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Tortilla Pillows

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These baked tortilla pillows are a clever, vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional quesadillas or burritos. By folding wholemeal tortillas into neat square parcels and oven-baking them rather than frying, you achieve a satisfyingly crisp texture with far less oil. The heart of the dish is a savoury blend of earthy refried beans and melted cheddar, creating a warm, comforting centre that is perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious mid-week snack.

Great for both adults and children, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt with extra fillings like roasted peppers or sweetcorn. The pillows are best served hot from the oven, accompanied by a generous helping of cooling soured cream, zesty salsa, and creamy guacamole for dipping. They offer a balanced, fibre-rich meal that feels like a treat while remaining simple to prepare.

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Ingredients for Tortilla Pillows

  • 2 8-inch whole wheat tortillas

  • 80g refried beans

  • 30g shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

  • guacamole, salsa, soured cream

How to make Tortilla Pillows

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  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

  2. Place the tortillas on a flat surface in front of you.

  3. Place 1/2 of the beans and 1/2 of the cheese onto the centre of each tortilla.

  4. Fold each tortilla into a square by folding in the two sides and then folding in the top and bottom.

  5. Place the tortilla pillows, folded side down, on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, until the tortillas are crisp and the insides are warmed through.

  6. Serve with desired accompaniments.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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