Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch

Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe – Learn how to make soft, warm, and delicious flour tortillas from scratch with just a few simple ingredients! These easy homemade tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or wraps. Made with all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and a pinch of baking powder, this simple recipe yields soft, flexible tortillas that beat store-bought every time. No yeast, no rest time required, just easy and quick tortillas you can make in minutes! Enjoy fresh Mexican tortillas with your favorite fillings and make your meals even more special.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil, shortening, or lard
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions

Stand Mixer Instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix briefly to combine.
2. With the mixer running at medium speed, add the oil and hot water. Mix for 1-2 minutes, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. Once the dough begins to form into a ball, reduce the mixer speed to low and continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Mixing by Hand Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together.
2. Add the vegetable oil and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually pour in the warm water, stirring to combine. Knead the dough briefly with well-floured hands until it forms a craggy dough.

For Both Methods:

1. Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and divide it into 16 roughly equal portions.
2. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten it with your palm. Cover the flattened dough balls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour.

Cooking the Tortillas:

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter. Avoid stacking the rolled tortillas directly on top of each other; use parchment paper if needed to separate them.
3. Place one tortilla into the hot skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbles form on the surface and brown spots appear on the bottom. If the tortilla takes longer than a minute to brown, increase the heat slightly. If it browns too quickly, reduce the heat.
4. Flip the tortilla and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side.
5. Remove the tortilla from the skillet and stack it in a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft.

Storage:
Serve the tortillas immediately or allow them to cool for later use. They can be stored in a plastic zip-top bag in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds. Tortillas can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months; just separate them with parchment paper and store them in a freezer bag.

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Tips

• Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for at least 15 minutes ensures the gluten relaxes, making it easier to roll out and resulting in soft tortillas.
• Flour the Surface Well: Make sure your work surface and rolling pin are lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Adjust the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking the tortillas. If they’re cooking too fast or too slow, adjust the heat to maintain a consistent cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Tortillas: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the tortillas gluten-free. Be sure to follow the instructions for a gluten-free flour blend, as they may vary.
• Herb-Infused Tortillas: Add a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as oregano or cilantro, to the dough for a flavored variation.

FAQs

• Can I make these tortillas ahead of time? Yes, you can make the tortillas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Why is my dough too sticky or too dry? If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
• How do I reheat tortillas? To reheat, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds. You can also reheat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, fajitas, wraps, or as a side to any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. Pair them with your favorite fillings like grilled meats, beans, cheese, salsa, and guacamole for a delicious meal. You can also use them to make quesadillas or as a base for a savory breakfast wrap.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade flour tortillas are quick and easy to make, and they have a soft, warm texture that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, delicious tortillas that far surpass anything you’d find in a store. They’re versatile, customizable, and will elevate any dish you make, from tacos to wraps!