Viral Tortilla Hack (20+ Global Filling Ideas + Low-carb Options!)

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What is the viral ‘TikTok tortilla hack’ and how can you do it at home? Learn 20+ ways of enjoying this tortilla trend (plus TIPS!) with Globally-inspired fillings – including vegan tortillas, low-carb wraps, dessert options, and more!

Falafel tortilla with tomato and lettuce held in a hand

If you’ve spent any time at all on TikTok (or even Instagram, now) recently, then you’ll probably have come across the #tortillatrend/#tortillahack/#wraphack that’s doing the rounds at the moment. As I spent most of December in a TikTok-fuelled haze of obsession – I had no idea that a video I shared on the 29th of December for a twist on a healthy wrap/vegan quesadilla was about to become part of a viral ‘tortilla hack’ trend. 

Tortilla wrap with vegan chili con carne, corn and avocado in a plate

If TikTok is good for anything (other than avoiding adult responsibilities like cleaning and ironing), then it’s the various ‘hacks’ we’ve all been introduced to – both good and terrible. For this particular wrap hack, I may be a little biased, but it’s a game-changer.

I’ve been making this type of folded layered tortilla for a long, long time – so long that I can’t even be sure when I started (or why/how). However, at the end of December, I decided to share my healthy wrap with my TikTok followers (and shortly after on Instagram), and they loved it. Somehow, the method gained a ton of attention and since has become viral across the platforms, and now the internet!

Folded tortilla with fish and chips

What is the tortilla hack trend?

The tortilla trend shows a new way to enjoy a sandwich wrap or homemade quesadilla with a strategically placed cut that allows you to fold the tortilla wrap in on itself to create three or four layers of fillings, making for easy eating and less filling ‘spillage’. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your tortilla wraps together while eating – you’ll understand!

Tortilla wrap with spinach and scrambled eggs cut in two in a plate

There are arguments about what the hack should actually be called – with some arguing that it’s not a typical sandwich wrap as most versions posted online heat the wrap before eating – much more like a homemade quesadilla. Honestly, how you enjoy your tortilla wrap is up to you!

How to make a Quesadilla/Wrap using the Tortilla Hack

Whether you’re wanting vegan wraps, low-carb wraps, healthy wraps, indulgent/dessert wraps (I think you see where this is going) – there is a way to utilize this hack. By making simple ingredient swaps you can create whatever you want in minutes!

Tortilla wrap with vegan chili con carne, corn and avocado

The Ingredients

There are just two elements to creating your homemade quesadilla/wrap:

  • The Wrap: it’s traditional to use a tortilla – however you can swap this out based on your dietary needs (see variations below).
  • The Filling: depending on how many folds you plan to make, you can choose between 2-4 different fillings per tortilla wrap

Variations

  • For low-carb wraps: there are several brands that offer low-carb wraps. There are also recipes to create your own. Alternatively, swap out the tortilla for Nori sheets (seaweed used for sushi) or Rice paper wraps (like the ones I used for these Mix & Match Rainbow Vegan Rice Paper Rolls)
  • For vegan wraps: use vegan tortillas or either of the low-carb options. You could also make vegan crepes which work wonderfully to create vegan wraps.
  • For gluten-free wraps: make sure to use gluten-free tortillas or either of the low-carb options.
  • For dessert wraps: use tortillas, rice paper, or even crepes. If using crepes just make sure to make them according to your dietary needs.

The Method

Top Tip: Be strategic when placing your fillings! If you plan on making a heated quesadilla style tortilla hack wrap, then be sure to place the salad ingredients in the center layers with the cheese and proteins on the outside. That way, your veggies will get less heat in the middle (yay for no wilted lettuce!), and the cheese will melt more easily.

  1. Decide how many folds you want: whether you want 3 or 4 sections will change how you fill the tortilla wrap, you need to know this in advance.

2. Make the cut: in the center of the tortilla (or nori/damp rice paper sheet), make a cut outwards to the edge of the tortilla. 

3. Add the fillings: visually divide the surface area into 3 or 4 parts based on the layers you want and place your toppings.

If you imagine the wrap to be like a clock-face and have the cut facing down towards 6 pm, then for 4 layers 1-3,3-6,6-9, and 9-12 will be the separate sections (with 1-6, i.e., the half on the right of the cut as your two outer layers). For three parts, then, 6-10, 10-2, and 2-6 will be where the layers are (with 10-6 as the outer layers). Use the images/video as a reference.

Steps for arranging ingredients on tortilla

4. Fold it: Start by folding the wrap from the left side of your cut and flip and flip again until you have a completely folded tortilla. 

Steps for folding a tortilla
Steps for arranging three ingredients on a tortilla

5. Heat It (OPTIONAL): for a homemade quesadilla style dish, you can now heat your tortilla wrap. Use a sandwich press, grill, or hot skillet and lightly heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.

Steps for heating up a tortilla

If you use nori sheet or rice paper wraps, you don’t need to warm them up. You can add extra sauces for them (soy sauce, chili sauce) and enjoy them that way.

To Make Ahead & Store

To Make-Ahead: prepare your tortilla wrap, skipping step five (heating), and store it in the fridge or freezer (like you would any wrap – in plastic wrap/beeswax wrap) for later. The shelf life will depend on your fillings. This method is similar for crepe wraps too. 

Nori wraps: just like sushi, nori wraps are best eaten within 1 day – as refrigeration will cause the nori to become softer and lose the crisp texture.

Rice paper: these are best enjoyed immediately. Rice paper dries out and becomes rubbery when refrigerated. However, if you tightly wrap it in clingfilm, it may last 1-2 days. 

Folded toasted tortilla with halloumi

The 15+ Filling Ideas

Here are 15+ globally-inspired filling ideas for your tortilla wraps, for a taste of many countries. I’ve included notes with each to suggest how to adapt it to vegan wraps, etc. Plus, I’ve thrown in a few extra bonus ideas at the end too.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite fillings for this tortilla hack would be!

Lebanon-inspired filling (Hummus & Falafel)

Feel free to enjoy this one raw or heated – it’s also one of my favorite options for this tortilla hack!

Steps for making falafel tortilla

France-inspired filling (Nutella & Fruit)

This is my only ‘sweet’ wrap option in my main list. But have a peek just below this for more bonus dessert wrap suggestions!

Steps for making Nutella Tortilla

Other Dessert Wrap Ideas

  • PB&J – use a combination of peanut butter (chunky or smooth), your favorite jam, some sliced banana pieces, and optionally chocolate chips.
  • Smores – Combine graham crackers, chocolate chips (or crushed chocolate – milk or dark), and mini marshmallows.
  • Caramel – I love to combine sliced bananas or strawberries (for freshness), salted caramel sauce, and optionally some dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

Vietnam-inspired filling

Rice paper can be quite fiddly to deal with. Check out my rice paper roll post for some top tips.

Steps for making rice paper tortilla

Tex-Mex-inspired filling (Chili cheese)

Make sure to place the chili and cheese on the right side of the wrap, so they are the outer layers. This is naturally a vegan quesadilla if using vegan cheese – but it can be adapted to your preference.

  • Tortilla
  • Mashed avocado with coriander – or this guacamole
  • Corn and sliced pickled jalapeño pepper (omit the chilies if preferred)
  • Cheese – mozzarella or cheddar will work well (or a combo of the two). Spicy options like pepper jack will also work.
  • Vegan chili con “carne” – or a meaty version of your favorite chili

Tex-Mex inspired fillings are plentiful – basically, any quesadilla filling you already love would work well with this cheese quesadilla style wrap.

Steps for making vegan chili con carne tortilla

An Alternative Vegan Quesadilla (Spicy Jackfruit Filling)

  • Use vegan tortillas
  • Jackfruit
  • Grilled peppers
  • Vegan cheese – like a cheddar, smoked option, or other stronger cheese would work well.
  • Guacamole – or simple mashed avocado

Other vegan quesadilla fillings include mixed beans, butternut squash, spiced cauliflower, sweet potato, re-fried beans.

Mexican-Inspired Filling (Carne Asada)

Depending on where you live in the world, Mexican and Tex Mex food has become intermingled over time. However, I reached out to my Mexican followers on this one – so hopefully you’ll enjoy this Mexican-style wrap.

  • Use the tortilla wrap/wrap of your choice
  • Carne Asada – use your favorite BBQ/grilled meat. For a meat-free version then you could make jackfruit style dish instead (which I did)
  • Guacamole – I use this homemade traditional guacamole.
  • Pico de Gallo – or another of your favorite Mexican salsa dishes
  • Beans – I used kidney beans and mixed them with the salsa filling. You could also use pinto beans, black eyes pean, etc.
  • Cheese – use sharp cheddar or whatever cheese you prefer.
Steps for making a carne asada tortilla - Mexican Tortilla

Japan-inspired filling (Sushi nori wrap)

  • Nori Sheet
  • Cooked sushi rice – with a sushi seasoning
  • Avocado Slices, cucumber, or your other favorite sushi veg (shredded carrots, edamame, etc.)
  • Ginger – or Pickled ginger. You could also add a little wasabi.
  • Protein: Salmon slices – You could also use crab/mock crab, jackfruit, tofu, etc.

You can also fold the square nori wraps differently; cut from the center to any of the corners of the square. this will create four sections that you can fold over and will look similar to the tortilla wraps once folded (a triangle).

Steps for making sushi wrap using viral wrap trend

BONUSfor katsu curry nori wraps: fill the wraps with sushi rice, pickled ginger, katsu tofu or chicken and optionally edamame beans. Serve with warm katsu curry sauce.

Chinese-inspired filling (Hoisin Duck Pancake)

Chinese duck pancakes are a staple in British Chinese takeaways and Chinatown across the world – combining the rich flavors of duck and hoisin/plum sauce with light cucumber and green onions.

  • Chinese pancake wraps – these can be bought in several major grocery stores and Asian supermarkets.
  • Shredded Duck (or a meat-free alternative such as jackfruit) – you should be able to buy this in several stores. There are even pre-seasoned Chinese-style shredded duck options available.
  • Hoisin Sauce – or plum sauce.
  • Green Onions – I used long chunks, feel free to thinly slice and use less of them if preferred.
  • Cucumbers – julienne or thinly slice the cucumber to fit more per pancake wrap.
Steps for making a shredded duck tortilla - China tortilla

USA-Inspired filling (Cheeseburger)

This is exactly how it sounds – your traditional cheeseburger in a wrap; all the way up to the processed cheese square. I couldn’t utilize this tortilla hack without making this at least once!

  • Use the tortilla wrap of your choice (GF, vegan, etc.)
  • Burger Patty – I used a thick burger for extra juiciness but use whatever you prefer. Vegan burgers will also work well with this wrap! Feel free to crumble the burger if preferred (if it’s on the thick side).
  • Cheese – For a traditional ‘fast food’ style cheeseburger then grab that cheese square right now. Otherwise, feel free to use cheddar or whatever cheese you’d like.
  • Salad – lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles – choose your faves and make sure to put them in a middle layer so they don’t get too toasty.
  • Sauce – use your favorite burger sauce. I used homemade ketchup in this one.
Steps for making a burger tortilla - USA tortilla

Alternative USA-inspired filling (High-protein breakfast wrap)

You can adapt this breakfast wrap filling for omnivores and vegans and have a tasty, filling breakfast every day! This wrap can be eaten hot or cold.

  • Any tortilla wrap or even a savory crepe would work with this
  • Scrambled Eggs – for a vegan version, use scrambled tofu.
  • Cheese – cheddar or mozzarella work well. Or your favorite vegan cheese (like this Easy Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella)
  • Spinach – You can use raw for speed or saute it to pack in more. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the breakfast wrap.
  • Mashed avocado – if you’re an avocado hater, then you could swap this with other veggies or bacon/meat-alternative.
  • OPTIONAL: a little bit of chili sauce/hot sauce over the eggs for flavor and a sprinkle of omega seeds for extra nutrients.

For a UK-inspired ‘Full English’ breakfast wrap: Replace the avocado with bacon and/or sliced sausages and add some sauteed mushrooms over the spinach section. You could also remove the cheese if preferred and add a hashbrown instead.

Steps for making breakfast tortilla - High protein breakfast wrap

Italy-inspired filling (Antipasti/Pizza Wrap)

This is best enjoyed warm, like a pizza wrap. For best results, I like to place my cheese on an outer layer to make sure it melts.

  • The tortilla of your choice (GF, vegan, etc.)
  • Mozzarella – or a vegan mozzarella for a vegan wrap
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – or sliced tomatoes if preferred. For a ‘pizza’ flavor, you could even add a little Tomato Purée/ Paste
  • Pesto – like this Vegan Basil Pistachio Pesto (with pistachios) or Carrot Leaf Pesto.
  • Artichokes
  • OPTIONAL – olives also work really well with this filling. You could also add deli meats (like parma ham or prosciutto) or vegan alternatives. Balsamic drizzles would also work well.
Steps for making Italy-inspired tortilla

Norway-inspired filling (Salmon-Cream Cheese)

If you love smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches then you’ll love this tortilla hack ‘lox n’ cheese’ wrap!

  • Use the tortilla wrap of your choice (GF, Vegan, etc.)
  • Smoked Salmon – thin slices
  • Cream Cheese – I use homemade cream cheese mixed with chives
  • Herbs: Dill
  • Cucumber pickles – or fresh cucumber
  • (Optional) Red onions – I decided not to add them in the end, but you can if you’d like.
Steps for making a salmon & cream cheese tortilla - Norway tortilla

Turkey-inspired filling (Kebab)

Whether you want a more ‘Traditional’ Turkish kebab style wrap or one with a twist, there are several ways to enjoy this Turkish Kebab Wrap. It was practically made for this tortilla trend!

  • I used traditional Middle-Eastern bread wrap (found in Mediterranean/Middle Eastern supermarkets). You could also use a tortilla wrap of your choice.
  • Kebab pieces – thin or thicker doner/shawarma style kebab meat
  • Hummus – I use homemade hummus. You could swap this with several other Turkish mezze dishes such as garlic yogurt salad or other salad dishes.
  • Vegetables: Sumac, parsley & onions mixture (or other vegetables – like salad and shredded cabbage)
  • Tomatoes – thinly sliced.

Alternatively, you could use a combination of yogurt and tomato sauce for ‘Iskender Kebab’ style filling. You can also use several types of sauce: garlic sauce, tzatziki style sauce (or something like this Lebanese Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Kh’yar bi laban)), tahini sauce, or yogurt, etc.

Steps for making a shawarma tortilla - Turkey tortilla

England-inspired filling (Fish & Chips Wrap)

It might sound odd if you’ve not tried this before but – it works!

  • The tortilla of your choice (GF, vegan, etc.)
  • Fish – you can use a slightly smashed breaded/battered fish fillet or fish fingers. Several brands offer vegan fish fingers now too!
  • Chips/fries – You might need to mash them slightly to fit well, depending on how thick they are.
  • Peas – or Mushy peas, which are easier to deal with in a wrap.
  • Tartare sauce – or your favorite sauce – like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
Steps for making fish and chips tortilla - English wrap

Bonus UK option: For a truly ‘British’ comfort food wrap, you could use a combination of baked beans, cheese, and potato tots/smileys/hashbrowns, etc., with optional chicken (or ‘chick’n) nuggets. Check the American inspired version for my options for a ‘full English’.

Alternative Tortilla Hack British Filling

If you’ve ever been to a British Christmas market, or pub around Christmas time then you’ll probably have seen the ‘Yorkshire pud’ style wrap. Well, this tortilla hack idea takes that idea and uses it for the popular ‘bangers & mash’. Combine;

  • Sausages – Any sausages you like or even meat-free ones
  • Mashed potato – like this creamy decadent mashed potato, or your traditional mash.
  • Vegetables – I like to include these with the mash (either mixed in or just on top) so it’s easier to eat and wrap. I like a combination of peas or green beans, carrots, and sometimes cabbage or sweetcorn.
  • Gravy – Onion gravy is often the norm with bangers and mash but use whatever gravy you’d like.

Greece-inspired Filling (Greek Salad Wrap)

This is one of my favorite tortilla trend healthy wraps as a take on Greek salad combined with a Greek Kebab wrap (Aubergine for meat-free!)

  • Tortilla wrap of your choice (GF, vegan, etc.)
  • Feta Cheese – or vegan feta
  • Olives – optionally combined with lettuce, spinach, or rocket or the below veggies.
  • Red onion and/or tomatoes – optionally mixed with mint.
  • Tzatziki – or a similar dish like this Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad. Use vegan yogurt, if preferred- like this coconut yogurt.
  • Gyros/kebab meat or your favorite meat-free alternative. Grilled eggplant also works amazingly as a vegan tortilla option.
Steps for making an eggplant tortilla - Greece tortilla

Cyprus-inspired Filling (Halloumi Walnut Wrap)

  • Tortilla of choice
  • Grilled halloumi – for a dairy-free option, you can buy vegan halloumi style cheese.
  • Honey – balances out the saltiness of the cheese wonderfully. Use an alternative liquid sweetener for a vegan option.
  • Walnuts – I used pickled walnuts, but normal walnuts will also work well.
  • Mint leaves
Steps for making Cypriot halloumi wrap

Argentina-inspired filling (Dulce De Leche)

For those who want a sweet treat using the tortilla trend with a combination of caramel flavors with crispy Lotus Biscoff and melty chocolate.

  • Tortilla wrap or crepe
  • Dulce de leche – as little or as much as you’d like – it’s delish!
  • Lotus Biscoff – crush the cookies for easier wrapping
  • Chocolate – to make it easier to melt, use grated or finely chopped chocolate
  • Banana – thinly sliced
Steps for making a dulce de leche tortilla - Argentina tortilla

Let me know in the comments where you’re from in the World and what your favorite fillings would be!

Top Tips For The Tortilla Hack

  • For any cheese quesadilla, make sure to place the cheese on the outer layer/s so it melts properly.
  • Feel free to swap lettuce in any wrap for spinach – that way, even if it gets slightly cooked, spinach works wonderfully hot or cold!
  • You may be able to heat these from frozen by using a toaster – make sure to place the open-top up-side so they don’t fall out.

If you try this easy tortilla hack, then let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.

Viral Tortilla Hack (20+ Global Filling Ideas + Low-carb Options!)

5 from 103 votes
By: Samira
Learn 20+ ways of enjoying this tortilla trend (plus TIPS!) – including vegan tortillas, low-carb wraps, dessert options, and more!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Ingredients  

  • 1 tortilla wrap
  • Your favorite fillings check the post for 20+ recipe ideas

Instructions 

Check the blog post for filling ideas!!!

  • Decide how many folds you want: Whether you want 3 or 4 sections will change how you fill the tortilla wrap, you need to know this in advance.
  • Make the cut: In the center of the tortilla (or nori/damp rice paper sheet), make a cut outwards to the edge of the tortilla.
  • Add the fillings: Visually divide the surface area into 3 or 4 parts based on the layers you want and place your toppings.
    If you imagine the wrap to be like a clock-face and have the cut facing down towards 6 pm, then for 4 layers 1-3,3-6,6-9, and 9-12 will be the separate sections (with 1-6, i.e., the half on the right of the cut as your two outer layers). For three parts, then, 6-10, 10-2, and 2-6 will be where the layers are (with 10-6 as the outer layers). Use the images/video as a reference.
  • Fold it: Start by folding the wrap from the left side of your cut and flip and flip again until you have a completely folded tortilla. 
  • Heat It (OPTIONAL): For a homemade quesadilla style dish, you can not heat your tortilla wrap. Use a sandwich press, grill, or hot skillet and lightly heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. You can do this step with or without oil/butter.

To Make Ahead & Store

  • To make ahead: Prepare your tortilla wrap, skipping step five, and store it in the fridge or freezer (like you would any wrap- in plastic wrap/beeswax wrap) for later. The shelf life will depend on your fillings. This method is similar for crepe wraps too.
    Nori wraps: Just like sushi, nori wraps are best eaten within 1-2 days- as refrigeration will cause the nori to become softer and lose the crisp texture.
    Rice paper: These are best enjoyed immediately. Rice paper dries out and becomes rubbery when refrigerated. However, if you tightly wrap it in clingfilm, it may last 1-2 days

Video

Notes

Top Tip: Be strategic when placing your fillings! If you plan on making a heated quesadilla-style tortilla hack wrap, then be sure to place the salad ingredients in the center layers with the cheese and proteins on the outside. That way, your veggies will get less heat in the middle (yay for no wilted lettuce!), and the cheese will melt easier.
 
Variations:
  • For Low-carb wraps: There are several brands that offer low-carb wraps. There are also recipes to create your own. Alternatively, swap out the tortilla for Nori sheets ( seaweed used for sushi) or Rice paper wraps ( like I used for these Mix & Match Rainbow Vegan Rice Paper Rolls)
  • For Vegan wraps: Use vegan tortillas or either of the low-carb options. You could also make vegan crepes which work wonderfully to create vegan wraps.
  • For Gluten-free wraps: Make sure to use gluten-free tortillas or either of the low-carb options.
  • For Dessert Wraps: Use tortillas, rice paper, or even crepes. If using crepes just make sure to make them according to your dietary needs.
More tips:
  • Feel free to swap lettuce in any wrap for spinach – that way, even if it gets slightly cooked, spinach works wonderfully hot or cold!
  • You may be able to heat these up from frozen by using a toaster – just make sure to place the open-top upside so they don’t fall out.
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Main, Snack
Cuisine: American, Asian, French, Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Freezer friendly: Will vary (see notes)
Shelf life: 1-2 Days

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Recipe Rating




170 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Great discovery – made them tonight (mex variant of some sort – guacamole, beans and corn, grilled green, red and yellow bell peppers and stir fried oyster mushrooms), didn’t even have the time to take a photo how quickly they disappeared. I am now inspired to try all kinds of different combinations. Thank you ❤!

      1. Hi it’s 2022, I found your jacks on pintest, I needed I new way to fold shwarma, thank you.
        We’ve now made with falafel balls , and a banging breakfast combo with egg and sausage, amazing hack thank you

    1. 5 stars
      You like them tortillas Alpha Foodie. I feel very well-tutored and supported in my quesadilla! Ciao now brown cow xx

    1. All of these look amazing! I have a question though. You mention pickled walnuts but I swear those are black olives. Can you confirm please? Where would one find pickled walnuts? Super curious to try

      1. Hi Jennifer,
        They were pickled walnuts. They are made with green, unripe walnuts, so from far, the pickled walnuts look a bit like olives. 🙂
        In the UK, it’s quite easy to find them – most supermarkets carry them. In other countries, major supermarkets probably have them as well, possibly in the “Foreign Section” or “British section”.

  2. Really nice concept. I tried the Lebanese version. Really enjoyed it. I changed the last step so all sides folded in because I found with your one one side is open at the end where things still fall out. Thank you very much though for the idea.