Homemade Flour Tortillas

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

Make homemade flour tortillas in under an hour! This flour tortilla recipe makes fluffy tortillas, perfect for burritos, fajitas, and tacos. Whether you’re hosting a casual taco night or preparing for a festive gathering, these Homemade Flour Tortillas will elevate your meal with their fresh taste and soft texture. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These tortillas can be made in less than an hour, making them perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh Flavor: Homemade flour tortillas have a delightful taste and texture that store-bought versions can’t match.
Versatile Uses: Ideal for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can use them in various dishes!
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, these tortillas are easy on your wallet and health-conscious.
Customizable Sizes: You can choose to make large or medium-sized tortillas depending on your needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Homemade Flour Tortillas, gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rolling pin
Large mixing bowl
Skillet or griddle
Parchment paper
Clean kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

Rolling pin: A must-have for achieving that perfect thinness in your tortillas.
Skillet or griddle: Provides even heat for cooking the tortillas quickly while giving them those desirable brown spots.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough and storing the finished tortillas.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon fine salt
– ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil or room temperature unsalted butter)
– ¾ cup warm water

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the following:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon fine salt

Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add:
¼ cup olive oil
¾ cup warm water

Mix together with your hands until the dough starts to come together. Ensure all dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a well-floured work surface.
Knead for about 5 minutes until it’s super smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for large burrito-size tortillas or 10 equal pieces for medium soft-taco-size tortillas. Roll each piece into a ball.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Lightly flour a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place the dough balls on top and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours on the counter.

Step 6: Roll Out Tortillas

On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into:
An 8 to 10-inch circle for large tortillas
A 6 to 8-inch circle for medium size tortillas

Keep your working surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking. As you roll each ball out, place rolled tortillas on top of a clean kitchen towel or lightly floured parchment paper without stacking them.

Step 7: Cook Tortillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. When very hot:
1. Place one tortilla on the skillet.
2. Cook for about 30-45 seconds until small bubbles form.
3. Flip it over using your hands or a spatula; cook another 30-45 seconds until there are brown spots on the bottom.

Step 8: Keep Warm

Transfer cooked tortillas to a tortilla warmer or plastic zip-top bag to keep them soft and warm. Repeat this process with the remaining dough.

Step 9: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Now you can enjoy delicious Homemade Flour Tortillas anytime!

How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your family and friends.

Burritos

Fill warm tortillas with your favorite ingredients like rice, beans, meat, and cheese for a hearty meal.

Fajitas

Sauté bell peppers and onions with seasoned chicken or steak, then wrap in tortillas for a flavorful dish.

Tacos

Load tortillas with fresh toppings like lettuce, salsa, and avocado for a quick and tasty taco night.

Quesadillas

Place cheese and other fillings between two tortillas, cook until crispy, and slice into wedges for an easy snack.

Wraps

Use the tortillas as wraps for sandwiches by adding deli meats, veggies, and spreads for a delicious lunch option.

Chips

Cut leftover tortillas into triangles, fry them until crispy, and serve with salsa or guacamole for a crunchy treat.

How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas

To achieve the best homemade flour tortillas, consider these helpful tips.

Use warm water: Warm water helps the dough come together more easily and creates tender tortillas.
Knead thoroughly: Kneading the dough for at least 5 minutes ensures it becomes smooth and elastic for better texture.
Let them rest: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop gluten, making rolling out easier and resulting in softer tortillas.
Keep it floured: Always keep your surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
Cook on high heat: Cooking the tortillas on medium-high heat gives them those desirable brown spots while keeping them soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Pairing your homemade flour tortillas with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements any tortilla-based dish beautifully.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a great protein boost and pair well with burritos or tacos.
Guacamole: A fresh avocado dip adds creaminess that contrasts perfectly with tortilla crunch in chips or tacos.
Salsa Fresca: Fresh tomato salsa brings a burst of flavor that works wonderfully as a topping or dip.
Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad mixed with lime dressing provides a sweet crunch alongside any tortilla dish.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add color and nutrition to any meal featuring homemade flour tortillas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Flour Tortillas can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them.

Skipping the resting period – Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for elasticity. Without this step, your tortillas may be tough and hard to roll out.
Not using enough flour – If your work surface isn’t properly floured, the dough will stick, making rolling difficult. Always keep extra flour on hand.
Overcooking – Cooking tortillas too long can lead to a dry texture. Watch for bubbles and brown spots, then flip promptly.
Using cold water – Cold water can hinder dough formation. Make sure your water is warm for better mixing and texture.
Rolling too thinly – While you want thin tortillas, rolling them too thin can result in tearing. Aim for even thickness throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store homemade flour tortillas in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Freezing Homemade Flour Tortillas

Place parchment paper between each tortilla before stacking them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for reference.

Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in foil and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place a damp paper towel over tortillas in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Homemade Flour Tortillas, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

How do I make homemade flour tortillas softer?

To achieve softer tortillas, ensure that you use warm water and don’t overcook them on the skillet.

What type of flour is best for homemade flour tortillas?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, but you can also experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends if desired.

Can I freeze homemade flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Just freeze them with parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking.

How long do homemade flour tortillas last?

When stored properly, they last about 5-7 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Making Homemade Flour Tortillas is a rewarding experience that enhances any meal. These versatile tortillas are perfect for burritos, tacos, or simply enjoying with butter. Feel free to customize by adding herbs or spices into the dough!