Homemade Flour Tortillas

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 fiesta or just craving something fresh and delicious, these homemade flour tortillas will elevate your meals to the next level. Their soft texture and delightful flavor make them a versatile addition to any dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare these homemade flour tortillas in just 55 minutes. Perfect for last-minute meals!
• Fluffy Texture: The combination of baking powder and kneading gives these tortillas a light and fluffy texture.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for burritos, tacos, or simply as a side with your favorite dishes.
• Fresh Taste: Enjoy the rich flavor of fresh tortillas that you won’t find in store-bought options.
• Simple Ingredients: Requires only basic pantry staples that you probably already have at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your homemade flour tortillas, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Large bowl
• Skillet or griddle
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to achieve a uniform thickness for your tortillas.
• Skillet or griddle: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked tortillas with nice brown spots.

Ingredients

To create these delicious homemade flour tortillas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil/room temperature unsalted butter)
• 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 until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil and warm water. Mix together with your hands until the dough starts to come together and 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 the dough is 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, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow to 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 or a 6 to 8-inch circle for medium size. Keep your rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Cook Tortillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once very hot, place a tortilla on it and cook for 30-45 seconds until small bubbles form. Flip it over and cook another 30-45 seconds until brown spots appear.

Step 8: Keep Tortillas Warm

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

Step 9: Serve or Store

Serve immediately 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 elevate many dishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your family and friends.

Tacos

• Fill with your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or beef for a classic taco experience.
• Add fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for extra flavor.

Burritos

• Stuff with rice, beans, and meats for a filling meal.
• Don’t forget to add guacamole or salsa for a burst of flavor.

Fajitas

• Sauté bell peppers and onions, then wrap them in warm tortillas for a delicious fajita option.
• Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Quesadillas

• Cheese melted between two tortillas makes for a quick and satisfying snack.
• Add cooked chicken or veggies for a more substantial meal.

Wraps

• Use tortillas to wrap up deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for a healthy lunch.
• Perfect for on-the-go meals!

Chips

• Cut leftover tortillas into triangles, fry or bake until crispy, and enjoy with salsa or guacamole.
• A great way to use up any extra tortillas!

Save this!

How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas

Making homemade flour tortillas can be simple, but a few tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Knead well: Ensure you knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps create soft tortillas.
• Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
• Keep it floured: Use plenty of flour on your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking while rolling out the tortillas.
• High heat cooking: Cook the tortillas on high heat to achieve those desirable brown spots without drying them out.
• Store properly: Keep cooked tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer or plastic bag to maintain their softness until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Refried Beans: Creamy beans are a classic side that complements any Mexican dish beautifully.
2. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds texture and flavor when served alongside tortillas.
3. Corn Salad: A fresh mix of corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice brings brightness to your meal.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip is perfect for spreading on or dipping your tortillas.
5. Salsa Verde: This tangy green sauce is an excellent accompaniment that adds zest to each bite.
6. Pico de Gallo: A refreshing mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime enhances any tortilla dish.
7. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with soft tortillas.
8. Cheese Dip: A warm cheese dip can turn your homemade tortillas into an irresistible snack option!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade flour tortillas can be simple, but it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold water: Always use warm water to help the dough come together smoothly and create soft tortillas.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for gluten development, ensuring your tortillas are fluffy and pliable.
• Overworking the dough: Knead just until smooth; over-kneading can lead to tough tortillas instead of light ones.
• Not rolling evenly: Make sure to roll the tortilla evenly to avoid thick edges that won’t cook properly.
• Cooking at too low a heat: A hot skillet ensures quick cooking, which keeps tortillas soft. If the heat is too low, they may dry out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store homemade flour tortillas in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
• They will last for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

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.

Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tortillas in foil and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over a stack of tortillas and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about homemade flour tortillas that you might find helpful.

Can I make these Homemade Flour Tortillas gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking.

How do I keep my Homemade Flour Tortillas soft?

To keep them soft, store cooked tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel after cooking.

What is the best way to serve Homemade Flour Tortillas?

These tortillas are versatile! Enjoy them with burritos, tacos, or as wraps for various fillings.

Can I customize my Homemade Flour Tortillas?

Absolutely! You can add herbs or spices like garlic powder or chili powder into the dough for added flavor.

How long does it take to make Homemade Flour Tortillas?

The entire process takes under an hour, making it a quick and satisfying recipe!

Final Thoughts

Homemade flour tortillas are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them with various fillings or as sides to your favorite dishes. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding spices or herbs for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!