If you’ve ever savored the warm, pillowy comfort of soft tortillas fresh off the skillet, then you know there’s truly nothing like them made at home. The Homemade Flour Tortillas with 5 Pantry Ingredients Recipe is a simple treasure that transforms basic pantry staples into tender, flaky, and incredibly flavorful wraps. Whether you’re whipping up tacos, burritos, or just craving something to scoop up your favorite dips, these tortillas bring fresh, comforting goodness that store-bought versions simply can’t match. You’re just a few easy steps away from mastering a staple that feels like a warm hug with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully straightforward, relying on just five kitchen essentials that you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the flour lends structure, salt enhances flavor, baking powder introduces lightness, butter adds softness and richness, and hot water helps bring everything together for the perfect dough texture.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g): The foundation for softness and flexibility in your tortillas.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt (9g): Balances and enhances every flavor note in the tortillas.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g): Adds just the right lift, making them beautifully tender rather than dense.
- 1 cup hot water (240ml): Hydrates the dough and helps develop that silky, smooth texture.
- 1/3 cup butter (75g), room temperature: Infuses the dough with richness and aids in that melt-in-your-mouth softness; can be swapped with lard, olive oil, or coconut oil for unique flavor twists.
How to Make Homemade Flour Tortillas with 5 Pantry Ingredients Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Combine Your Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Then, incorporate the butter by rubbing it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until crumbly. Slowly add the hot water, blending as you go, until a sticky dough forms. This is the moment where the magic starts—warm water makes the dough soft and pliable, setting the stage for those tender tortillas you’re about to create.
Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for just 1 to 2 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic but not tough. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes—this short rest relaxes the gluten, so your tortillas won’t snap back during rolling and will stay wonderfully soft when cooked.
Step 3: Divide and Shape Into Balls
Once rested, divide the dough into 12 even pieces for standard 8-inch tortillas, or 10 pieces if you prefer larger 10-inch ones. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. This step helps you create uniform tortillas so they cook evenly and look beautiful on the plate. If you’re not ready to start rolling right away, the dough balls can comfortably sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours without losing quality.
Step 4: Roll Out Your Tortillas
On a lightly floured surface, take each dough ball and roll it as thin as possible into almost paper-thin circles, about 8 to 10 inches wide. The thinner you roll, the softer and more pliable your tortillas will be. Use a rolling pin or tortilla press if you have one—it makes this step faster and easier, especially for beginners!
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Place your rolled tortilla onto the hot surface. You’ll see bubbles start to form after about 30 to 60 seconds—that’s your cue to flip it. Cook the other side for just 30 seconds more, and then transfer to a warm plate or tortilla warmer covered with a towel to keep them soft and steamy while you finish the batch.
How to Serve Homemade Flour Tortillas with 5 Pantry Ingredients Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh and vibrant garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced onions, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. These add brightness and texture that highlight the subtle flavor of your homemade tortillas.
Side Dishes
These tortillas pair exceptionally well with classic accompaniments such as spicy salsa, creamy guacamole, or hearty beans. They’re also perfect alongside sizzling grilled meats or roasted veggies, making every bite a celebration of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by using your tortillas as wraps for breakfast burritos, quesadillas filled with melty cheese and sautéed peppers, or even as a base for mini pizza creations. You can also cut them into strips and bake for homemade tortilla chips—a fun and delicious twist that extends the life of your homemade bread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra tortillas, store them in an airtight bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
Freezing
Freezing your homemade tortillas is a fantastic way to keep them fresh longer. Layer them between pieces of parchment or wax paper in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, ready whenever you need a quick homemade fix.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm tortillas in a hot skillet for about 20 seconds per side until they’re soft and pliable again. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This keeps them moist and delicious, as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be swapped in for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. Just be aware the texture may be a bit denser, so you might want to add a touch more water to keep the dough soft and manageable.
Is it necessary to use hot water?
Yes, hot water helps to soften the flour proteins and creates a more pliable dough that’s easier to roll out. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the tenderness of your tortillas.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Definitely! Lard, olive oil, or coconut oil make great alternatives and each brings a unique flavor profile. Lard is traditional and gives a lovely richness, olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, and coconut oil introduces a mild sweetness.
How thin should I roll the tortillas?
Try to roll them as thin as you can without tearing—around paper-thin or roughly 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Thin tortillas cook quickly and remain soft, perfect for wrapping or rolling.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and refrigerate them wrapped for up to 24 hours. Just bring them to room temperature before rolling out to ensure softness and elasticity.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Homemade Flour Tortillas with 5 Pantry Ingredients Recipe a try. It’s a delightful way to elevate your meals with fresh, soft, and incredibly tasty tortillas that feel like a warm gift straight from your own kitchen. Plus, the simplicity and minimal ingredients mean anyone can whip up this classic with confidence. Once you taste the difference homemade makes, store-bought tortillas will become a thing of the past!
Print
Homemade Flour Tortillas with 5 Pantry Ingredients Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 medium (8-inch) tortillas or 10 large (10-inch) tortillas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Deliciously soft and fresh homemade Flour Tortillas made with just five simple pantry ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, these tortillas are perfect for authentic Mexican meals or as a versatile bread substitute.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt (9g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water (240ml)
- 1/3 cup butter (75g), room temperature, cut into small pieces (alternatively use lard, olive oil, or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the butter pieces until evenly distributed. Gradually add the hot water a little at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Rest the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Divide and Shape: Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces for medium 8-inch tortillas, or 10 pieces for larger 10-inch tortillas. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. The dough balls can rest at room temperature for up to 2 hours at this point.
- Roll into Circles: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll each dough ball into a paper-thin circle, about 8-10 inches in diameter, depending on your preference.
- Cook the Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla onto the hot skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until bubbles start to form. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove and keep warm in a tortilla warmer or covered with a dry kitchen towel while you cook the remaining tortillas.
Notes
- Yield: Makes 12 medium (8’’) or 10 large (10’’) tortillas.
- Serving Size: 1 medium tortilla.
- Storage: Store tortillas in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked tortillas with parchment paper between each layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Use: These homemade tortillas pair perfectly with authentic Mexican dishes.
