microwave or in a dry pan 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 overfilling 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 over the filling. Then, begin to fold the bottom flap. Hold the side flaps with your fingers.
Step 4: Roll the burrito closed. Lift the bottom of the tortilla over the filling while keeping the sides tucked in. If necessary, gently press the filling toward you so you can fold the tortilla over it. Place the bottom edge of the tortilla around the filling and roll the burrito closed.
Step 5: Eat! You did it! Cut the burrito in half, if desired, and serve alongside salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sauces for dipping.
Hot Tip
Want to close your burrito? Toast it!
Heat it in a toaster oven for a few minutes, or place the burrito seam-side down in a hot pan on the stove and cook until it’s brown and crispy. Flip and let second side brown before digging in.
Your burrito is less likely to break down this way, and it will be super toasty and delicious!
Favorite Burrito Recipes
Want to learn how to fold a burrito? Test your skills by trying one of these delicious burrito recipes:
And even these healthy lunch wraps aren’t technically burritos, you can use this method to fold them too!
How to Fold a Burrito
Learn how to fold a burrito! I break the process down into four simple steps that will help you roll the perfect burrito every time.
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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.
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Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling. Keep the sides tucked in as you begin to fold the bottom flap of the tortilla.
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Lift the bottom of the tortilla over the filling. Place the bottom edge around the filling, then pinch and roll the burrito closed.
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If desired, place the burrito seam-side down in a hot pan on the stove and cook until lightly browned and crisp. Flip and let the other side brown. This step will help hold the burrito closed.