If you have been craving soft, warm tortillas that taste so much better than anything store-bought, then you are in for a treat with this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe. These tortillas are wonderfully tender with just the right amount of chewiness, and they come together with simple pantry staples you likely already have at home. The magic happens when you mix, knead, and cook them fresh—each bite bursts with comforting flavors that elevate any meal. Whether you’re rolling them for tacos, wraps, or just to swoon over with butter straight from the skillet, you’ll treasure making this recipe part of your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor of your tortillas. Simple and straightforward, these essentials make your dough come alive with softness and a lovely golden color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation, providing structure and the signature tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the tortillas puff slightly, giving them a nice lightness.
- 1 teaspoon fine salt: Just enough to enhance flavor without overpowering the dough.
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil/butter): Adds richness and keeps the tortillas moist and pliable.
- ¾ cup warm water: The perfect temperature to bring the dough together and make it easy to work with.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by placing the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt into a large mixing bowl. Give them a quick stir to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. This ensures your tortillas will have consistent texture and taste in every bite.
Step 2: Add Oil and Warm Water
Next, pour in the olive oil and warm water. Warm water is key—it helps the dough come together beautifully without being sticky or dry. Mix everything together until a rough dough starts to form. You’ll notice the dough look a bit shaggy here, but that’s exactly what you want before kneading.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 5 minutes. This step is important because kneading develops the dough’s gluten, making your tortillas stretchy and soft. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and not sticky when you’re done.
Step 4: Divide the Dough
Divide your dough into 8 or 10 equal balls depending on the size of tortillas you’d like. Larger balls yield bigger tortillas, while smaller ones make perfect-sized wraps. This step sets you up perfectly for rolling each piece into a thin, even round later on.
Step 5: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll out without snapping back. Patience here definitely pays off in tender tortillas.
Step 6: Roll Into Circles
Once rested, lightly flour your work surface again and roll each dough ball into a circle about 8 to 10 inches in diameter for classic sizable tortillas, or 6 to 8 inches for smaller ones. Try to keep them as round and even in thickness as possible for uniform cooking.
Step 7: Cook on a Heated Skillet
Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla at a time on the skillet and cook for about 30 to 45 seconds until you see brown spots forming and the tortilla beginning to puff. Flip and cook on the other side for the same amount of time. This quick cooking locks in flavor and gives your tortillas a wonderfully tender, lightly toasted texture.
Step 8: Keep Warm Until Serving
Stack your cooked tortillas and keep them warm inside a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel and a resealable bag. This trick holds in steam to keep them soft and ready to enjoy throughout your meal.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your tortillas with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, slices of ripe avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice. These bright, fresh notes contrast beautifully with the warm, comforting flavors of the tortillas themselves, making every bite a little celebration of simplicity.
Side Dishes
Think beyond just filling the tortillas and consider sides like smoky chipotle beans, vibrant Mexican rice, or a colorful pico de gallo. These accompaniments bring out the best in your homemade flour tortillas and elevate your whole meal with bursts of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Use your tortillas as a base for breakfast quesadillas with eggs and cheese, or as tiny taco shells stuffed with pulled chicken or sautéed veggies. You can even cut them into strips, bake until crispy, and serve as homemade tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa. The versatility of this homemade flour tortillas recipe is truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover tortillas, stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze your tortillas for longer storage. Place parchment paper between each tortilla and stack them inside a freezer-safe bag. When frozen properly, they keep well for up to 3 months without losing their softness.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm tortillas on a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds. This revives their softness and makes them just as delicious as fresh off the griddle.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though your tortillas might be a bit denser. Mixing half whole wheat with half all-purpose flour is a great way to ease into it while keeping that light texture.
Is it okay to substitute olive oil with butter?
Yes, butter can add a lovely richness and slightly different flavor profile that complements the tortillas beautifully. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite fat for the dough.
Why does the dough need to rest before rolling?
Resting the dough relaxes the gluten strands formed during kneading, making it easier to roll out without it shrinking back. This step is key for soft, pliable tortillas.
Can I make these tortillas gluten-free?
Traditional flour tortillas require gluten for the right texture, so replacing all-purpose flour with gluten-free blends can be tricky. However, there are gluten-free flour blends designed for tortillas that you can try, but results may vary.
How do I keep tortillas soft and warm for serving?
Keeping your tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapping them in clean towels right after cooking traps steam, which keeps them soft and warm. Avoid stacking them cold to prevent them drying out.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe is like opening a little door to delicious, fresh, and warmly comforting meals right from your own kitchen. The process is simple, the ingredients are pantry friendly, and the rewards are endless—a perfect companion to so many dishes you love. Once you experience the joy of these tender tortillas fresh off the skillet, store-bought ones just won’t compare anymore. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress with tortillas that bring everyone back for seconds!
Print
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
Description
This homemade flour tortillas recipe yields soft, pliable, and flavorful tortillas perfect for wraps, tacos, and burritos. Made from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and olive oil, these tortillas have a fresh taste and can be cooked quickly on a skillet, making them a great alternative to store-bought versions.
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/butter)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt, ensuring they are evenly mixed for an even dough texture.
- Add wet ingredients and combine: Pour in the olive oil and warm water, then mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together and form a rough ball.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and supple to the touch, indicating gluten development.
- Divide the dough: Cut the dough into 8 to 10 equal-sized balls depending on the desired tortilla size, making sure they are smooth and round for easier rolling.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough balls with a clean towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making the tortillas easier to roll out.
- Roll out the tortillas: Using a rolling pin, flatten each dough ball into a thin circle approximately 8-10 inches in diameter for large tortillas or 6-8 inches for medium-sized ones.
- Cook the tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place each rolled-out tortilla onto the hot surface and cook for 30-45 seconds on each side until brown spots appear and the tortilla puffs slightly.
- Keep warm and serve: Store cooked tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or bag to keep them warm and soft until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust water quantity slightly if the dough feels too dry or wet during mixing.
- Resting the dough is crucial to achieve soft and easily rollable tortillas.
- Cook tortillas on a preheated dry skillet or griddle without any oil.
- Keep tortillas covered after cooking to retain moisture and softness.
