If you have ever dreamed of making your own soft, warm flatbreads at home, then this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe is going to become your new kitchen obsession. These tortillas are wonderfully tender with just the right amount of chewiness, and they carry the pure, comforting flavor of freshly made dough. Trust me, once you taste these, store-bought tortillas will feel like ancient history! This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together quickly, resulting in tortillas perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying with butter and salsa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe is how few ingredients it takes, yet each plays a vital role. From the flour that builds the soft structure to the warm water that brings it all together, every element contributes to those perfect, pliable tortillas.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): This gives the tortilla its light, tender base while providing enough gluten to keep it elastic and soft.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to enhance flavors and balance the dough’s richness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the tortillas puff up just right, creating a delicate texture full of little air pockets.
- Vegetable oil or lard (¼ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
- Warm water (¾ cup): Activates ingredients and forms the perfect pliable dough without being sticky.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, which is key to getting consistent flavor and texture in every tortilla.
Step 2: Incorporate the Fat
Add the vegetable oil or lard to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is what gives the tortillas that tender crumb instead of being tough or doughy.
Step 3: Add Warm Water and Form Dough
Slowly pour in the warm water, stirring as you go. You’ll start to see a shaggy dough come together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading is where gluten develops, giving your tortillas stretch and chew.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Cover them with a damp towel and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten so the dough is easier to roll out and won’t spring back.
Step 5: Roll Out the Tortillas
Preheat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfect circles—rustic shapes add to their charm!
Step 6: Cook the Tortillas
Place each rolled-out tortilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds per side until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear. This quick cooking locks in moisture, keeping the tortillas soft and pliable.
Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve
Transfer the cooked tortillas to a clean towel and cover them to retain warmth and softness as you finish cooking the rest. These warm tortillas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate your tortillas beautifully. Think chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, avocado slices, or crumbled queso fresco to add brightness and texture to your homemade tortillas.
Side Dishes
Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with beans, grilled meats, sautéed veggies, or vibrant salsas. Don’t forget a side of guacamole or Mexican rice to complete your meal!
Creative Ways to Present
Use your tortillas as the base for soft tacos, quesadillas with melted cheese and fresh fillings, or wrap them around leftovers for quick handheld meals. You can even cut them into wedges, bake until crispy, and serve as impromptu tortilla chips!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tortillas left, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them soft, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel before sealing.
Freezing
For longer storage, stack your tortillas with parchment paper between each, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen tortillas keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Reheat tortillas on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel to restore softness and warmth. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness or crisping.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your tortillas a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. You might want to add a little more water since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What is the difference between using lard and vegetable oil in this recipe?
Lard tends to produce richer, softer tortillas with a hint of traditional flavor, while vegetable oil yields a milder taste. Both work well, so choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Why do I need to let the dough rest?
Resting the dough relaxes the gluten strands, which makes the dough easier to roll out and prevents the tortillas from shrinking back when you cook them.
How thin should I roll out the tortillas?
Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick or slightly thinner if you prefer ultra-thin tortillas. Thin tortillas cook quickly and stay soft but can be delicate, so handle gently.
Can I make these tortillas gluten-free?
This particular recipe relies on gluten for elasticity and softness, so substituting with gluten-free flour would require adjustments and might not yield the classic texture. There are specialized gluten-free tortilla recipes better suited for that.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe enough—it’s a game changer. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling tender, warm tortillas right off your pan and using them to build your favorite dishes. Give this recipe a try and watch how it transforms mealtime into a memorable, delicious experience. Once you start making your own, you might never go back!
Print
Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes resting time)
- Yield: 8 tortillas
- Category: Bread, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe for Homemade Flour Tortillas delivers soft, pliable Mexican flatbreads made from simple pantry staples. Perfect for wraps, tacos, or burritos, these tortillas are easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized for softness or chewiness. Enjoy fresh or store for later use with simple reheating tips.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or lard
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.
- Add Fat and Combine: Add the vegetable oil or lard to the dry ingredients and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3–5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide and Rest: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, shape each piece into a ball, and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
- Roll Out Tortillas: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 6–8 inches in diameter.
- Cook Tortillas: Place each rolled tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for 30–60 seconds per side, or until bubbles form and brown spots appear.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean towel and cover to keep them warm and soft while you cook the remaining tortillas.
Notes
- Tortillas are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel to restore softness.
- For softer tortillas, increase the amount of oil used; for chewier tortillas, knead the dough a bit longer.
