If you have ever wished for the perfect homemade tortillas that bring that fresh, warm, and soft bite right to your kitchen table, then this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe is exactly what you need. These tortillas are simple, quick, and wonderfully tender, capturing the soul of traditional Mexican cooking with just a few staple ingredients. There is something truly magical about rolling out dough by hand, watching it sizzle on the skillet, and then folding it while still warm—this recipe invites you to savor every step of that comforting experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up these tortillas is a breeze because the ingredients list is refreshingly short and straightforward. Each component plays a key role in delivering the soft texture and subtle flavor that homemade tortillas are loved for.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, all-purpose flour gives the tortillas their soft yet chewy consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adds just the right touch of seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the flour.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Warm water hydrates the dough perfectly, making it pliable and easy to roll out.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted shortening): This ingredient ensures tenderness and adds a subtle richness to each tortilla.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking the all-purpose flour and salt together in a large bowl. This simple step ensures that the salt is evenly distributed, creating a balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
Next, pour in the vegetable oil and warm water. Stir everything with a spoon until the mixture becomes a shaggy dough that starts coming together. This is where the magic begins as the flour begins to hydrate.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead it firmly for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and a joy to work with—a sign you’ve developed the gluten just right for perfect tortillas.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This crucial pause allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and helping your tortillas stay tender after cooking.
Step 5: Divide and Roll into Circles
After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and roll each ball out thinly into circles about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The thinner you go, the more delicate your tortillas will be, so take your time!
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for 30 to 45 seconds on each side. You’ll know they’re done when bubbles form and lovely light brown spots appear. Keep them warm in a clean towel while you continue cooking the rest.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, warm tortillas are incredibly versatile and welcoming to countless garnishes. Consider fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Adding a squeeze of lime or some grated cheese on the side elevates the experience with bright or rich accents.
Side Dishes
These tortillas pair beautifully with classic Mexican favorites like salsa, guacamole, or refried beans. They serve as fabulous vessels for grilled meats, sautéed veggies, or even a hearty chili. Because they’re so soft and pliable, they’re also perfect for breakfast with scrambled eggs and salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Roll your tortillas around savory fillings to craft homemade burritos or quesadillas that impress every time. Or tear them into strips and toast lightly to create crunchy chips for dipping. Stack and wrap them with parchment for a charming tortilla basket that holds dips or salads for a playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, stack your tortillas with parchment paper between each to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for a day or two without losing softness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Separate the tortillas with wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight—it’s a convenient way to keep this Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Reheating
To bring your tortillas back to life, reheat them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Covering them with a towel after reheating keeps them warm and moist—just as delightful as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind the texture will be a bit heartier but still deliciously fresh.
Do I have to use vegetable oil or can I substitute it?
Vegetable oil is traditional, but melted shortening or even olive oil will work beautifully. Each fat adds a slightly different richness, so feel free to experiment to suit your taste.
How thin should I roll out the tortillas?
A diameter of about 6 to 8 inches and a thickness of roughly 1/8 inch is ideal. Thinner tortillas cook faster and become more pliable, perfect for folding or rolling without cracking.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas soft after cooking?
Immediately stacking cooked tortillas and covering them with a clean kitchen towel traps steam and moisture, which keeps them soft and warm for serving. This simple step makes all the difference!
Can I use this dough for wraps or other dishes?
Yes, this dough makes excellent homemade wraps and can be used creatively for quesadillas, soft tacos, or even cut into strips and fried into crispy chips. Its versatility is part of what makes the Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe so rewarding!
Final Thoughts
Making tortillas at home is one of those simple pleasures that instantly elevates any meal. This Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe is inviting and foolproof, turning a handful of pantry staples into warm, soft pockets of joy. Once you taste these fresh tortillas, store-bought versions just won’t compare. Grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy tortillas like you never have before. You’re going to love making this recipe time and time again!
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Homemade Flour Tortillas from Scratch Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This homemade tortillas recipe brings you fresh, soft, and pliable tortillas that are perfect for any Mexican dish or a simple wrap. Made with basic pantry ingredients, these tortillas are easy to prepare and cook quickly on the stovetop, yielding a delicious and authentic taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted shortening)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Add wet ingredients and form dough: Pour in the vegetable oil and warm water, then stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for a soft tortilla texture.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making rolling easier.
- Divide and shape dough balls: After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Roll out tortillas: Place a dough ball on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a thin circle, about 6–8 inches in diameter, aiming for an even thickness.
- Cook on skillet: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30–45 seconds per side, or until bubbles form and light brown spots appear, indicating they are cooked and slightly charred.
- Keep warm: Stack cooked tortillas and keep them warm wrapped in a clean towel until ready to serve to retain softness and moisture.
Notes
- For softer tortillas, cover them with a towel immediately after cooking to retain moisture.
- These tortillas can be made ahead and reheated in a dry skillet or microwave for convenience.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a whole wheat variety.
