Flour Tortillas
Experience the authentic taste of Tex-Mex with these homemade flour tortillas. Incredibly soft, pliable, and far superior to store-bought versions, they require just a few simple pantry staples. Perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or simply enjoying warm with butter.
For 12 servings
7 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cut in the Fat (3 minutes)
- b.Add the chilled lard or shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form and Knead the Dough (5 minutes)
- b.Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the warm water. Mix with a fork or your hand until a shaggy dough forms.
- c.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. Avoid over-kneading.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest the Dough (30 minutes)
- b.Form the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- c.Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step relaxes the gluten, making the tortillas tender and easy to roll.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Divide and Roll (10 minutes)
- b.After resting, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 45g each) and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- c.Keep the dough balls covered with the towel to prevent them from drying out.
- d.On a lightly floured surface, take one ball, flatten it with your palm, and use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin, 8-inch (20 cm) circle. Rotate the dough as you roll to maintain a circular shape.
- e.Stack rolled tortillas with a small piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cook the Tortillas (10 minutes)
- b.Heat a dry cast-iron skillet, comal, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it is very hot (a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly).
- c.Carefully place one tortilla onto the hot surface. Cook for about 30-45 seconds, until large bubbles begin to form.
- d.Flip the tortilla and cook for another 20-30 seconds on the other side. It should have light golden-brown spots and puff up in places. Do not overcook, or it will become stiff.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Keep Warm and Serve
- b.As each tortilla is cooked, immediately transfer it to a tortilla warmer or a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
- c.Stacking them traps the steam, which is essential for keeping them soft and pliable. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The 30-minute rest is non-negotiable for soft, pliable tortillas. It allows the gluten to relax.
- 2Use warm water (around 110°F / 43°C). If it's too hot, it can affect the fat and gluten; too cold, and the dough will be stiff.
- 3For perfectly round tortillas, roll from the center out and give the dough a quarter turn after each roll.
- 4A very hot, dry pan is key. No oil is needed. The high heat cooks the tortilla quickly, creating steam that makes it puff.
- 5Don't press down on the tortilla too much while it's cooking, as this can make it tough. A light press with a spatula can sometimes encourage it to puff.
- 6Stacking the cooked tortillas in a warmer or towel is essential. The trapped steam finishes the cooking process and makes them perfectly soft.
Adapt it for your goals.
Whole Wheat
Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. You may need a tablespoon or two of extra water.
Herbed TortillasHerbed Tortillas
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano or chili powder to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
Butter TortillasButter Tortillas
For a richer, buttery flavor, replace the lard or shortening with an equal amount of cold, cubed unsalted butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Preservative-Free
By making tortillas at home, you control the ingredients, avoiding the preservatives, dough conditioners, and trans fats often found in commercial products.
Source of Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour provide a quick and accessible source of energy, making tortillas a great base for a fulfilling meal.
Versatile Meal Component
Tortillas are a versatile base for building balanced meals. You can fill them with lean proteins, beans, and plenty of fresh vegetables to create a nutrient-dense dish.
Frequently asked questions
One tortilla from this recipe contains approximately 125-135 calories, depending on the exact size and type of fat used (lard vs. shortening).