If you’ve been settling for store-bought wraps, it’s time to shake up your world with the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas. These are soft, warm, and lusciously chewy, with a rich flavor and texture that just can’t be matched by anything from a package. Trust me—once you taste a fresh, homemade tortilla, you’ll never want to go back!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft & Chewy: These tortillas are pillow-soft with just the right amount of stretch, perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings or dunking in dips.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients, making this a recipe you can whip up anytime the craving hits.
- Fresh in Under an Hour: From mixing bowl to table in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have warm, homemade goodness faster than a trip to the market.
- Versatile & Freezer-Friendly: Use them for tacos, quesadillas, wraps, or even freeze extras for later—these tortillas fit right into your meal planning routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas really lies in their simplicity. With just a few top-notch ingredients, you get soft, flavorful tortillas that put any store-bought version to shame. Here’s how each of these kitchen staples shines in the recipe:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the tortillas their structure and signature chew. Choose unbleached if you have it for a more rustic texture.
- Baking powder: This is the secret to a slightly puffed, tender bite—it keeps tortillas light, not dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt brings out the flavor in the dough and gives your tortillas a subtle savory edge.
- Olive oil: Adds softness and a hint of richness without making the tortillas greasy. Plus, it’s a slightly healthier twist on the classic lard version.
- Warm water: Helps the dough come together smoothly and makes it a dream to knead and roll out.
Variations
One of the most magical things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your tastes and pantry. Whether you’re experimenting or accommodating dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to make these BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas uniquely yours:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier tortilla with extra fiber.
- Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives into the dough for a fun, flavor-packed twist.
- Vegan Alternative: This version is already vegan with olive oil, but you can use melted plant-based butter or coconut oil for different flavor notes.
- Flavored Tortillas: Try stirring in a little garlic powder or smoked paprika for tortillas that add an extra pop to your wraps and tacos.
How to Make BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas
Step 1: Mix and Combine the Dough
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the olive oil and warm water, then mix with a fork until clumps start to form. Switch to your hands and knead the mixture in the bowl until the dough comes together in a soft, shaggy ball—no stand mixer needed!
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Transfer the dough onto a floured counter and knead it for about a minute—it should feel smooth and just a bit elastic. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a tight little ball. Cover the balls with a clean kitchen towel so the gluten can relax (and the tortillas stay tender) while they rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Tortillas
Preheat a dry skillet over medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to a thin round—about 6-8 inches wide, depending on how thick or thin you want your tortillas. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect circles; homemade charm beats perfection every time.
Step 4: Cook Until Puffy and Spotty
Pop a rolled-out tortilla straight into your hot pan. Let it cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute on the first side, until you see bubbles and golden-brown spots underneath. Flip and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds. Stack cooked tortillas in a kitchen towel or tortilla warmer to keep them soft and fresh while you finish the batch. Repeat until you’ve got a tempting pile of the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas, ready to devour.
Pro Tips for Making BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas
- Let the Dough Rest: Don’t skip that 10-minute rest after shaping the dough balls—it’s essential for tender, rollable tortillas that won’t shrink back.
- Pan Heat Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and make sure it’s properly preheated; a hot pan ensures those signature brown spots and the perfect chewy snap.
- Keep Tortillas Covered: Stack cooked tortillas inside a clean towel or warmer right away to trap steam and keep them supremely soft.
- Roll Evenly: Turn your dough as you roll to help keep the tortillas round and even—sprinkle a bit more flour if things get sticky.
How to Serve BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas
Garnishes
If you want to make your tortillas extra special, try brushing them with a little melted butter or olive oil and sprinkling with flaky salt as soon as they come off the pan. For a pop of color and freshness, toss on some chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, or a dash of chili powder. These little touches turn each tortilla into a memorable bite—even before the fillings!
Side Dishes
These warm, stretchy tortillas are the ultimate sidekick to all your Mexican favorites. Serve them alongside a bubbling skillet of fajitas, creamy refried beans, or a vibrant pico de gallo. They’re wonderful for sopping up saucy dishes like chicken tinga, or even served with fluffy scrambled eggs for a simple, comforting breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your homemade tortillas into a showstopper by folding them into mini taco cups for appetizers, or rolling them into pinwheels filled with herby cream cheese for parties. You can even cut leftover tortillas into wedges, brush with oil, and bake for homemade chips—perfect for sharing (if you’re feeling generous)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover flour tortillas keep beautifully! Simply let them cool to room temperature, then stack and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container on the counter for a day, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Freezing
If you want a stash of homemade convenience, these tortillas freeze like a dream. Slip parchment between each cooled tortilla, place the stack in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To bring your tortillas back to life, simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds, or warm in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. They’ll taste just as fresh, soft, and inviting as the day you made them.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
Yes! While olive oil adds lovely flavor and softness, you can substitute with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Melted butter or coconut oil also work nicely if you want to play with flavors or textures.
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Why are my tortillas coming out too stiff?
If your tortillas are stiff, the usual culprit is overcooking or not enough moisture in the dough. Make sure to cook them just until light brown spots form—don’t wait until they’re dry. Also, keep them wrapped in a towel to trap steam and stay soft.
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Do I need a tortilla press to make flour tortillas?
No special tools required! You can easily roll out the dough with a standard rolling pin. A tortilla press is great for corn tortillas, but for flour, a rolling pin gives better results and lets you control thickness.
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Can I make the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas gluten-free?
Flour tortillas rely on gluten for their signature stretch and bite, but you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends. The texture will be a bit different, so seek out a recipe tailored for gluten-free tortillas for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more inviting than a stack of pillowy, warm tortillas straight from your own kitchen. I hope you’ll give the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas a try—your tacos, wraps, and quesadillas will thank you, and so will your tastebuds! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making these on repeat—enjoy every soft, delicious bite!
Print
BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 tortillas 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Learn how to make the BEST Homemade Flour Tortillas from scratch. These soft and flavorful tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or wraps!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water. Combine with a fork and then knead by hand into a ball.
- Knead and Rest: Transfer dough to a floured surface, knead for 1 minute. Divide into 12 pieces, shape into balls, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll and Cook: Roll each ball into a round, cook in a hot skillet for 30 sec to 1 min per side until lightly browned.
- Serve: Keep warm and soft, then serve with fillings of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
