When I first started JoysofHomemaking.com, I made a little promise to myself: to learn and share 100 homemaking skills and projects within a year. From baking bread to growing herbs on the windowsill, I wanted to rediscover the beauty of doing things the old-fashioned way—the kind of slow, intentional living that makes a home feel alive. And though tortillas are something you can buy almost anywhere, I knew deep down that homemade tortilla would be better. It's healthier, fresher, and filled with the kind of love no package can hold.
Soooo I put tortillas right at the top of my list...because honestly, why not? We love them, and they’re such a simple joy to make.
The first time we tried making tortillas, I was amazed at how simple it really was. And the flavor? It was so good.
Now, they’ve become a staple in our kitchen. Making homemade tortilla has become a little tradition that finds its way into taco nights, breakfast wraps, and those late-evening cravings when all you need is a warm tortilla and a dab of butter. The beauty of it all? You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients—just a bit of love and a few pantry staples.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my simple homemade tortilla recipe so you can bring that same warmth and comfort to your own table.
Tortilla vs. Pita Bread
While both tortillas and pita bread are flatbreads, they each have their unique characteristics. Tortillas, often made with just flour, water, and salt, are soft, flexible, and great for wrapping up fillings like meats, veggies, and cheeses.
Pita bread, on the other hand, is slightly thicker, made with yeast, and has a pocket in the middle that makes it perfect for stuffing.
If you’re curious about making pita bread at home, check out my pita bread recipe. It’s a simple process that gives you soft, delicious pockets—perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings or using as a base for dishes like hummus or falafel.
Homemade Tortilla Recipe
With just 5 simple ingredients, this easy flour tortilla recipe comes together in no time. You can mix it by hand or use a mixer, and you’ll have a soft, versatile base for creating all kinds of tasty dishes!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
If you’re using a mixer to make the dough:
1. Combine the dry ingredients
Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix the dry ingredients together until they’re well combined.
2. Add oil and water
With the mixer running at medium speed, slowly add the oil and water. After about a minute, or when the dough starts to form a ball, lower the speed to low and mix for another minute until smooth.
3. Transfer to a floured surface
Once the dough is smooth, gently transfer it to a lightly floured surface, ready for rolling or shaping.
If you’re making the dough by hand:
1. Mix the dry ingredients
Place the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl. Stir everything together using a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula until it’s evenly mixed.
2. Include the wet ingredients
Make a small well in the center of the dry mixture. Pour in the oil and water. Stir from the bottom up until the mixture starts to come together and forms a rough, sticky dough.
3. Knead the dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes, until the dough feels smooth and soft. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little flour and continue kneading until it becomes easy to handle.
Continue with the next steps for both methods:
1. Divide the dough
Divide your dough into 16 equal pieces. You can use a food scale to make sure each one is the same size. Coat each piece with a little flour, then roll it into a ball.
2. Let the dough rest
Place the flattened dough balls on a clean surface. Cover them with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the dough rest and makes rolling easier.
3. Roll the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 6-7 inch circle. Keep the surface and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking.
4. Separate the tortillas
Be careful not to stack the uncooked tortillas directly on top of each other, or they will stick. I suggest placing a piece of parchment paper between each one to keep them easy to work with.
5. Heat the pan
Place a large pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Let it heat up for a minute or two.
6. Cook the tortillas one at a time
Cook each tortilla for 45-60 seconds, until bubbles form and golden spots appear on the surface. If they’re browning too fast, lower the heat a bit. Flip and cook the other side for 15-20 seconds. The tortillas should stay soft with a few small brown spots.
7. Keep your tortillas soft and warm
Use tongs to remove the cooked tortillas from the pan. Stack them in a covered container, an open zip lock bag, or wrap them with a slightly damp towel. This helps keep them soft.
8. Serve fresh or store for later
Serve the tortillas right away, or let them cool for later use. To reheat, place a damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container with a cover. Stack the tortillas, then microwave them uncovered for 15-30 seconds (starting with 15), just until warm. Cover the container afterwards to keep the tortillas warm while serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What’s the best oil to use?
There are plenty of great options. Melted butter, olive oil, or avocado oil all make soft, flavorful tortillas. Mild oils like vegetable or canola oil also work well. If you want something with a little more flavor, coconut or peanut oil will give a stronger taste.
- Can I use a tortilla press for these tortillas?
I wouldn’t suggest it—I’ve found that using a rolling pin works better with this dough—it’s soft and simple to roll by hand. Plus, rolling helps you get that nice, even thickness.
3. How can over-kneading the dough affect my tortillas?
Over-kneading the dough makes it tough and elastic, which means the tortillas might shrink when rolled out or turn out a bit hard. Just knead it until it’s smooth and soft, then let it rest to relax the dough. That way, the tortillas stay tender and flexible.
4. How should I store leftovers?
Once tortillas have cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a day, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
5. Can tortillas be frozen?
Yes! Place a parchment or wax paper between each tortilla, stack them , and seal in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw or warm them in a skillet—they reheat beautifully and taste just like freshly made.
How to Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Tortillas
While you can enjoy a homemade tortilla on its own with a little butter or honey, there are plenty of other delicious ways to enjoy it. Here are five easy ideas to try.
- Black Bean Quesadillas
Hearty black beans and melted cheese make a delicious, quick comfort food
- Chicken Fajitas
Grilled chicken and tangy bell peppers served in warm tortillas for a classic Mexican favorite
- Breakfast Burritos
Scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla for the perfect breakfast on the go
- Easy Tortilla Pizza
Crisp homemade tortilla topped with melty mozzarella and zesty sauce for an easy, satisfying meal
- Vegetarian Enchiladas
A hearty filling of mushrooms and black beans, wrapped with tender vegetables and smothered in rich, flavorful enchilada sauce
Love this homemade tortilla recipe? Give it a try and discover how it elevates your meals with fresh, irresistible flavor!
