The Ridiculously Easy Guide to Flour Tortillas

Making your own flour tortillas is simpler than you might think—and the results are far superior to store-bought versions. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting into scratch cooking, this guide answers the internet’s most asked questions about homemade flour tortillas—and shows you how to turn them into delicious, complete meals.

What Ingredients Do I Need For Flour Tortillas?

All you need are 4 pantry staples:

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Lard or butter
• Hot water

Click here for my full homemade flour tortilla recipe.

Why Use Hot Water in Making Flour Tortillas?

Hot water helps the dough come together more smoothly, creating a tender texture. It also allows the flour to fully hydrate, melting the lard and making kneading easier. My recommendation is to use water that is about 60°C/140°F. This will make such a big difference, and this way, your flour tortillas will be elastic and pliable.

Should I Add Baking Powder?

Baking powder is optional, and I personally do not use it in my flour tortillas. It slightly leavens the dough, giving your tortillas a bit of puff, but with a proper resting time for your tortilla dough balls before cooking, you will get the same result. So, if you prefer a more traditional tortilla, you can omit it.

Do I Need to Use a Tortilla Press?

While a tortilla press is traditionally used for corn tortillas, it can be helpful for flour tortillas, especially if you’re making a large batch. However, be cautious not to overpress, as it can make the dough too thin and cause tearing. If you don’t have a press, like me, a rolling pin works just fine.

How Thin Should I Roll the Dough?

Aim to roll your dough as thin as possible without tearing. Thin tortillas cook quickly and puff up nicely. If your dough is too thick, it may not cook evenly or puff as desired. Also, when rolling, have in mind the size of the pan you will be cooking the tortillas in. The diameter of tortillas shouldn’t exceed the diameter of the pan; otherwise, you won’t be able to cook them all the way on the edges!

Can I Make Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. But…keep in mind that the texture and elasticity may differ, and you might need to adjust the amount of water. Adding xanthan gum or psyllium husk can help mimic the chewiness of traditional tortillas.

The Best Pan For Cooking Homemade Tortillas?

A black steel or cast iron will do this job the best. Preheat it over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles upon contact. Cooking on a hot surface ensures the tortillas cook quickly and develop those characteristic brown spots. And do not touch tortillas with your bare hands while they are cooking because you could easily burn your fingers! Don’t ask me how I know it.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

• Not using hot enough water – this can result in tough tortillas.
• Cooking on a pan that is too cold or too hot – Ensure your pan is hot enough to cook the tortillas properly, but not overly hot so they burn.
• Rolling unevenly – Try to roll each tortilla to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

How Should I Store Leftover Tortillas?

Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

What Can I Make with Homemade Flour Tortillas?

Homemade tortillas are so versatile! You can use them to make wraps, tacos, tortilla chips, or breakfast burritos! Here are some perfect recipes from the blog for you to try out in combination with flour tortillas:

• Homemade Chunky Guacamole – rich, creamy, and a little zesty—this guac is the ultimate dip or taco topping. I also like to add it to my breakfast burritos.
• Quick Pickled Red Onions – bright, tangy, and crunchy. They add instant flavor to tacos, burritos, or huevos rancheros!
• Pico de Gallo Salsa – a fresh, juicy tomato salsa that balances the richness of your tortillas and meats beautifully. I love it for serving with tortilla chips.
• Huevos Rancheros – pair your warm tortillas with fried eggs, beans, salsa, and cheese for this brunch favorite.
• High-Protein Breakfast Burritos – Start your morning with a high-protein chicken breakfast burrito that will keep you full and satisfied all the way until lunch! Of course, wrapped in your homemade flour tortillas.