If you’ve ever dreamed of soft, warm tortillas fresh off the griddle, you are going to adore this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe. There is something magical about rolling out your own dough and watching it puff up as it cooks, giving you that perfect combination of chew and tenderness that store-bought can never match. Whether for tacos, wraps, or just to savor with butter, these homemade tortillas bring an authentic touch and incredible flavor to your table. Plus, they are surprisingly simple, using a handful of pantry staples that transform into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making tortillas from scratch—these ingredients are straightforward and each plays an important role in the final texture and flavor. With just flour, some fat, and a little baking powder, you’re set to create beautiful tortillas that taste like a warm hug on your plate.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your tortilla, providing structure and softness when kneaded.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift so your tortillas are tender but not flat.
- 1 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil/butter): Adds richness and moisture, keeping tortillas soft and pliable.
- ¾ cup warm water: Brings the dough together and helps the gluten develop for elasticity.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This simple mixture forms the base and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, which is key for a balanced tortilla.
Step 2: Add the Oil and Warm Water
Next, pour in your chosen oil and the warm water gradually. The warmth helps hydrate the flour for a supple dough while the oil contributes softness. Mix everything gently until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. This part is crucial to developing the gluten, which gives your tortillas their signature chewiness. Aim for a smooth ball that’s not sticky but still soft.
Step 4: Divide the Dough into Balls
Divide the dough into 8 or 10 even pieces depending on the size you prefer for your tortillas. This step makes rolling each tortilla a breeze and ensures uniform cooking.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough balls with a towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and preventing it from shrinking during cooking.
Step 6: Roll Each Ball into Circles
On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 8 to 10 inches in diameter if you want larger tortillas, or 6 to 8 inches for smaller ones. Keep the thickness even for uniform cooking and soft texture.
Step 7: Cook on a Heated Skillet
Place each rolled tortilla on a hot skillet and cook for 30 to 45 seconds on each side. You’ll know they are ready when brown spots appear and the tortilla starts to puff slightly. This quick cooking locks in the moisture and flavor.
Step 8: Keep Warm Until Serving
Transfer cooked tortillas to a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Keeping them warm helps retain softness and makes stacking for serving much easier.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a pat of butter melting on hot tortillas, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some flaky sea salt can elevate the experience. These touches highlight the tortilla’s tender texture without overpowering its delicate flavor.
Side Dishes
Homemade tortillas pair beautifully with vibrant salsas, smoky grilled meats, or creamy guacamole. They also make excellent side companions to chili, soups, or roasted vegetables, offering a warm, soft contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Roll up tortillas filled with spiced beans and cheese for easy handheld tacos, or fold them over scrambles eggs and avocado for breakfast wraps. You can even cut them into chips and bake for homemade tortilla chips—so versatile and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra tortillas, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze homemade tortillas by stacking them separated with parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep nicely for up to 2 months, which means you can enjoy this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm them briefly in a hot skillet. This method refreshes their softness and brings back that fresh-off-the-griddle sensation.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture, though the tortillas will be slightly denser. Feel free to experiment by substituting half or all of the all-purpose flour.
Why do my tortillas turn out tough?
Tough tortillas often result from over-kneading or rolling the dough too thin. Make sure to knead just until smooth and elastic, and roll to a moderate thickness to maintain softness.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, butter works wonderfully in this recipe. It gives the tortillas a slight richness and tender crumb. Just substitute in equal amounts and enjoy the subtle flavor change.
How do I keep tortillas from drying out?
Keep freshly cooked tortillas wrapped in a tortilla warmer or a clean kitchen towel until serving. Proper storage helps them retain moisture and softness for longer.
Is it necessary to let the dough rest?
Resting is important because it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during cooking. Don’t skip this step if you want tender tortillas!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making your own tortillas from scratch, and this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe is a wonderful starting point that rewards you with fresh, soft, and flavorful results every time. Give it a try—you may find that once you taste homemade, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
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Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade flour tortillas are soft, pliable, and perfect for wraps, tacos, or burritos. Made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, and olive oil, they come together quickly with easy-to-follow steps and can be cooked on the stovetop for a warm, fresh taste every time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil or butter)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and warm water, then mix everything together until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for a tender tortilla.
- Divide the Dough: Portion the dough into 8 or 10 equal balls depending on your preferred tortilla size.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough balls with a towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes; this resting helps relax the gluten for easier rolling.
- Roll Out Tortillas: Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into thin circles approximately 8-10 inches in diameter for large tortillas or 6-8 inches for medium size.
- Cook Tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for 30-45 seconds on each side, or until you see brown spots and they puff slightly.
- Keep Warm: Place the cooked tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or a bag to keep them soft and warm until serving.
Notes
- Use warm water to help the dough come together more easily and create softer tortillas.
- If you prefer, substitute olive oil with melted butter or avocado oil for different flavors and textures.
- The resting time is important to allow gluten relaxation, which prevents the tortillas from shrinking when rolled and cooked.
- Adjust the size of the tortillas by dividing the dough into more or fewer balls.
- Cook the tortillas on a dry skillet; avoid using oil as it changes the texture and taste.
- Store any leftover tortillas in an airtight container or wrapped cloth to maintain softness.
