Best Homemade Tortillas

Making homemade tortillas is easy and rewarding! These soft, flexible tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or wraps. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy fresh, warm tortillas that taste better than store-bought.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or lard for authentic flavor)
1 cup warm water

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the Fat:
- Add the vegetable oil or lard to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Incorporate Water:
- Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a fork or your hands until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Divide the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions for smaller tortillas or 8 portions for larger ones. Roll each portion into a ball.
Roll Out the Tortillas:
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin, round tortilla about 8-10 inches in diameter.
Cook the Tortillas:
- Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla on the skillet and cook for about 30-45 seconds, or until bubbles form and the underside has golden spots. Flip and cook for another 30-45 seconds. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Serve:
- Stack the cooked tortillas on a plate and cover with a towel to keep them warm. Serve immediately with your favorite fillings or store for later.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Tortillas

Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps it roll out more easily and prevents shrinking.
Cook Quickly: Keep the skillet hot to ensure tortillas cook evenly and develop beautiful golden spots.
Adjust Thickness: Roll thinner for soft tacos and slightly thicker for burritos or quesadillas.
Store Properly: Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft, or store in a resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.