Homemade Flour Tortilla

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Soft, warm, and perfectly chewy, homemade flour tortillas can elevate any meal from good to unforgettable. There’s something incredibly satisfying about making them from scratch—watching simple ingredients transform into pillowy rounds that soak up every bit of flavor. These tortillas are nothing like the store-bought versions; they’re fresher, more flavorful, and full of character.

Whether you’re wrapping up grilled veggies, layering them into enchiladas, or simply enjoying them with melted butter, these flour tortillas are endlessly versatile. Once you try making them at home, you might never want to go back to packaged ones again.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Flour Tortilla

You only need a few pantry staples to make them, and there’s no yeast involved, so there’s no long rise time. They’re soft enough for tacos, sturdy enough for burritos, and delicious enough to eat plain. Plus, you can freeze them for later, making them perfect for meal prep days.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Flour Tortillas?

All-purpose flour is the traditional go-to for flour tortillas. It gives the right balance of tenderness and structure. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly denser.

Ingredients for the Homemade Flour Tortilla

Making flour tortillas at home is simple and satisfying. All the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and each one plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour
This is the base of the dough and gives the tortillas their signature softness with just the right amount of chew.

Baking powder
A touch of this helps the tortillas puff slightly and remain tender.

Salt
This brings balance and flavor to the dough. Don’t skip it!

Vegetable oil or lard
Either one works for tenderness and flavor. Lard adds a richer taste, while vegetable oil keeps things light.

Warm water
The warmth helps dissolve the salt and brings the dough together easily. It should be warm, not hot.

How To Make the Homemade Flour Tortilla

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute everything.

Step 2: Add the Fat

Pour in the oil or add lard. Use your fingers or a fork to mix it into the flour until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 3: Add Water and Form a Dough

Slowly add the warm water while stirring with your hand or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making the tortillas easier to roll out.

Step 5: Divide and Roll

Divide the dough into equal pieces (usually 8 to 10). Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out into thin rounds.

Step 6: Cook the Tortillas

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30-60 seconds per side until bubbles form and golden spots appear. Don’t overcook—they should stay soft and pliable.

How to Store and Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas

These tortillas are best served warm right off the skillet, but they store wonderfully too. Keep them in a clean kitchen towel or wrapped in foil to maintain softness. Once cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

This recipe makes around 8 to 10 medium-sized tortillas, enough to feed 4 to 5 people depending on how you serve them.

What to Serve With Homemade Flour Tortillas?

Tacos

Fill them with seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies.

Breakfast Burritos

Wrap scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast proteins for a hearty start.

Quesadillas

Add cheese and fillings between two tortillas and toast until golden.

Enchiladas

Use them as the base for a saucy, cheesy enchilada bake.

Fajitas

Serve alongside sizzling peppers and steak or chicken.

Soup Side

Tear them up and dunk into soups like Cajun Potato Soup for a comforting bite [https://lifewithzoe.com/cajun-potato-soup/].

Snacking

Enjoy them with a smear of butter, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Want More Bread and Wrap Ideas?

If you loved making these tortillas, you might enjoy these other simple, satisfying recipes too:

• Try Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread for a festive and tender sweet loaf.
• Make Mexican Sopa de Conchas for a comforting side that pairs beautifully with tortillas.
• Enjoy a cheesy twist with Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini that pairs great with a side of tortillas.
• Need a fresh, zesty combo? Try the Flavorful Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa.
• Or make a batch of Honey Butter Skillet Corn to scoop up with warm tortillas.

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And let me know in the comments if you made them with lard or oil. Did you roll them thick or paper thin?

I love hearing how you personalize each recipe. Questions and tips are always welcome!

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Conclusion

Homemade flour tortillas bring a rustic, comforting charm to any meal. They’re easy enough for beginners, adaptable for different tastes, and better than anything you’ll find in a package. Give them a try—your tacos, burritos, and taste buds will thank you.

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