Homemade tortillas are one of those culinary joys that instantly elevate any meal, and this Flour Tortillas Recipe is a shining example of why simplicity wins every time. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of hands-on fun, you’ll create soft, warm rounds that make any taco, wrap, or quesadilla taste brighter and fresher. No complicated tricks or fancy gadgets—just pure, tried-and-true comfort food. This Flour Tortillas Recipe promises fluffy, chewy tortillas that are leagues above anything store-bought. Let’s dive in and get you rolling out the best tortillas you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Flour Tortillas Recipe requires only five ingredients, each with a unique role in creating the signature taste and texture. Every addition pulls its weight, from providing structure to lending softness and stretch. Here’s what you’ll need—and why.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your tortillas which provides structure and the right level of chewiness.
- Salt: A dash of salt brightens up the flavors and enhances every other ingredient.
- Baking powder: Helps your tortillas puff ever so slightly, creating those irresistible tender layers.
- Vegetable oil or lard: Brings moisture, richness, and that classic tortilla flexibility—choose lard for the most traditional taste or oil for a lighter option.
- Warm water: Brings everything together and activates the gluten for wonderfully elastic dough.
How to Make Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl for your Flour Tortillas Recipe adventure. Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together until happily blended. This step ensures that your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving each bite full, balanced flavor and that subtle puff.
Step 2: Cut in the Fat
Add your vegetable oil or lard directly into the dry mixture. Now comes the fun part—get in there with clean hands or a pastry cutter and work the fat into the flour until the mixture looks like fine, slightly damp crumbs. This coats the flour, leading to moist yet pliant tortillas in the end.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Pour in the warm water gradually, stirring with a spoon or your hands until a soft, shaggy dough comes together. Don’t rush—adding the water slowly helps you control the consistency, ensuring the tortillas turn out just the right amount of tender.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead with gusto for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic texture—this is what gives your Flour Tortillas Recipe that signature stretch and bite.
Step 5: Divide and Rest
Cut the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a compact ball. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple pause allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it much easier to roll the tortillas thin without tearing.
Step 6: Roll Out the Tortillas
On your lightly floured work surface, roll each dough ball into an 8-inch circle. Don’t stress over perfect rounds—rustic tortillas have their own charm! Just keep them as even as you can for consistent cooking.
Step 7: Cook and Enjoy
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lay a tortilla on the hot surface and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, watching for those lovely golden spots and a slight puff. Stack finished tortillas in a clean towel to keep them soft and warm as you cook the rest—then, serve and savor.
How to Serve Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Give your fresh tortillas the spotlight they deserve! While they’re incredible plain, a brush of melted butter or a sprinkle of flaky salt takes them to the next level. For a little extra sparkle, try a dusting of chili powder or a squeeze of lime—perfect with a batch of tacos or as a warm snack on their own.
Side Dishes
Flour tortillas go with just about anything. Pair them with zesty salsas, creamy guacamole, or a smoky bean dip for a simple starter. On the main plate, they’re the natural sidekick for savory stews, rice, or an assortment of grilled veggies for a vegetarian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the taco! Use your Flour Tortillas Recipe to create homemade chips—just cut into wedges and bake or fry until crisp. Try rolling them up with chocolate and nuts for a sweet snack, or use them as a delicious base for mini pizzas, wraps, or even breakfast burritos. The only limit is your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra tortillas, you’re in luck! Simply stack them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or up to a week in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep them well covered so they stay soft and pliable.
Freezing
Want to have fresh tortillas at a moment’s notice? Place cooled tortillas between layers of parchment paper, pop them into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Grab a few whenever the craving strikes and thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
The best way to bring your Flour Tortillas Recipe back to life is with a quick stint in a dry skillet over medium heat—just a few seconds per side will do. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat for about 20 seconds until warm.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty note to your tortillas, though they’ll be a bit denser. Start by swapping in half whole wheat and half all-purpose to strike a nice balance between nutrition and texture.
Is vegetable oil or lard better for the Flour Tortillas Recipe?
Both work beautifully, but if you want true old-fashioned flavor and extra richness, lard is traditional. Vegetable oil is a fantastic, lighter alternative and is often more accessible for most home cooks.
Why do my tortillas come out stiff?
Tough tortillas often happen when the dough is under-hydrated or hasn’t rested long enough. Make sure to add enough warm water and don’t skip the resting period—it’s the secret to super-soft, flexible tortillas!
Can I make this Flour Tortillas Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, though you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may differ in terms of texture, but these blends do produce tasty, workable tortillas—just handle the dough gently.
How do I keep tortillas soft for serving?
Always stack freshly cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and cover them tightly as you cook the rest. The steam helps keep them soft and warm until you’re ready to enjoy every last one.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own tortillas, this is the Flour Tortillas Recipe that will make you wonder why you ever bought a bag from the store. Nothing beats the aroma and softness of homemade, and once you try it, you just might find yourself mixing up a batch for every meal. Give it a go—the joy really is in the making and the sharing!
Print
Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortillas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade flour tortillas with this easy recipe. These soft and pliable tortillas are perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or lard
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add Fat: Add the oil or lard and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Slowly add the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Rest Dough: Divide into 12 portions, shape into balls, cover, and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
- Roll and Cook: Roll out each ball into an 8-inch circle, cook on a skillet until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Stack warm tortillas in a towel until ready to use.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To reheat, warm briefly in a dry skillet or microwave.
- For softer tortillas, increase the resting time slightly before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
