Soft, warm, and impossibly versatile, this Flour Tortillas Recipe captures everything you love about authentic homemade tortillas: chewy texture, subtle flavor, and just the right amount of toasty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re looking to level up your taco night, wrap your favorite burrito fillings, or simply enjoy them with a bit of butter, these tortillas come together with just a few pantry staples and deliver bakery-level results. Once you make tortillas at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about the Flour Tortillas Recipe is its simplicity: five everyday ingredients come together to make the magic happen. Each one plays a crucial role in the signature flavor, perfectly soft texture, and classic golden hue.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives structure to the tortillas and ensures a fluffy yet pliable bite.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the flour and balances out the richness from the oil or lard.
- Baking powder: Adds a little lift, resulting in tender, light tortillas rather than dense or doughy disks.
- Vegetable oil or lard: Provides richness and moisture; lard imparts a more traditional taste, while oil keeps things vegetarian-friendly.
- Warm water: The binding agent that brings the dough together for easy kneading and a supple finish.
How to Make Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures your tortillas have a consistent flavor and rise effortlessly as they cook.
Step 2: Work in the Fat
Drizzle in the vegetable oil or crumble the lard over your dry mix. Using your fingers or a fork, blend it in until the mixture takes on a crumbly, sandy texture. This step is what makes your tortillas irresistibly tender—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Warm Water and Form the Dough
Slowly pour the warm water into the bowl, stirring constantly until a shaggy dough begins to form. If it looks a little dry, add an extra teaspoon of water. Mix until all the flour is absorbed and a rough dough starts to pull together.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer your dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for three to four minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the kneaded dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This short nap relaxes the gluten, making it much easier to roll out beautifully thin tortillas later. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 6: Portion and Shape
Once rested, divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each into a ball with your palms, then set them aside. This ensures uniform tortillas and even cooking in the skillet.
Step 7: Roll Out the Tortillas
On a floured countertop, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a circle about 6 to 8 inches wide. Don’t stress if they aren’t perfectly round—homemade charm is half the fun!
Step 8: Cook the Tortillas
Preheat your dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lay a tortilla onto the hot surface and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear underneath. Flip and cook the other side for 20 to 30 seconds. Immediately transfer each tortilla to a clean towel, stacking and covering them as you go to keep them soft and warm.
How to Serve Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish to elevate your tortillas! A quick brush of melted butter while they’re still hot is pure magic, or try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little dusting of chili powder or smoked paprika creates a modern twist.
Side Dishes
Flour tortillas aren’t just a vessel—they’re the perfect side in their own right. Serve them alongside hearty Mexican stews, grilled meats, or a simple bowl of creamy black beans. They’re stellar for soaking up salsa or scooping guacamole, and nothing beats piling them high on the table for everyone to grab.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual! Turn this Flour Tortillas Recipe into soft tacos, use them as quick pizza crusts for a weeknight dinner, or crisp them up into homemade chips. Roll them into breakfast burritos, or create wraps stacked with colorful roasted veggies. Their flexibility makes them a fun canvas for whatever you’re craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making a double batch (trust me, you’ll want to!), allow your tortillas to cool completely before stacking. Wrap them in foil or place in an airtight container, then store at room temperature for up to three days—they’ll stay just as soft and pliable as fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, this Flour Tortillas Recipe freezes beautifully. Place parchment or wax paper between each cooled tortilla so they don’t stick together, then slip the stack into a freezer bag. Frozen tortillas keep well for up to two months, making them a fantastic make-ahead staple.
Reheating
To revive your stored tortillas, simply warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re soft and steamy, or wrap a stack in foil and bake in a low oven. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them with a damp paper towel—they’ll spring right back to life.
FAQs
Why do my tortillas come out stiff?
If your tortillas feel a bit tough, it’s likely from too much flour or not enough resting time. Be sure to measure your flour carefully and give the dough a full 30-minute rest—this relaxes the gluten and keeps your tortillas silky soft.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can swap up to half the flour for whole wheat to add a nutty flavor and a little more texture, though the tortillas may be slightly less pliable. For best results, stick with at least 50 percent all-purpose flour.
What’s the key to rolling out even tortillas?
Use gentle, even pressure with your rolling pin and rotate the dough frequently to keep the circles uniform. If you find the dough snapping back, let it rest for another few minutes before trying again—it just needs a little more time to relax.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil or lard?
Yes, olive oil works in a pinch and adds a subtle Mediterranean note. However, it does bring a stronger flavor than neutral oil or lard, so you might notice a change in the final taste of your Flour Tortillas Recipe.
How do I keep the tortillas warm and soft for a party?
Stack the cooked tortillas inside a clean kitchen towel or a special tortilla warmer. The trapped steam keeps them tender and ready for guests to grab all night long.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something deeply satisfying about pulling a stack of warm, homemade tortillas from your own kitchen. This Flour Tortillas Recipe is easy and rewarding, and once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they’re a household favorite. So gather your ingredients, share the experience with someone you love, and bring the enchanting aroma of fresh tortillas to your table tonight!
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Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes rest time)
- Yield: 8 tortillas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade Flour Tortillas with this easy recipe. These versatile flatbreads are perfect for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, and more!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the oil until crumbly, then gradually add the warm water to form a dough.
- Knead and Rest: Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape and Cook: Divide into 8 portions, roll each into a circle, then cook on a skillet until done.
- Serve: Keep warm and enjoy fresh or store for later.
Notes
- If the dough is sticky, add more flour while kneading.
- Cover tortillas with a towel as they cool for softer texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
