Why We Love This Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
I have finally decided it is time to not only make my own tortillas, but to make them well. Homemade tortillas don’t even compare to their store-bought versions! Therefore, today I’m sharing a fool-proof homemade flour tortilla recipe that produces gorgeous, soft, pillowy, bendable tortillas in any size you like. I should state, flour tortillas are very Mexican-American or Tex Mex. The tortillas that you will find in Mexico are corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are traditional in Latin American cuisine. Whereas flour tortillas were introduced much later in places where American culture has had a heavy influence. However, flour tortillas are very common in Mexican-American cuisine and it is common to serve flour tortillas with meals today. So I decided to make a homemade flour tortilla recipe! After all, I’m American, and that’s what most Americans would prefer to make. (Plus, they are a little easier to handle for beginners.) If you are looking for a killer corn tortilla recipe, don’t worry, I shared that recipe as well!
Why Make Flour Tortillas From Scratch?
It’s a reasonable question. If there are so many fantastic tortilla companies out there, why should you take the time to make your own tortillas? Well, in my humble opinion (and at the risk of getting smacked by mi amiga) I think there are times when you should make them from scratch, and times when you shouldn’t. For instance, if you are coming home from a harried day at work and decide to run by the store to pick up ingredients for a quick “Taco Tuesday” dinner… Don’t plan to make your own tortillas. Just buy them! If you are making tortilla wraps or veggie burritos to pack for your lunch… Don’t make tortillas, just buy them. However, if you are having a weekend Mexican feast with friends, that is the time to pull out the tortilla press. If you’ve taken the time to make authentic slow-cooked carnitas, carne asada, homemade salsa, fresh guacamole, margaritas, and agua fresca for the kids… That is the time to whip up hot airy flour tortillas from scratch. There’s nothing quite like the rustic appeal of fluffy homemade flour tortillas to enhance your tacos, fajitas, and burritos!
Flour Tortilla Recipe Ingredients
To make the best flour tortillas you’ve ever tasted, you only need 5 ingredients…
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the tortillas. Baking Powder – To help form the bubbles. Salt – To enhance the flavor. Lard – Animal fat will produce the best flavor, but you could also use vegetable shortening for a vegetarian recipe. Hot Water – The water doesn’t have to be boiling, but it should be very hot tap water to melt the lard.
Homemade Flour Tortillas Tips & Tricks
The trick to making fabulous flour tortillas, is to not over-think it. If you want to know how to make tortillas at home, you just need to remember a few things. What are the important elements of a good flour tortilla recipe?
They should be soft and flexible. Not brittle. They should have bubbles to lighten the overall texture. They should have a delicate flavor. Of wheat and pork fat.
These things are easily achieved by following a few key steps and including a few key ingredients. You will need some equipment to make flour tortillas from scratch… An electric mixer, a nonstick or cast iron skillet, and a tortilla press. However, there are ways to work around these items if you don’t want to run out and buy them. You can mix the dough by hand, and you can roll the dough with a rolling pin… This will surely give you a bit of an upper-body workout, but does not negatively affect the quality of the tortillas!
How To Make Flour Tortillas
Set Up: Set out all equipment – A stand mix, cutting board, a skillet, and a tortilla press. The skillet and tortilla press must be large enough to fit the size of tortillas you want to make. Mix: Measure the flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixing bowl. Mix in the lard. Slowly pour in very hot tap water. Mix until the dough is smooth. Cut: Place the tortilla dough on a cutting board. Cut the ball in half and continue to divide in half until you have enough equals portions to make as many tortillas as you want. Cut them into 12, 15, 24, or 30 pieces to make extra-large, large, average, or small tortillas. Press: Place plastic wrap over the to top and bottom pressing-surface of the tortilla press. Once at a time, place a ball of dough in the middle of the press. Press down hard to flatten the dough ball. Then rotate the tortilla, and press hard again. Cook: Peel the tortilla off the plastic and move it to a hot dry skillet. Cook the tortilla about 30 seconds per side, waiting until large bubbles form. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Additional Tips & Tricks
If you don’t have a tortilla press on hand, you can place the ball of dough in between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll out the tortilla! Make sure to use lard or vegetable shortening in order to get the right texture and fluffy tortillas! Homemade tortillas are cheaper to make at home than buying at the store, plus they are so fresh and delicious!
How Many Calories and Carbs Do Flour Tortillas Have?
Flour tortillas are not low carb, however, they are also not terribly unhealthy. An average taco-size flour tortilla has about 16 grams of carbohydrates, 76 calories, and about 1 gram of fat. We’ve provided a full nutritional breakdown in the recipe card below. If you are looking for low carb tortillas or grain-free tortillas try these two amazing options…
Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tortillas Magic Plantain Tortillas
Can I Make Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this recipe by swapping 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix with the wheat flour. The tortillas will not be quite as flexible as when made with gluten, but if you serve them warm, they still have great bend and flavor. If you don’t mind mixing your own gluten-free flour, try this GF tortilla recipe for a bit more flexibility.
How Long Do Homemade Flour Tortillas Last?
Homemade Flour Tortillas will last at least one week in the refrigerator. They are best when served fresh, yet will taste pretty much like store-bought tortillas after a day or two.
Can You Freeze Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can freeze homemade tortillas. Place them in a freezer zip bag, squeeze out the air, and seal well. Then freeze for 3-6 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
What’s the Best Tortilla Press for Flour Tortillas?
Do I Need a Tortilla Press to Make Tortillas?
Technically, no. But it makes the process a whole lot easier! If you don’t have a tortilla press, you can place the ball of dough in between two pieces of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll them into thin circles. Share This Recipe With Friends!