Tortillas for Tortilla Soup: Choosing and Cooking Them Right 🍲

The magic of tortilla soup lies in the tortillas. Crisp, golden strips add flavor, body, and that signature crunch. But what are the best tortillas for tortilla soup — and how do you prepare them?

The right tortillas turn a good tortilla soup into an authentic, comforting dish with depth and texture.

What Tortillas Are Best for Tortilla Soup?

The best choice is corn tortillas, not flour. Corn tortillas have the authentic flavor and structure needed for this classic soup.

• Corn tortillas: Slightly chewy, toast well, and add thickness when simmered.

• Flour tortillas: Too soft and prone to getting soggy.

Traditional tortilla soup almost always uses corn tortillas because they hold up in broth and deliver that distinct masa flavor.

How to Prepare Tortillas for Tortilla Soup

There are a few ways to prepare your tortillas, depending on whether you want crispy strips on top or tortillas blended into the base.

Step-by-Step (Crispy Strips)

1. Cut tortillas into thin strips.

2. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

3. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

4. Use as a topping for your soup.

Step-by-Step (Thickening Base)

1. Tear corn tortillas into small pieces.

2. Simmer in broth until soft.

3. Blend the soup base until smooth.

4. Return to pot and finish cooking.

Both methods are often combined: tortillas inside for body, tortilla strips on top for crunch.

Table: Comparing Tortilla Types

Tortilla Type	Texture in Soup	Flavor	Best Use
Corn tortillas	Holds up, chewy	Earthy, authentic	Traditional tortilla soup
Flour tortillas	Soft, can turn mushy	Mild, neutral	Only for strips in a pinch
Baked tortilla chips	Crunchy, salty	Toasted, light	Convenient topping option

Tortillas in Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup

Many readers ask about Panera chicken tortilla soup. Panera uses tortilla strips as a garnish, not blended tortillas. The base is tomato-heavy with southwestern spices, and the crispy strips add texture at the end.

If you’re making a copycat version, stick to fried corn tortilla strips for the most authentic flavor.

Panera chicken tortilla soup shows how tortilla strips elevate even a chain restaurant soup into something crave-worthy.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Strips

• Homemade strips: More authentic, customizable in thickness and flavor.

• Store-bought chips: Convenient, but can get soggy quickly.

If using chips, bake or lightly fry them again before adding to the soup for extra crunch.

Tips for Success with Tortillas in Soup

• Always use day-old corn tortillas for better frying and less sogginess.

• Fry in small batches for crisp, even strips.

• Don’t add crispy strips until serving time.

• Want healthier? Bake strips instead of frying.

Tortilla soup is all about balance — rich broth, tender chicken, and tortillas that deliver both body and crunch.

Flavor Pairings with Tortilla Soup

Serve your soup with:

• Avocado slices

• Fresh cilantro

• Crumbled queso fresco

• Lime wedges

• Jalapeño slices

These toppings bring brightness and contrast to the hearty tortillas.

Final Word: Tortillas for Tortilla Soup

The best tortillas for tortilla soup are corn tortillas, fried into strips for garnish or simmered into the base for richness. For an authentic bowl — or even a Panera chicken tortilla soup copycat — crispy corn tortilla strips are essential.

FAQ

What tortillas are best for tortilla soup? Corn tortillas, because they hold up in broth and add authentic flavor.

Can you use flour tortillas in tortilla soup? They can be used, but they get mushy — corn tortillas are better.

How do you make tortilla strips? Cut corn tortillas into strips, fry or bake until crispy, and add before serving.

Does Panera chicken tortilla soup use tortillas? Yes, Panera uses fried tortilla strips as a topping.

Can you use tortilla chips instead of tortillas? Yes, but they’re best baked or refried before adding to prevent sogginess.