If you’ve ever craved truly soft, warm, and tender tortillas that put the store-bought versions to shame, you’re going to adore this Flour Tortillas Recipe. Whipping up tortillas from scratch is far easier than you’d imagine, and the payoff is unbelievable: pillowy rounds with golden spots and the kind of chewy, delicious aroma that just begs for your favorite fillings. Whether you’re making tacos, wraps, or just want something incredible to scoop up your favorite salsa, this recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few basic, honest ingredients to make this Flour Tortillas Recipe, but each one is so important! Every element brings its own magic, from the structure of the flour to the rich tenderness the fat provides and, of course, just the right amount of salt to bring it all together.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the tortillas, bringing classic flavor and the perfect soft bite.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, ensuring each tortilla puffs and stays beautifully tender.
- Salt: Don’t skip this—salt rounds out and accentuates all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil or softened lard: This is your secret to exceptionally soft, flexible tortillas (lard makes them extra traditional and fluffy!).
- Warm water: Warms everything up, making the dough easy to handle and ensuring your tortillas roll out smoothly.
How to Make Flour Tortillas Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick toss ensures every tortilla will rise and season evenly, giving you a consistent result batch after batch. I love this step because it’s the first move toward something incredible—plus, that floury aroma is irresistible!
Step 2: Work in the Fat
Add your vegetable oil or softened lard right into the dry mix. Use your hands or a pastry cutter for this part, breaking up the fat until you see a coarse, crumbly texture. It might remind you of making pie dough, but trust me, the payoff is a tortilla that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Now, gradually pour in the warm water while stirring. You’re looking for the moment the dough pulls together—soft, supple, not too dry or sticky. Give it a light knead by hand just until it all comes together in one cohesive ball. It already feels promising under your hands!
Step 4: Knead and Rest
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about five minutes. You’ll notice it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is worth every minute since developing the dough’s gluten structure results in tortillas that stretch and cook up beautifully. Once you’re done kneading, divide the dough into 10 even pieces, roll them into balls, and cover them with a clean towel to rest for 20 minutes. This little nap makes the dough easier to roll out—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Roll Out the Tortillas
Dust your counter and rolling pin with a little flour. Take each dough ball and roll it out into an 8-inch circle. Go as thin as you can without tearing; the dough should feel sturdy but generous. If they aren’t perfectly round, don’t worry—the homemade look only adds to their charm.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Place a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, lay a tortilla down and watch as it begins to bubble after 30 to 45 seconds. Flip when you see those gorgeous brown spots forming. Each tortilla only needs about a minute total to cook, so keep a close eye—no distractions here!
Step 7: Keep Warm and Soft
As you finish cooking each one, stack them up inside a clean kitchen towel. The gentle steaming keeps them warm and pliable, ready to serve whenever you are. There’s something magical about unfolding a towel to reveal a pile of warm, homemade tortillas!
How to Serve Flour Tortillas Recipe
Garnishes
These tortillas are a joy just as they are, but you can dress them up in so many ways! Brush them with a touch of melted butter for an extra-rich finish, sprinkle with coarse salt, or dust with a dash of chili powder if you love a little heat. Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime can also make things pop, especially for taco night.
Side Dishes
Pairing these tortillas with the right sides brings meals to another level. Serve them with classic refried beans, tangy pickled onions, or a zesty slaw. They’re also fabulous alongside grilled veggies or as a scoop for hearty stews and soups.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just think of tacos—get inventive! Use your Flour Tortillas Recipe as the base for burritos, quesadillas, or loaded wraps. Cut them in triangles, bake them until crisp, and you have the world’s best homemade chips. Or, make mini tortillas for charming, bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, this Flour Tortillas Recipe keeps well for up to a week. Just let the tortillas cool completely before slipping them into a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. This keeps them soft and delicious until you’re ready for your next tortilla craving.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these tortillas for long-term storage. Stack cooled tortillas with a piece of parchment between each, then pop the stack in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just one or two at a time for a quick meal. Frozen tortillas thaw quickly at room temperature or in a warm skillet.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-off-the-skillet vibe, warm leftover tortillas in a hot, dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, or wrap a stack in a damp towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Either method returns the lovely softness and aroma that make this Flour Tortillas Recipe a favorite.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. The tortillas will have a slightly denser texture, but they’ll still be absolutely delicious.
What’s the difference between using lard and vegetable oil?
Lard gives tortillas a traditional, super-soft texture and a rich flavor. Vegetable oil will still yield soft tortillas, but with a more neutral taste. Either way, this Flour Tortillas Recipe comes out wonderful—choose based on your preference or what you have on hand!
Why do my tortillas turn out stiff?
If your tortillas are coming out stiff, it could be due to not enough fat in the dough, insufficient resting time, or overcooking. Make sure to let the dough rest as instructed and don’t cook them too long; just until those light brown spots appear is perfect.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Make your tortillas a day or two in advance, and store them well wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. Warm them up just before serving, and they’ll taste like you just made them fresh.
How do I keep tortillas soft for a crowd?
While serving, keep your tortillas wrapped inside a clean kitchen towel or even a covered tortilla warmer. The gentle steam keeps them warm and pliable for everyone at the table to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like the taste and comfort of a homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe—and I hope you treat yourself by making a batch soon! Once you experience their soft, flavorful perfection, I promise you’ll never look at packaged tortillas the same way again. Give it a try and let every meal feel a little more special!
Print
Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 tortillas
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- 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 your favorite fillings and are a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or softened lard
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Fat: Add the vegetable oil or lard and mix until crumbly.
- Form Dough: Gradually add warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Rest and Divide: Divide dough into 10 portions, roll into balls, cover, and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Cook: Roll out each ball into an 8-inch circle, cook in a skillet until lightly browned and pliable.
- Enjoy: Stack cooked tortillas in a towel to keep warm.
Notes
- If using lard, the tortillas will be softer and more traditional.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Store tortillas in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
