Homemade Flour Tortillas

Published: May 8, 2025

by Sofia

These Homemade Flour Tortillas are a delightful addition to any meal. Soft, chewy, and oh-so-simple to make, they elevate your tacos, burritos, and enchiladas to new heights. With just a few pantry staples, you can create tortillas that are far tastier than anything store-bought. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tortillas will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these tortillas in no time.
Versatile Use: Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a side with your favorite dishes.
Fresh Flavor: Enjoy the unbeatable taste of homemade tortillas that truly complement any meal.
Customizable Thickness: Make them thin for wraps or thicker for hearty dishes—it’s all up to you!
Better Than Store-Bought: Experience the difference in flavor and texture; once you try homemade, you’ll never go back.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer (or mixing bowl for hand kneading)
Dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer)
Rolling pin
Cast iron skillet (or non-stick pan)
Airtight container or resealable bag

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Makes kneading easy and efficient, saving you time and effort.
Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough for perfect tortillas.
Cast iron skillet: Provides optimal heat retention for cooking tortillas evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these delightful Homemade Flour Tortillas:

2 cups (283g) unbleached all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup warm water

How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the vegetable oil and warm water to the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Using the dough hook attachment on medium speed, knead for about 2 minutes. If kneading by hand, use about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and supple.
– If your dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time.
– If it feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 5: Divide and Shape

Divide the rested dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a greased plate. Cover them again and let rest for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Skillet

Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 7: Roll the Tortillas

On a lightly floured surface, take one ball of dough at a time. Roll it into a round shape about 6 inches in diameter. Turn and flip as needed to prevent sticking. Keep any unused dough balls covered while you work.

Step 8: Cook the Tortillas

Place each rolled tortilla into the hot skillet.
– Cook for about 20–30 seconds until bubbles form and golden brown spots appear underneath.
– Flip it over and cook the other side for about 15 seconds without overcooking.

Step 9: Steam and Store

Transfer cooked tortillas to an airtight container or resealable bag lined with paper towel. Cover or seal them to let them steam so they remain soft while cooking additional tortillas.

How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas are incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal. You can enjoy them in various ways, making them suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Tacos

Classic Beef Tacos: Fill your tortillas with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a traditional favorite.
Fish Tacos: Top with grilled fish, cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of lime crema for a refreshing twist.
Veggie Tacos: Load up with roasted vegetables and avocado for a healthy vegetarian option.

Burritos

Breakfast Burrito: Combine scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, and salsa for a filling breakfast on the go.
Chicken Burrito: Stuff with grilled chicken, rice, beans, and guacamole for a hearty lunch.

Wraps

Caesar Wrap: Toss romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, and croutons in a tortilla for a quick meal.
Hummus and Veggie Wrap: Spread hummus on your tortilla and add assorted fresh veggies for a light snack or lunch.

How to Perfect Homemade Flour Tortillas

Making perfect homemade flour tortillas takes practice but is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Use Warm Water: Warm water helps to activate the gluten in the flour, making the dough more elastic and easier to roll out.
Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps relax the gluten, resulting in softer tortillas that are easier to work with.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your cooking time. Overcooked tortillas can become dry; aim for golden brown spots instead.
Keep Them Covered: While rolling out each tortilla, cover unused dough balls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Experiment with Thickness: Try different thicknesses when rolling your tortillas; thinner tortillas cook faster and can be more flexible.
Adjust Heat as Needed: If you notice browning too quickly or uneven cooking, adjust your skillet’s heat accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Flour Tortillas

Homemade flour tortillas pair wonderfully with many side dishes that complement their flavor. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful beans add protein and richness to your meal.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices provides a hearty base.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip brings freshness and taste that enhances any tortilla dish.
Salsa Fresca: A bright mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty kick.
Grilled Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with lime juice and spices offers a delightful crunch.
Queso Dip: Melted cheese dip is perfect for drizzling over tacos or scooping up with pieces of tortilla.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Flour Tortillas is straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Skipping the Resting Step: Failing to let the dough rest can result in tough tortillas. Always cover and let the dough sit for at least 1 hour to relax the gluten.
Incorrect Flour Measurement: Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Ensure you scoop and level your flour accurately for consistent results.
Overcooking the Tortillas: Cooking tortillas for too long can make them dry and hard. Keep an eye on them; cook just until they have golden brown spots.
Using Cold Water: Cold water can affect dough consistency. Always use warm water to help create a soft, pliable dough that rolls easily.
Neglecting to Cover Dough Balls: Leaving uncooked dough exposed can dry it out. Keep unused dough balls covered with a cloth while working.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Container: Use a resealable bag or an airtight container lined with paper towels.

Freezing Homemade Flour Tortillas

- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Place layers of tortillas with parchment paper between them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and wrap tortillas in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds each.
Stovetop: Place tortillas in a hot skillet for about 15-20 seconds on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making homemade flour tortillas.

How do I know if my Homemade Flour Tortillas are done?

The tortillas should have golden brown spots and be slightly puffed. They should also feel soft and flexible when cooked.

Can I make Homemade Flour Tortillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape it into balls, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or melted butter for different flavors in your homemade flour tortillas.

Are Homemade Flour Tortillas better than store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade flour tortillas are fresher, softer, and customizable, making them far superior to store-bought options.

How do I keep my Homemade Flour Tortillas soft after cooking?

Store cooked tortillas in an airtight container or resealable bag lined with a paper towel, allowing them to steam slightly as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Flour Tortillas are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding herbs or spices for extra flavor. Whether you’re using them for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying them warm with butter, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!