A More Effective Way to Fold a Burrito

Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burrito

The Spruce

We've all experienced it before—we're ready to dive into that delicious burrito only to have it open in our hands, the filling falling to the plate. And you folded it properly! You can avoid this mess by wrapping your burrito a different way, adding one extra fold which will ensure a tight seal. (This technique results in a burrito with one open end.)

Tips for folding a burrito
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight

Prepare the Tortilla

Prepare the Tortilla
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

A typical burrito-sized tortilla is 10 inches in diameter, so you need to make sure you have a generous enough work surface, such as a large cutting board. If you are using a store-bought tortilla straight out of the package, you may want to warm it first because they tend to be stiff and tear easily.

Place Your Fillings

Place Your Fillings on the Tortilla
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Although burrito tortillas are generous in size, don't be tempted to overload with filling. Whether it is chicken, beef, vegetables, and/or rice, how much filling and where you place it on the tortilla will affect how easily the tortilla folds and whether the filling escapes. Start placing the filling on the left side, leaving about 4 inches on the right side. The mound of filling should be 2 to 3 inches wide.

First Fold

The First Fold
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

The first fold will be from the right side of the tortilla without the filling (the 4 inches left open). Fold the tortilla where the filling ends toward the center, covering some of the fillings.

Second Fold

The Second Fold
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Bring the top of the tortilla toward the center, folding over the filling. Tuck the edge under the filling for extra support. Rotate the tortilla if it makes it easier (as is pictured).

Third "Extra" Fold

The Third Fold
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

This is the extra fold that goes above and beyond standard burrito folding. On the side where you made the first fold, bring the bottom edge of the tortilla (that is not wrapped around the filling) up toward the middle, making a small diagonal fold.

Fourth Fold

The Fourth Fold
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

The last fold will close up the burrito. Wrap the final edge over the middle, tucking under the bottom of the burrito.

Finished Burrito

The Finished Burrito
The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Let the burrito set for a minute to help the tortilla form around its fillings. Enjoy!