Best Tortilla Recipe for Soft Homemade Tortillas

Tortilla Recipe

Tortilla recipe lovers, rejoice! This delightful recipe will have you whipping up soft, pillowy tortillas that are perfect for wrapping around your favorite fillings. With just a handful of simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, and a splash of vegetable oil, you’ll create a warm, comforting dough that’s easy to work with. Roll them out, cook them on a hot skillet, and watch as they puff up beautifully. Whether you’re making tacos, quesadillas, or simply enjoying them with a bit of butter, these homemade tortillas will steal the show at any meal!

Table of Contents
tortilla recipe

Tortilla Recipe

Chef Jasper
Discover the perfect tortilla recipe for homemade goodness! Easy steps to create soft, delicious tortillas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Flatbread
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 tortillas
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large bowl For mixing the ingredients.
  • 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out the tortillas.
  • 1 Skillet or Griddle For cooking the tortillas.
  • 1 Kitchen Towel To cover the tortillas and keep them warm.

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour A versatile base for creating soft and pliable tortillas.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor and balances the dough.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps to create a lighter texture in the tortillas.

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
  • 3/4 cup warm water Hydrates the ingredients and brings the dough together.

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients. Collect 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 3/4 cup of warm water.

Mixing

  • Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.

Adding Oil

  • Step 3: Add the Oil. Pour in the vegetable oil and mix it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Incorporating Water

  • Step 4: Incorporate the Water. Slowly add the warm water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Kneading

  • Step 5: Knead the Dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Resting

  • Step 6: Rest the Dough. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-30 minutes.

Dividing

  • Step 7: Divide the Dough. After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Rolling Out

  • Step 8: Roll Out the Tortillas. On a floured surface, take one ball and flatten it slightly, then roll it out into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter.

Cooking

  • Step 9: Cook the Tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly browned.

Keeping Warm

  • Step 10: Keep Them Warm. As you cook each tortilla, stack them on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel.

Enjoying

  • Step 11: Enjoy Your Tortillas. Fill them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!
Keyword tortillas

Why You’ll Love This Tortilla Recipe

  • Freshness you can taste in every bite.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Perfect for any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
  • Customizable to suit your favorite flavors and fillings.
  • A fun cooking experience that brings the family together.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Category:Flatbread
Cuisine:Mexican
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Dietary:Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Option
Serves:8 tortillas
Best Served:With tacos, burritos, or as a wrap

Ingredients for Tortilla Recipe

  • All-purpose flour – a versatile base for creating soft and pliable tortillas.
  • Salt – enhances flavor and balances the dough.
  • Baking powder – helps to create a lighter texture in the tortillas.
  • Vegetable oil – adds richness and moisture to the dough.
  • Water – hydrates the ingredients and brings the dough together.
Ingredients for making tortillas: flour, salt, baking powder, vegetable oil, and warm water.
Essential ingredients for making delicious tortillas.

How to Make the Tortilla Recipe

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make some delicious homemade tortillas! Follow these simple steps for a fun and tasty experience.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 3/4 cup of warm water.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Add the Oil

Pour in the vegetable oil and mix it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Get your hands in there!

Step 4: Incorporate the Water

Slowly add the warm water to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Don’t be shy; it’s okay to get a little messy!

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is a great arm workout!

Step 6: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax, making your tortillas soft and pliable.

Step 7: Divide the Dough

After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and keep them covered to prevent drying out.

Step 8: Roll Out the Tortillas

On a floured surface, take one ball and flatten it slightly. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin circle. Aim for about 8 inches in diameter!

Step 9: Cook the Tortillas

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until lightly browned and puffed. Flip with a spatula and watch them dance!

Step 10: Keep Them Warm

As you cook each tortilla, stack them on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft. You’re almost there!

Step 11: Enjoy Your Tortillas

Now that your tortillas are ready, fill them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy! Tacos, wraps, or just with butter – the choice is yours!

A person kneading dough for homemade tortillas on a floured surface.
Step-by-step process of making tortillas.

Pro Tips for Making the Tortilla Recipe

  • Use warm water for mixing the dough; it helps create a softer tortilla.
  • Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes; this relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
  • Keep your tortillas warm in a clean kitchen towel as you cook them; this keeps them pliable.
  • Experiment with different flours like whole wheat or corn for unique flavors.
  • Don’t skip the cooking time; a hot skillet ensures those lovely brown spots and enhances flavor.

How to Serve Tortilla Recipe

Get ready to enjoy your homemade tortillas with these fun serving suggestions!

  • Wrap them around grilled chicken or veggies for a fresh fajita.
  • Use them as a base for a vibrant taco bar with all your favorite toppings.
  • Serve with a side of zesty salsa and guacamole for dipping.
  • Create a delicious quesadilla filled with cheese and your choice of beans.
  • Make a breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs and avocado.
  • Pair with a hearty soup for a comforting meal.
  • Top with fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime for a refreshing twist.
  • Use as a pizza base and load up with your favorite toppings for a tortilla pizza.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your tortillas fresh:

  • Allow them to cool completely.
  • Wrap in plastic wrap or foil.
  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For long-term storage:

  • Place tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Freeze for about 1 hour until firm.
  • Stack with parchment paper in between.
  • Seal in a freezer bag, removing excess air.
  • Store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your tortillas again:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add tortillas one at a time.
  • Warm for about 30 seconds on each side.
  • For microwave, wrap in a damp paper towel.
  • Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.

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FAQs

What type of flour is best for making tortillas?

For the best homemade tortillas, use all-purpose flour or masa harina. All-purpose flour gives a soft texture, while masa harina is traditional for corn tortillas. Choose based on your preference!

Can I make tortillas without a tortilla press?

Absolutely! You can use a rolling pin to flatten the dough. Just ensure to roll them evenly for uniform cooking. A heavy skillet can also work well for pressing.

How do I store leftover tortillas?

Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. They can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer freshness. Just reheat before serving!

Can I add flavors to my tortilla dough?

Yes! You can incorporate spices, herbs, or even pureed vegetables into the dough for added flavor. Experiment with ingredients like garlic powder or spinach for a tasty twist!