Name: Easy Flour Tortillas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 9
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup water; ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil

Experience the joy of making your own flour tortillas at home with this simple and straightforward recipe. Perfect for a variety of dishes, these homemade tortillas are soft, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re using them for tacos, burritos, or wraps, these tortillas will elevate your meal to the next level.

Photos of Easy Flour Tortillas Recipe

All the ingredients required for this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens. However, if you don't typically have baking powder on hand, make sure to pick some up at the supermarket. It’s a leavening agent that helps make your tortillas softer and fluffier.

Ingredients For Easy Flour Tortillas

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your tortillas, giving them structure and texture.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the tortillas puff up slightly, making them softer.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the tortillas.

Water: Combines with the dry ingredients to form the dough.

Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps make the dough pliable and easy to work with.

One reader, Anita Harden says:

This easy flour tortillas recipe is fantastic! The tortillas turned out soft and delicious, perfect for wraps and tacos. The instructions were clear and simple to follow. I loved how fresh and homemade they tasted compared to store-bought ones. Definitely a new staple in my kitchen!

Anita Harden

Techniques Required for Making Easy Flour Tortillas

How to knead dough: Kneading involves pressing and folding the dough repeatedly to develop gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity and smooth texture. How to roll out dough: Rolling out dough requires using a rolling pin to evenly flatten the dough into a desired thickness and shape. How to cook tortillas: Cooking tortillas involves heating a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and cooking each tortilla until it is set and lightly golden, flipping to cook both sides evenly.

How To Make Easy Flour Tortillas

Make your own flour tortillas right at your home and avoid those unwanted preservatives. You only need flour, salt, baking powder, water, and oil.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsall-purpose flour
1tspbaking powder
1tspsalt
1cupwater,hot
⅓cupvegetable oil

Instructions

Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
Make a well in the center. Add in the water and vegetable oil, then mix together so that the water absorbs the flour. Use hands to bring the dough together.
The dough should be workable but sticky to the touch (sticky dough = soft tortillas).
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle the top of the dough with a little extra flour if too sticky. Knead for about 2 to 3 minutes to form a smooth, soft and Playdoh-like ball.
Divide the dough into 8 equal balls for larger tortillas, or 9 balls for smaller sizes. Working one piece at a time, flatten one ball out with the palms of your hands to resemble a thick disk.
Lightly dust both sides with flour and set them aside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel for 10 minutes.
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
Use a rolling pin to roll out one piece of dough to a 9-inch circle about 2mm thick.
Cook one tortilla for about 1 to 2 minutes until set and lightly golden. Flip and continue cooking for about 30 seconds more or until spots appear on both sides.
While one piece is cooking, roll the next piece out and repeat steps above (working one tortilla at a time avoids them from drying out).
Stack them up on a plate lined with a clean tea towel and wrap them up to keep them warm and soft while cooking the rest.

Nutrition

Calories: 225.27kcal
Fat: 8.70g
Saturated Fat: 0.60g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
Carbohydrates: 31.92g
Fiber: 1.13g
Sugar: 0.11g
Protein: 4.30g
Sodium: 178.61mg
Calcium: 44.76mg
Potassium: 44.64mg
Iron: 1.99mg

Technique Tip for Making Perfect Flour Tortillas

When rolling out the dough, make sure to use a light touch and roll from the center outward to maintain an even thickness. This ensures that your tortillas cook evenly and have a consistent texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Flour Tortillas

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: Mix the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and effort.

Preheat the pan: Ensure your nonstick pan is hot and ready before you start cooking the tortillas.

Roll while cooking: Roll out the next tortilla while one is cooking to keep the process continuous.

Cover dough balls: Keep the dough balls covered with a towel to prevent drying out, making them easier to roll.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Flour Tortillas Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though the tortillas may be slightly denser.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free flour blend can be used, though the texture may vary.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar to replace 1 tsp baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the tortillas.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a different flavor profile and is a healthier fat option.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle coconut flavor and is a good alternative for those avoiding vegetable oils.

Best Way to Present Homemade Flour Tortillas

Use a tortilla warmer: Keep the tortillas warm and soft by placing them in a traditional tortilla warmer lined with a clean tea towel.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the plate with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve with a trio of dips: Present the tortillas alongside small bowls of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a colorful and flavorful accompaniment.
Use a wooden board: Plate the tortillas on a rustic wooden board to give a natural and artisanal feel.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, lightly sprinkle the tortillas with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance their flavor.
Serve with lime wedges: Include a few wedges of lime on the side for a fresh, zesty option that complements the tortillas.
Stack with parchment paper: Stack the tortillas with small squares of parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking and to add a professional touch.
Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle the tortillas with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness and shine.
Use a colorful plate: Choose a vibrant, colorful plate to make the tortillas stand out and create an eye-catching presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Flour Tortillas

Whisk: Use this to combine the flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
Mixing bowl: This is where you'll mix your ingredients together to form the dough.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the baking powder and salt.
Clean kitchen towel: Cover the dough balls to keep them from drying out while they rest.
Nonstick pan: This is where you'll cook the tortillas to ensure they don't stick and cook evenly.
Rolling pin: Roll out the dough balls into thin circles.
Plate: Stack the cooked tortillas on this, lined with a clean tea towel to keep them warm and soft.
Tea towel: Wrap the cooked tortillas to maintain their warmth and softness.
Work surface: A lightly floured area where you can knead and roll out the dough.
Knife: Use this to divide the dough into equal portions.

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Flour Tortillas

Once the tortillas have cooled completely, stack them and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, place the wrapped stack of tortillas in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen tortillas, remove the desired number from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Alternatively, you can microwave them individually on a plate for 15-20 seconds or until soft and pliable.
To reheat refrigerated or thawed tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm and soft. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
If the tortillas feel a bit stiff or dry after storing, sprinkle a few drops of water on each side before reheating to help soften them.

How to Reheat Leftover Flour Tortillas

To reheat leftover flour tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and pliable. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the tortillas from drying out or becoming rubbery.
Another option is to wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This method is ideal for reheating larger quantities of tortillas and ensures even heating throughout.
For a quick and easy method, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
If you have a tortilla warmer, you can stack the leftover tortillas inside and microwave them for 30-60 seconds, depending on the quantity. The tortilla warmer helps to keep the tortillas warm and soft for an extended period.
For a crispy texture, brush both sides of the tortillas with a small amount of olive oil or butter and heat them on a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop golden brown spots and become crispy.

Random Fact About Flour Tortillas

A random fact about this recipe is that homemade flour tortillas are often softer and more flavorful than store-bought versions because they lack preservatives and are made with fresh ingredients.

Is Making Flour Tortillas at Home Economical?

This easy flour tortillas recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With just a few pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vegetable oil, you can create delicious homemade tortillas. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $2-$3, making it an economical choice compared to store-bought options. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Are Flour Tortillas Healthy or Unhealthy?

The easy flour tortillas recipe, while simple and convenient, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe relies heavily on all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate lacking in essential nutrients and fiber.
The use of vegetable oil adds unnecessary saturated and trans fats to the tortillas, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
The recipe lacks any whole grains, vegetables, or lean proteins, making it an unbalanced food choice.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap out at least half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours like spelt or quinoa flour. This will increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which contain beneficial monounsaturated fats.
Experiment with adding finely chopped or pureed vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers to the dough to boost the nutritional value and add color and flavor.
Serve the tortillas with a balanced meal that includes lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Consider reducing the salt content slightly to help limit sodium intake, especially for those with high blood pressure concerns.

Editor's Thoughts on This Flour Tortilla Recipe

This recipe for flour tortillas is straightforward and accessible, perfect for home cooks. The use of vegetable oil ensures a tender texture, while the resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out. Cooking each tortilla individually ensures they remain soft and pliable. However, consider using a cast-iron skillet for a more authentic flavor and better heat distribution. Overall, this method yields delicious, homemade tortillas that can elevate any meal.

Enhance Your Easy Flour Tortillas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn Salad: Elevate your easy flour tortillas with a vibrant grilled corn salad. The smoky sweetness of grilled corn combined with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing will add a burst of flavor and color to your meal. This side-dish not only complements the soft, warm tortillas but also brings a refreshing crunch to each bite.

Spicy Black Bean Dip: Pair your easy flour tortillas with a spicy black bean dip that packs a punch. Imagine creamy black beans infused with smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and a hint of lime. This dip is perfect for scooping with your homemade tortillas, adding a rich, hearty element to your meal.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your easy flour tortillas with a mango avocado salsa. The sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with the creaminess of avocado, a touch of red onion, and a splash of citrus juice creates a refreshing and vibrant side-dish. This salsa will bring a delightful contrast to the warm, soft tortillas.

Chicken Fajita Filling: Transform your easy flour tortillas into a full meal with a chicken fajita filling. Juicy strips of chicken marinated in spices, sautéed with bell peppers and onions, will make your tortillas the star of a delicious and satisfying dish. The savory and slightly charred flavors will complement the soft texture of the tortillas perfectly.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve your easy flour tortillas alongside a fragrant cilantro lime rice. Fluffy white rice infused with the fresh flavors of cilantro and lime will provide a light and aromatic accompaniment. This side-dish will balance the richness of the tortillas and add a refreshing note to your meal.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Flour Tortillas

Homemade Corn Tortillas: Dive into the world of Mexican cuisine with these delightful corn tortillas. Made with masa harina and water, they offer a distinct flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with your favorite tacos or enchiladas.

Chicken Quesadillas: A classic favorite, these chicken quesadillas are packed with juicy chicken breast, melted cheese, and a mix of bell peppers and onions. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a complete meal.

Beef Tacos: Savor the rich flavors of ground beef seasoned with a blend of spices. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, these beef tacos are perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Guacamole: No Mexican feast is complete without a bowl of creamy guacamole. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño, this dip is perfect for pairing with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.

Pico De Gallo: Brighten up your meal with this fresh and zesty pico de gallo. A simple mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, it's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican dish.

Why trust this Easy Flour Tortillas Recipe:

This easy flour tortillas recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make delicious, homemade tortillas. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil, you can create soft, pliable tortillas that are perfect for any meal. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginners can achieve great results. Plus, making your own tortillas at home means you know exactly what’s in them—no preservatives or additives. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, authenticity, and the unbeatable taste of fresh, homemade tortillas.

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FAQ:

How do I store leftover tortillas?

I usually let the tortillas cool completely, then stack them with a piece of parchment paper between each one. I store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze the tortillas?

Yes, you can! I recommend placing parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent them from sticking together. Then, put them in a resealable plastic bag and freeze. They should last for about 2-3 months.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different. Whole wheat flour tends to make the tortillas a bit denser and less soft.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough is too sticky, I just sprinkle a little extra flour on the dough and my hands. This helps make it more manageable without compromising the softness of the tortillas.

How do I reheat the tortillas?

I usually reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but I find they stay softer when reheated on the stove.