Ultimate Guide to Homemade Flour Tortillas
When it comes to homemade flour tortillas, finding the perfect recipe can take time. After countless attempts, I’ve found the winning formula that will yield tender, soft, and flavorful tortillas that are perfect for your favorite Mexican dishes like burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. With this recipe, you’ll also have the versatility to create quick snacks, thin-crust pizzas, or even crispy tortilla chips. Trust me, these tortillas will soon become a staple in your kitchen!
Why Homemade Flour Tortillas?
There’s something truly special about making flour tortillas from scratch. They’re fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options, and the texture is unbeatable. Plus, they store well, making them ideal for preparing in advance and reheating when needed. You can pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stovetop for a fresh-out-of-the-pan experience any time.
Key Benefits of Homemade Tortillas
- Better Taste and Texture: Fresh homemade tortillas offer a superior taste and softness compared to store-bought varieties.
- Versatile Use: These tortillas can be used for tacos, wraps, pizzas, or even as a base for dips and spreads.
- Easily Freezable: Make them ahead of time and freeze for later use.
Ingredients for Perfect Flour Tortillas
To keep things simple, I’ve included ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens. This recipe features basic pantry staples like all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. The key to tender tortillas is a mix of warm water and olive oil, which provides a soft texture.
Step-by-Step Guide for Homemade Flour Tortillas
1. Mixing the Dough
Making flour tortillas from scratch is surprisingly easy. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can whip up the dough in minutes. But don’t worry if you don’t have a mixer. You can make the dough by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula. Just ensure that you give the dough a rest after mixing to let the gluten relax.
2. Resting the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, dividing it into small portions and allowing it to rest is crucial. This step is essential to make rolling out the tortillas easier. The gluten in the dough will relax, giving you pliable, stretchy dough that rolls out effortlessly.
3. Cooking the Tortillas
Cooking tortillas requires a hot skillet, and once you roll the dough into 6-inch circles, you’ll need to cook them for about a minute on each side. The result is a soft tortilla with beautiful light brown spots. If your tortillas feel stiff after cooking, it’s a sign they’ve been cooked too long, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Creative Ways to Use Homemade Tortillas
- Mexican Meals: These tortillas are perfect for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
- Quick Pizzas: Lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil, add toppings like pesto, fresh mozzarella, or bacon bits, and bake in a 450˚F oven for a crispy pizza in minutes.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: Use the tortillas as wraps for sandwiches or as a base for any lunch or snack idea.
- Crispy Chips: Brush them with olive oil, bake for 5 minutes at 450˚F, and enjoy crispy tortilla chips perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or hummus.
Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Homemade Tortillas
- Roll Thin: The key to soft, tender tortillas is rolling the dough thin. Aim for about 6 inches in diameter and slightly translucent.
- Let the Dough Rest: If the dough shrinks back when you roll it, let it rest for another 15-30 minutes to help the gluten relax.
- Use the Right Oil: Olive oil and melted butter work well for this recipe, but avoid oils like coconut or peanut oil as they can alter the flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the tortillas until you see bubbles and light brown spots. Cooking too long will make them stiff.
- Steam the Tortillas: After cooking, stack the tortillas and cover them with a towel to let them steam and stay soft.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These tortillas stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days, but they may stiffen when cold. To reheat, simply microwave them with a damp paper towel for 10-20 seconds, and they’ll regain their softness. You can also freeze them with parchment paper between each tortilla for easy storage.
Bonus: Tortilla Warmer
A tortilla warmer is a handy tool that keeps your tortillas warm and soft at the table. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a covered pot to achieve the same effect. Just stack the tortillas inside after cooking and cover with a lid to keep them warm and steamy.
Final Thoughts
These homemade tortillas are a game changer for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. Once you’ve made a batch and experienced the freshness and versatility they bring, store-bought tortillas may never seem the same again. Whether for a taco night or a quick snack, you’ll love having these tortillas on hand. Try them out today and let them elevate your meals!
Homemade Flour Tortillas
20
minutes40
minutes124
kcal1
hourSoft, tender, and full of flavor, these homemade flour tortillas are perfect for burritos, tacos, wraps, or even as a quick pizza base. They’re easy to make, store well, and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 cup warm water
Directions
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add oil and warm water, stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. With the mixer running, add oil and water. Mix until a dough forms and becomes smooth.
- Divide the dough into 16 balls and let them rest for 15 minutes under a towel.
- Roll each dough ball into a 6-7 inch circle. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each tortilla for 45-60 seconds on one side until lightly browned and bubbly. Flip and cook for another 15-20 seconds.
- Stack cooked tortillas and cover with a towel to keep them soft. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for later use.
Notes
- See Café Tips above in post for additional instruction and tips
Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas!
