Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch Recipe

If you have ever wished for pillowy, warm, soft flour tortillas made entirely in your own kitchen, these Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch are going to become your go-to staple. With just five simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and delicious fresh homemade tortillas can be. From dinner party show-stoppers to weeknight tacos, nothing rivals the wholesome, slightly chewy texture and barely-there crisp edges of tortillas you made yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch lies in how a handful of humble ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each one has its own important purpose, guaranteeing texture, flavor, and structure in every bite. Let’s break down what you need and why it matters:

• All-Purpose Flour: The classic, versatile base for tender yet sturdy tortillas every time.
• Salt: Just a touch, but it brightens and balances the authentic flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: A tiny lift goes a long way, creating those signature airy pockets and pliability.
• Vegetable Oil, Shortening, or Lard: Fat is what gives your tortillas their signature softness and flexibility; experiment to see which makes your favorite texture!
• Hot Water: The secret to supple dough that rolls out smoothly and stays moist after cooking.

How to Make Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

To get things started for Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch, place the flour, salt, and baking powder in your stand mixer bowl (fitted with a dough hook) or a large mixing bowl. Mix or whisk briefly so everything is evenly distributed—that simple combination is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Add Fat and Water

With your mixer running at medium speed, stream in the vegetable oil (or your chosen fat) and hot water. Or, if you’re working by hand, stir in the fat first until your mixture looks a bit crumbly, then pour in your hot water. This starts the dough’s transformation—from a pile of flour to a soft, playable mass ready for kneading.

Step 3: Mix and Knead

For the stand mixer method, keep mixing until your dough pulls together and looks smooth and elastic. If you’re using your hands, once the water is stirred in, knead gently until you have a shaggy mound that just holds together. A minute or two of gentle kneading is enough—no need to stress about perfection!

Step 4: Divide and Rest the Dough

Tip your dough onto a floured surface and divide it into 16 even pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten with your palm. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes (and up to an hour). This pause relaxes the gluten and makes your next step gloriously easy.

Step 5: Roll the Tortillas

Keep your work area (and rolling pin) dusted with flour, then roll each dough ball into a 6-inch circle. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—rustic edges are part of their charm. Place them in a single layer or separate with parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Warm a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Lay one tortilla into the pan and watch for bubbles on the surface and golden spots underneath, about 1 minute. Flip and cook 30 more seconds. Adjust your heat as needed so they don’t cook too slowly or scorch.

Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve

As you finish each tortilla, wrap them with a kitchen towel to retain their softness and warmth. Serve right away for the ultimate experience, or cool for saving later—either way, your kitchen will smell incredible.

How to Serve Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch

Garnishes

Bring your Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch to life by pairing them with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Think about chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, thinly sliced radishes, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an added burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Homemade tortillas are an open invitation for creativity! Serve alongside a bowl of black beans, a tangy corn salad, or a small ramekin of salsa verde. They make the perfect base for tacos but are just as wonderful next to soups or chili—ready to sop up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch into dazzling wraps, melty quesadillas, or even grilled flatbread pizzas. Try cutting them into triangles, brushing lightly with oil, and toasting for crunchy chips. The presentation possibilities are endless and always crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch, let them cool completely, then pop them into a zip-top bag and refrigerate. They’ll keep their tender bite and subtle flavor for up to 2 or 3 days—ready for quick transformations at any meal.

Freezing

Want to make a batch in advance? Simply separate cooled tortillas with pieces of parchment paper, gather into a stack, and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for two to three months, so you’re only moments away from homemade magic even on a busy night.

Reheating

To restore that just-cooked warmth, wrap tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds, or reheat in a dry skillet over gentle heat. They’ll soften right up, ready to wrap around any filling or accompaniment of your choice.

FAQs

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

You absolutely can! Just know that whole wheat flour will give your Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch a bit of a denser texture and a nutty, wholesome flavor profile. Try starting with a half-and-half mix to keep them soft while still sneaking in some extra nutrition.

Why do my tortillas turn out tough?

Usually, tough tortillas mean the dough was overworked, or not given a long enough rest before rolling out. Letting your dough rest is key for developing that soft, flexible texture that makes fresh tortillas irresistible.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Definitely! Making Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch by hand is just as effective, and incredibly satisfying, too. All you need is a large mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a little bit of elbow grease for kneading.

Do I have to use lard or can I swap the fat?

Feel free to swap the fat for what you have or prefer: vegetable oil creates a neutral, supple dough; shortening gives extra fluffiness; and lard results in classic flavor and beautifully pliable tortillas. All three work, so use what suits your taste and style.

How can I prevent my tortillas from sticking together after rolling?

It helps to lightly flour your parchment paper or countertop where the tortillas rest, and avoid stacking rolled tortillas. If you’re short on space, place a small sheet of parchment between each to keep them from sticking before cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s genuine joy in whipping up Easy Flour Tortillas From Scratch—you don’t just get beautiful, fresh bread to fill and fold, you experience the satisfaction of crafting something from the simplest pantry basics. So grab your flour and get rolling; one taste and you’ll never go back to store-bought!

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