Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas You’ll Make Again and Again
Once you try these homemade flour tortillas, you’ll never go back to store-bought! They’re soft, pliable, and just the right amount of chewy perfect for dipping, wrapping, or stuffing. I love making a big batch with the family and watching them puff up in the skillet. They’re ready in under an hour and use pantry staples you probably already have.
Why You’ll Love These Tortillas
These tortillas are incredibly versatile and easy to make, even for beginners. No special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients just soft, delicious results every time. They’re perfect for tacos, quesadillas, and of course, queso dip!
Simple Ingredients
Pantry staples make these tortillas a breeze:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for soft yet sturdy tortillas.
- Baking Powder: Helps create that light puff when cooking.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Neutral Oil: Makes the dough supple and easy to roll.
- Warm Water: Brings the dough together smoothly.
Tortilla Size Options
This recipe makes 12 medium tortillas (about taco size). For burritos, divide the dough into 8 portions. For smaller snack-sized rounds, divide into 16.
Servings, Prep, and Cook Time
- Servings: 12 tortillas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
What is Needed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable or avocado)
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the oil and warm water until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3–5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin circle.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-high. Cook each tortilla 30–45 seconds per side until bubbles form and golden spots appear.
Troubleshooting Tip
If the tortillas are stiff, the dough may need more rest or you’ve cooked them too long. If they don’t puff, try increasing the heat slightly or check that the dough is thin enough.
Top Tips
- Rolling: roll each tortilla to about 6–7 inches in diameter and roughly 1/8-inch thick. Too thick and they’ll stay doughy, too thin and they may tear.
- Don’t skip the rest time it makes rolling easier.
- Cook on high enough heat so bubbles form quickly.
- As you cook the tortillas, place them in a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel inside a covered dish to keep them soft and warm until serving.
- Store rolled-out dough under a towel to prevent drying.
Recipe Variations
- Swap oil for melted butter or lard for a richer taste.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more wholesome flavor.
Recommended Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Clean kitchen towel
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
How to Store and Reheat
Store cooled tortillas in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days. Freezing tips let cooked tortillas cool completely, then stack with parchment between each one and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Reheat in a dry skillet for 15–20 seconds on each side.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Serve with queso dip, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or simply slathered with butter as a snack.
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Flour tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, especially in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking. Making them at home takes just a few ingredients and brings a fresh, flavorful touch to any meal. Once you make them from scratch, it’s hard to go back!
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Homemade Flour Tortillas
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup neutral oil vegetable or avocado
- 1 cup warm water
Notes
- Use hot water to speed up gluten development and create softer tortillas.
- Don’t overcook quick flips create a soft texture.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]