Homemade Flour Tortillas
Make homemade flour tortillas in under an hour! This easy recipe yields fluffy, delicious tortillas that are perfect for burritos, fajitas, and tacos. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving some fresh tortillas, this recipe is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal time, you can enjoy the taste of homemade goodness that elevates any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have fresh tortillas ready in less than an hour.
- Fluffy Texture: The combination of baking powder and kneading results in soft, pillowy tortillas.
- Versatile Uses: These homemade flour tortillas are perfect for a variety of dishes like tacos, wraps, or quesadillas.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can whip these up anytime without special trips to the store.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different oils or add herbs for extra flavor!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Skillet or griddle
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness for your tortillas, leading to uniform cooking.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without mess.
- Skillet or griddle: A hot surface is crucial for achieving those lovely brown spots on your tortillas.
Ingredients
Make homemade flour tortillas in under an hour! This flour tortilla recipe makes fluffy tortillas, perfect for burritos, fajitas, and tacos!
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
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the olive oil and warm water. Use your hands to mix until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for larger burrito-sized tortillas or 10 pieces for medium taco-sized ones. Roll each piece into a ball.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Place the dough balls on a lightly floured baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours.
Step 6: Roll Out Tortillas
On a floured surface, roll each ball into an 8 to 10-inch circle for large tortillas or a 6 to 8-inch circle for medium ones. Keep your rolling pin and surface floured to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Cook Tortillas
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla on it. Cook for about 30-45 seconds until bubbles form. Flip it with a spatula and cook another 30-45 seconds until you see brown spots.
Step 8: Keep Warm
Transfer each cooked tortilla to a tortilla warmer or seal in a plastic zip-top bag to keep them warm and soft. Repeat this process with all dough balls.
Step 9: Serve or Store
Enjoy your homemade flour tortillas immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Now you’re ready to savor delicious homemade flour tortillas!
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas
Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve them.
Burritos
- Fill your tortillas with a mix of beans, rice, grilled chicken, and your favorite toppings for a hearty meal.
Fajitas
- Serve with sizzling strips of beef or chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions for a vibrant fajita night.
Tacos
- Use the tortillas as a base for soft tacos filled with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa.
Wraps
- Roll up your favorite sandwich ingredients like turkey, lettuce, and cheese for a quick lunch option.
Quesadillas
- Stuff the tortillas with gooey cheese and any additional fillings; grill until crispy and golden.
Nachos
- Cut the tortillas into triangles, bake until crisp, then smother with cheese and toppings for a fun appetizer.
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 combine better and creates softer tortillas.
- Let the dough rest – Allowing the dough to rest relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Keep surfaces floured – Lightly flouring your work surface prevents sticking while rolling out the dough.
- Cook on high heat – Cooking at medium-high heat helps create those lovely brown spots while keeping them soft.
- Avoid stacking cooked tortillas – Instead of stacking them directly on top of each other, keep them separated to maintain their softness.
- Experiment with flours – Feel free to try different types of flour like whole wheat or gluten-free options for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas
Pair your homemade flour tortillas with these side dishes that complement their flavor perfectly.
- Refried Beans – Creamy and savory, these beans make a filling addition alongside any tortilla dish.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds color and flavor to your meal.
- Guacamole – This creamy avocado dip is perfect for spreading on tortillas or serving as a side.
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt adds brightness.
- Corn Salad – A sweet corn salad with lime dressing offers a refreshing contrast to savory fillings.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide great texture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Homemade flour tortillas can be a delightful addition to your meals, but there are a few common mistakes that can ruin them. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold water – Cold water can make the dough tough. Always use warm water for a softer texture.
- Over-kneading the dough – Kneading too much can lead to chewy tortillas. Just knead until smooth and elastic.
- Not letting the dough rest – Skipping the resting time can cause the tortillas to shrink while rolling. Allow at least 30 minutes for better results.
- Rolling too thin or thick – Uneven thickness can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for an even 1/8-inch thickness for best results.
- Cooking on low heat – Cooking tortillas on low heat won’t give you those lovely brown spots. Use medium-high heat for optimal cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store homemade flour tortillas in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Place parchment paper between each tortilla before freezing.
- Store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap tortillas in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Place tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp cloth, and heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop – Heat on a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about homemade flour tortillas:
Can I make homemade flour tortillas without baking powder?
Yes, you can omit baking powder. However, they may be slightly denser.
How do I keep my tortillas soft?
To keep homemade flour tortillas soft, store them in a tortilla warmer or cover them with a clean kitchen towel after cooking.
What is the best way to roll out homemade flour tortillas?
Use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin, rolling from the center outwards to maintain an even thickness.
How long do homemade flour tortillas last?
Homemade flour tortillas can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade flour tortillas is not only easy but also rewarding. They add warmth and comfort to any meal, whether you’re crafting burritos or tacos. Feel free to customize your recipe by adding herbs or spices for added flavor. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious, fresh tortillas!
Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings (tortillas) 1x
Description
Make homemade flour tortillas in under an hour with this easy recipe! These fluffy, delicious tortillas are perfect for burritos, tacos, or fajitas, adding a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the olive oil and warm water; mix with your hands until the dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for larger tortillas or 10 for medium sizes; roll into balls.
- Let the dough balls rest for at least 30 minutes under a clean kitchen towel.
- Roll each ball into an 8-10 inch circle for large tortillas or a 6-8 inch circle for medium ones.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 30-45 seconds per side until brown spots appear.
- Keep cooked tortillas warm in a tortilla warmer or sealed bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
