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 gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, these tortillas will elevate any meal. The homemade taste and texture are incomparable to store-bought options, and they can easily be customized with your favorite flavors. Let’s dive into this simple and rewarding recipe!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Knead the Dough
• Step 4: Divide and Shape Dough Balls
• Step 5: Rest the Dough
• Step 6: Roll Out Tortillas
• Step 7: Cook Tortillas
• Step 8: Keep Tortillas Warm
• Step 9: Serve or Store
• How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Burritos
• Fajitas
• Tacos
• Quesadillas
• Wraps
• Breakfast Tacos
• How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my homemade flour tortillas softer?
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
• How thick should homemade flour tortillas be?
• What can I serve with homemade flour tortillas?
• Can I make homemade flour tortillas ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 55 minutes from start to finish, you can have fresh tortillas ready in no time.
• Fluffy Texture: The use of baking powder makes these tortillas light and airy, enhancing any dish you serve them with.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for wraps, tacos, or as a side to your favorite Mexican dishes, these tortillas fit seamlessly into various meals.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute olive oil with avocado oil or unsalted butter for a unique flavor profile.
• Healthy Option: Homemade means no preservatives or unhealthy additives, making it a wholesome choice for your family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade flour tortillas, gather the essential tools. Having everything in place will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towel
• Skillet or griddle
• Baking sheet with parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures uniform thickness for your tortillas, allowing them to cook evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Skillet or griddle: A high-quality skillet helps achieve the perfect sear on your tortillas.

Ingredients

To make your delicious homemade flour tortillas, gather the following ingredients:

• 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

Start by mixing together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry mixture. Use your hands to mix until the dough begins to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

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

Step 4: Divide and Shape Dough Balls

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

Step 5: Rest the Dough

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

Step 6: Roll Out 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 ones. Ensure that both your working surface and rolling pin are floured to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Cook Tortillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla on it and cook for about 30-45 seconds until small bubbles form. Flip it over using hands or a spatula and cook another 30-45 seconds until browned slightly.

Step 8: Keep Tortillas Warm

Transfer the cooked tortilla to a tortilla warmer or plastic zip-top bag to keep them soft. Repeat with remaining dough balls.

Step 9: Serve or Store

Serve immediately while warm or store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas!

How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tortillas can elevate your meal.

Burritos

• Fill your tortillas with rice, beans, grilled meats, and veggies for a hearty burrito.

Fajitas

• Use them to wrap grilled chicken or steak, sautéed peppers, and onions for delicious fajitas.

Tacos

• Load them up with your favorite taco fillings like ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a fun taco night.

Quesadillas

• Sprinkle cheese and any desired fillings between two tortillas, cook until crispy, and enjoy cheesy quesadillas.

Wraps

• Use the tortillas as wraps for sandwiches or salads for a lighter lunch option.

Breakfast Tacos

• Fill them with scrambled eggs, avocado, and salsa for a tasty breakfast treat.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas

Making homemade flour tortillas can be simple if you follow a few key tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best results every time.

• Use warm water: This helps the dough come together smoothly and makes it easier to roll out.

• Knead well: Kneading the dough for at least 5 minutes ensures a smooth and elastic texture that will enhance the tortilla’s flexibility.

• Rest the dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out into thin circles without tearing.

• Keep surfaces floured: Lightly flouring your work surface and rolling pin prevents sticking and ensures even rolling of the tortillas.

• Cook on high heat: A hot skillet gives you those lovely brown spots while keeping the inside soft.

• Store properly: Keep cooked tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer or zip-top bag to maintain their softness until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Pair your homemade flour tortillas with delightful side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime and spices adds richness.

2. Salsa Fresca: A fresh tomato salsa with onions and cilantro brings vibrant flavors.

3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a great filling side.

4. Refried Beans: Smooth mashed beans seasoned with garlic provide protein and flavor.

5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection add color and nutrition.

6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn served with butter complements the flavors of your meal.

7. Chips and Cheese Dip: Crispy tortilla chips served with melted cheese create a fun snack.

8. Cilantro Lime Slaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and tanginess that pairs well with tacos or burritos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade flour tortillas can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the resting period: Allowing the dough to rest is essential for soft tortillas. Skipping this step can lead to chewy, tough tortillas.
• Using cold water: Warm water helps the dough come together better and creates a smoother texture. Cold water may result in dry or crumbly tortillas.
• Rolling too thin: If you roll your tortillas too thin, they may tear or become crispy instead of fluffy. Aim for an 8-10 inch circle for larger tortillas.
• Overcooking the tortillas: Cooking them too long can make them hard and dry. Keep an eye on them while cooking; 30-45 seconds per side is ideal.
• Not using enough flour: Dusting your work surface and rolling pin with flour prevents sticking. Failing to do this can lead to a frustrating rolling process.

PIN THIS!

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

• Place cooled tortillas between layers of parchment paper before putting them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Homemade flour tortillas can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about homemade flour tortillas:

How do I make my homemade flour tortillas softer?

To achieve softer tortillas, ensure you knead the dough well and allow it to rest adequately before rolling.

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. Expect a denser tortilla.

How thick should homemade flour tortillas be?

Aim for a thickness similar to that of a quarter inch when rolling out your tortillas; this helps maintain fluffiness.

What can I serve with homemade flour tortillas?

These versatile tortillas pair wonderfully with tacos, burritos, or as wraps for various fillings. Get creative!

Can I make homemade flour tortillas ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them ahead and store them properly in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to use them.

Final Thoughts

Homemade flour tortillas are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. They add warmth and comfort to any meal. Try customizing your toppings or fillings according to your taste preferences—these tortillas will impress everyone at your table!