Homemade Flour Tortillas
Make Homemade Flour Tortillas in under an hour! These fluffy tortillas are perfect for burritos, fajitas, and tacos. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a casual family dinner, homemade tortillas elevate any meal. Their simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a standout choice for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these tortillas in just about 55 minutes.
- Fluffy Texture: This recipe guarantees soft and fluffy tortillas that are easy to fold and wrap.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or simply as a side with your favorite Mexican dishes.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter based on your preference.
- Fresh Taste: Enjoy the delightful flavor of homemade tortillas compared to store-bought versions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making homemade flour tortillas, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Well-floured work surface
- Skillet or griddle
- Clean kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness while rolling out the dough for perfectly shaped tortillas.
- Skillet or griddle: Provides high heat for cooking the tortillas quickly and achieving those characteristic brown spots.
- Large mixing bowl: Allows ample space for mixing ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
To make delicious homemade flour tortillas, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ cup olive oil (avocado oil or room temperature unsalted butter is also great!)
- ¾ cup warm water
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure that these dry ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the olive oil and warm water. Use your hands to mix until the dough starts to come together and incorporates all dry ingredients.
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 either 8 equal pieces for large burrito-size tortillas or 10 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, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow them to rest for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 6: Roll Out the Tortillas
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into an 8 to 10-inch circle for large tortillas or a 6 to 8-inch circle for medium size. Keep your surfaces floured to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Cook the Tortillas
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla on it. Cook for about 30-45 seconds until bubbles form, then flip it over using your hands or spatula. Cook another 30-45 seconds until there are brown spots on both sides.
Step 8: Keep Tortillas Warm
Transfer each cooked tortilla to a warmer or seal in a plastic zip-top bag to keep them soft and warm. Repeat this process with remaining dough.
Step 9: Serve or Store
Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas immediately! Alternatively, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas
Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy your fresh tortillas.
As Burritos
- Fill your tortillas with rice, beans, meats, and veggies for a hearty meal. Don’t forget the salsa and guacamole!
For Fajitas
- Serve with sizzling grilled chicken or steak, bell peppers, and onions. Add sour cream and cilantro for extra flavor.
Tacos
- Use them as a base for delicious tacos filled with your favorite proteins and toppings like lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo.
Quesadillas
- Stuff your tortillas with cheese and other fillings like mushrooms or spinach. Grill until crispy and gooey.
Wraps
- Turn your tortillas into wraps filled with deli meats, fresh vegetables, and spreads for a quick lunch option.
Nachos
- Cut the tortillas into triangles, bake until crispy, then top with cheese and jalapeños for a delightful appetizer.
How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas
To achieve the best homemade flour tortillas, keep these tips in mind for perfect results every time.
- Use warm water – Warm water helps activate the gluten in the dough, making it easier to roll out.
- Rest the dough – Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten, leading to softer tortillas.
- Keep it floured – Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
- Don’t overcook – Cook each tortilla just until you see brown spots; overcooking can make them tough.
- Store properly – Keep cooked tortillas warm in a covered container or zip-top bag to maintain their softness.
- Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas
Pair your homemade flour tortillas with these delicious side dishes that complement their taste perfectly.
- Mexican Rice – A flavorful rice dish seasoned with tomatoes and spices that pairs well with any tortilla meal.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and richness; serve them alongside or as a filling.
- Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip provides a fresh contrast to warm tortillas; perfect as a topping or dip.
- Salsa Fresca – A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness; use it as a condiment for tacos or burritos.
- Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made from sweet corn, diced peppers, and lime juice complements any tortilla dish.
- Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies add depth; they make an excellent filling for fajitas or tacos.
- Cheese Queso Dip – A gooey cheese dip is great for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over burritos.
- Pickled Onions – These tangy onions can enhance the flavor profile of your dishes while adding a crunchy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade flour tortillas can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your tortillas turn out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to tough tortillas. Resting relaxes the gluten, making rolling easier.
- Using cold water: Cold water makes the dough harder to work with. Always use warm water to help hydrate the flour and create a soft dough.
- Not kneading enough: Insufficient kneading results in uneven texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best results.
- Overcooking tortillas: Cooking too long can make tortillas dry. Watch for small bubbles and a few brown spots for perfectly cooked tortillas.
- Storing incorrectly: Storing them improperly can lead to stiff tortillas. Keep them warm in a tortilla warmer or zip-top bag after cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store homemade flour tortillas in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days.
Freezing Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Wrap each tortilla in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over a stack of tortillas and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a tortilla, and warm each side for about 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about homemade flour tortillas that may help you perfect your recipe!
How do I make Homemade Flour Tortillas softer?
To achieve softer tortillas, ensure you use warm water and don’t skip the resting time. This helps keep them pliable.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Use a mix of both for a healthier option.
What is the best way to store Homemade Flour Tortillas?
Keep them wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature if consuming within a day or two; refrigerate or freeze longer-term.
Can I customize my Homemade Tortillas?
Absolutely! You can add herbs, spices, or even cheese into the dough for added flavor. Experiment with different ingredients based on your taste!
Final Thoughts
Homemade flour tortillas are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can fill them with your favorite ingredients or serve them alongside meals. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with different flavors or fillings—your creativity is the limit!
Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings (tortillas) 1x
Description
Make delicious homemade flour tortillas in less than an hour with this easy recipe! These soft, fluffy tortillas are perfect for wrapping burritos, filling tacos, or serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create fresh tortillas that elevate any meal. The best part? They’re customizable to suit your taste! Whether you prefer olive oil or butter, these tortillas are versatile and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil/butter)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add olive oil and warm water. Mix until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and shape into balls.
- Let the dough rest under a towel for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll each ball into an 8-10 inch circle on a floured surface.
- Cook each tortilla in a hot skillet for 30-45 seconds per side until brown spots appear.
- Keep cooked tortillas warm in a covered container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla (40g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
