Flour Tortillas Recipe
Soft, warm, and pillowy, homemade Flour Tortillas are in a league of their own. They’re the secret star of every truly memorable taco night, the comforting foundation for wraps, quesadillas, or sandwiches, and the perfect canvas for your favorite Tex-Mex creations. These tortillas are far easier to make than you might expect and will reward your effort with unbeatable freshness and flavor that store-bought simply can’t match. If you’ve never tried making Flour Tortillas at home, this is your invitation to step into the delicious world of homemade breads!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of great Flour Tortillas comes from their simplicity—just four essential ingredients working together to create magic. Each one brings something special to the party, whether it’s flavor, tenderness, or that perfect stretch. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base that gives the tortillas their soft, chewy structure and neutral flavor, perfect for filling or snacking.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates the flavor and brings out the subtle wheatiness of the flour.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the tortillas supple, making them easy to roll and soft after cooking.
- Warm water: The secret to a smooth, pliable dough that will roll out easily and cook up beautifully.
How to Make Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This little step ensures the salt distributes evenly, so every bite has the perfect hint of seasoning.
Step 2: Add Oil and Water
Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil or melted butter, followed by the warm water. Stir the mixture with a spoon until it turns into a shaggy, slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough around the edges—it’s about to get smooth!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for around five minutes. You’re aiming for something smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should bounce back when you poke it, just like a little bread pillow!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This is the secret to ultra-soft Flour Tortillas—the rest time relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to shape and roll. For even softer tortillas, let it hang out a bit longer (up to an hour).
Step 5: Divide and Shape
Slice the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. This helps you get evenly sized tortillas and makes rolling much easier. Take your time and enjoy this step; it’s surprisingly satisfying!
Step 6: Roll Out the Tortillas
Keep your rolling pin and surface lightly floured, then roll each ball into a thin, 6–8 inch circle. Don’t stress over a perfect shape—those unique edges are a hallmark of homemade Flour Tortillas and add so much charm.
Step 7: Cook Until Golden and Puffy
Preheat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds on one side; you’ll see bubbles and light browning. Flip and give it another 20 to 30 seconds—your kitchen will smell incredible as they puff and turn golden. Keep cooked tortillas wrapped in a kitchen towel to stay warm and pliable.
How to Serve Flour Tortillas
Garnishes
Pass around bowls of chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, or a little cotija cheese for sprinkling. These fresh flourishes let everyone customize their Flour Tortillas and add a pop of color and flavor to the table.
Side Dishes
Pair your tortillas with classics like refried beans, Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or tender shredded chicken. It’s amazing how Flour Tortillas can bring a whole meal together, acting as a scoop, wrap, or tasty side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your tortillas warm in a basket lined with a colorful towel—they’ll stay steamy and soft while guests help themselves. Or fold them into mini-taco bites with a rainbow of fillings for a fun, build-your-own bar at your next party. Kiddos and adults alike will love getting hands-on!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stack your leftover Flour Tortillas and tuck them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to two days, perfect for quick wraps or snack attacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, place a piece of parchment paper between each tortilla and freeze them in a sealed bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for any last-minute taco cravings.
Reheating
To bring them back to life, just pop your Flour Tortillas onto a hot skillet for a few seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave until warm and steamy. They’ll be just as soft and delicious as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for these tortillas?
Absolutely! Try replacing up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber. The tortillas may be a tad less soft, but still wonderfully delicious.
Why do my Flour Tortillas come out stiff or dry?
This usually happens if the dough doesn’t rest long enough, or if you overcook them. Be sure to give your dough ample rest time and keep a close eye on the skillet—tortillas should be soft and have just a kiss of color.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling before cooking your tortillas.
What’s the best way to keep my Flour Tortillas soft after cooking?
Stack them as you go and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to trap steam—this keeps them hot, pliable, and ready to wrap your favorite fillings.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute olive oil for a richer, slightly fruity flavor. Just keep in mind that it may give the tortillas a hint of herbal taste, which can be quite lovely with Mediterranean-inspired fillings!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted a freshly made Flour Tortilla, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Gather your ingredients and give this easy recipe a try—your table (and taste buds) will thank you. Homemade tortillas have a way of making every meal feel extra special, so go ahead and share the love!
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Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas 1x
- Diet: 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, whether for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the oil and warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds on the first side, then flip and cook for another 20 to 30 seconds until puffed and lightly golden.
- Serve: Keep warm in a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra-soft tortillas, increase the resting time up to 1 hour.
- You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Store cooked tortillas in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
