Flour Tortillas Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of making perfectly soft and tender tortillas right in your own kitchen, this Flour Tortillas Recipe is exactly what you need. These homemade flour tortillas are incredibly simple to make with just a handful of everyday ingredients, and they far surpass anything you can find in a package. Whether you’re rolling up tacos, stuffing burritos, or crafting quesadillas, these warm tortillas bring so much more flavor and freshness to your meal. Once you try them straight from the skillet, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy, satisfying recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just basic pantry staples that come together to create the perfect soft and flexible tortillas. Each ingredient plays a key role in producing texture, flavor, and that classic tortilla chew.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your tortillas, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor, making every bite deliciously balanced.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a touch of lightness, helping the tortillas stay soft and pliable.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted shortening: Keeps the dough moist and contributes to a silky, tender texture.
• 3/4 cup warm water: Hydrates the dough just enough to bring everything together beautifully.

How to Make Flour Tortillas Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This step ensures an even distribution of rising agent and seasoning, setting up a balanced base for your dough.

Step 2: Incorporate the Oil

Add the vegetable oil or melted shortening to the dry mix and stir with your hands or a fork until the mixture takes on a crumbly, coarse texture. This fat is key to keeping your tortillas tender and flexible.

Step 3: Add Warm Water and Form the Dough

Pour in the warm water gradually while stirring, allowing the dough to come together as a soft, cohesive ball. The warmth of the water helps activate the baking powder and makes kneading easier later on.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the texture become silky and elastic, which is exactly what you want for tortillas that roll out without tearing.

Step 5: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This rest period allows the gluten to relax and the flour to fully hydrate, making rolling out much easier.

Step 6: Divide and Shape

After resting, divide the dough into 8 even pieces and roll each one into a ball. These will become your tortillas, so try for smooth, round balls with no cracks.

Step 7: Roll Out the Tortillas

Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter. Aim for uniform thinness to ensure even cooking and that perfect soft chew.

Step 8: Cook on the Skillet

Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place each tortilla on the hot surface and cook for 30 to 60 seconds per side, until you see bubbles and light golden spots appear. This quick cook time locks in softness without drying them out.

Step 9: Keep Warm and Serve

Stack your cooked tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft until you’re ready to enjoy. This wrapping also helps retain their signature pliability.

How to Serve Flour Tortillas Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh flour tortillas are incredible on their own, but adding a little flair with garnishes can elevate your meal. Try topping with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to brighten flavors.

Side Dishes

Perfect companions to these tortillas include classic Mexican sides like refried beans, Spanish rice, or a vibrant pico de gallo salsa. Their mellow flavor pair wonderfully with the richness of the tortillas.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and use your homemade tortillas as a canvas. Stuff them with grilled veggies and cheese for quesadillas, roll them up with savory fillings for wraps, or cut into strips and bake lightly for crispy tortilla chips that beat store-bought every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra tortillas, stack them tightly and wrap them in foil or place in an airtight container. They will stay soft if refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just warm before serving to bring back their fresh-from-the-skillet charm.

Freezing

Flour tortillas freeze beautifully. Separate each tortilla with parchment paper and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you have homemade goodness ready anytime you want without extra work.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable again. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds. This keeps them from drying out and tasting homemade.

FAQs

Can I substitute vegetable oil with olive oil in the Flour Tortillas Recipe?

Yes, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil, but it will give a slightly different flavor—more robust and fruity. It’s delicious if you enjoy that taste, but vegetable oil keeps the flavor more neutral and traditional.

Why do my homemade tortillas sometimes turn out chewy or tough?

Chewiness often comes from overworking or overcooking the dough. Knead just enough for elasticity and cook briefly on high heat to avoid drying them out. Resting the dough is also key to tenderness.

Can I make this Flour Tortillas Recipe gluten-free?

Traditional flour tortillas rely on gluten to hold together and be flexible. For a gluten-free version, you would need different flours and binding agents, which might not yield the same texture as this classic recipe.

Is it okay to use baking soda instead of baking powder?

Baking soda requires an acid to activate, which this recipe doesn’t include. So baking powder is the best choice here to leaven your tortillas light and fluffy without altering the flavor.

How thin should I roll out the tortillas?

Roll your dough into thin circles about 8 inches in diameter and roughly 1/8 inch thick. If they are too thick, they will be doughy; too thin and they might tear or cook too fast without the proper softness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making your own flour tortillas. With this Flour Tortillas Recipe, you’re not just creating a side—you’re crafting a base for endless delicious meals that bring warmth and comfort to your table. Once you try these soft, tender tortillas fresh from your skillet, going back to store-bought will feel impossible. So grab your rolling pin and enjoy the magic of homemade tortillas today!

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