Easy Homemade Tortillas are so much better than store bought and are perfect for dinner tonight! Easier than you think with just 5 ingredients – including water! Make tonight fiesta night with these great recipes: homemade Taco Seasoning, Slow Cooker Refried Beans, and Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken!
Homemade Tortillas
If you asked any member of my family what their favorite type of cuisine was…every single person would answer “Mexican!” We like it anyway we can get it: burritos, tacos, flautas, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas…hungry yet??
I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Mexican food? Cheesy, spicy, amazing flavors and the most tender meat you can find. I love making Mexican-inspired dishes for my family and one of the best ways to make those meals extra-special is with homemade flour tortillas.
Why Make Your Own?
If you’ve never made tortillas before or maybe have never even had fresh tortillas – you are going to be in for a real treat! Here’s why you should make homemade tortillas:
- Because you want to save money! Tortillas are crazy inexpensive to make at home and fresh beats store bought every single time.
- Whenever you run out, you don’t have to make a trip to the store. Just make another batch!
- The flavor is so much better!
- You control the ingredients!
Better Than Store Bought
There is honestly nothing better than a fresh made tortilla. The flavor is unbeatable and once you’ve made them and realize how easy they are, you’ll be making our own homemade flour tortillas all the time
My husband loves these tortillas with this Crockpot Chili. Just spread on a little butter and then dip it in the chili – fantastic!
Just 5 Ingredients – Including Water
Yep. Really. Here’s what you’ll need:
- all purpose flour
- salt
- baking powder
- shortening
- water
How To Make Homemade Flour Tortillas
I found this recipe years ago in a magazine and it’s so easy! The dough comes together in a flash.
- Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a small bowl.
- Add the shortening and mix together with fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center and add the water. Slowly incorporate the dry and wet ingredients until dough starts to form.
- Place dough on a floured surface and knead until dough is nice and smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into quarters and then each quarter into thirds for a total of 12 portions. Roll out each portion into a 6-7 inch circle.
- Cook the tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat for about two minutes on each side or until puffed and lightly browned.
- Remove to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm. Enjoy!
Fiesta Time!
Make your own spices to really give your meal some homemade flavor. Try this fajita seasoning or taco seasoning!
Minutes before you’re ready to eat, get a pan heated up and start cooking the tortillas. They take a couple of minutes on each side and then it’s off to a towel-covered platter where they can stay nice and warm while I finish up the remaining tortillas.
I love how easy Mexican food is to prepare and it’s a joy to make because I know my family is going to love it. These tortillas are going to be perfect for some quick quesadillas tonight after swim practice. I’ll make up some fresh guacamole and the boys – all three of them – will chow down for dinner 🙂
What To Serve With Homemade Tortillas
- Ultimate Crockpot Chili
- Mexican Rice
- Slow Cooker Refried Beans
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- The BEST Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
How To Make Homemade Tortillas
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp shortening
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and baking powder together with a fork.
- Add shortening and continue mixing with fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the water.
- Slowly incorporate the dry and wet ingredients until dough starts to form.
- Place dough on a floured surface and knead for several minutes until dough is nice and smooth.
- Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into quarters and then each quarter into thirds for a total of 12 portions.
- Roll out each portion into a 6-7 inch circle.
- Cook the tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat for about two minutes on each side or until puffed and lightly browned.
- Remove to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Originally published April 23, 2013.
saellis says
I will be attempting these tonight for dinner, which will be black bean, corn & cheese quesadillas. I have attempted tortillas before, but they were a huge, huge fail. Wish me luck!
Brittany Christa says
Could I substitute regular AP flour with whole wheat flour??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I honestly haven’t tried that Brittany. It would definitely change the flavor and texture but I think it would work out fine 🙂
Anita says
Add extra baking powder with whole wheat flour. 1 teaspoon and add extra shortening 6 tablespoons may need to add extra water adjust as needed
I says
i use my hands to mix the dough And always use very warm water
Dan from Pltter Talk says
Many thanks for sharing this recipe for essential food in our house of six boys!
G says
I’ve made these using coconut oil, and it worked great. (Veggie oil will work, too, but I don’t think it’s good for you.) I made 8 larger tortillas. I rolled out one between two silicone pan liners (generic Silpats) and transferred to the pancake griddle with one of the pan liners still on top. It pealed off easily once in the pan — sure made transferring easier. I rolled the next one while one was cooking. These are so easy and so good! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Coconut oil! No kidding! Love that and thanks for sharing 🙂
Liz says
Made these last night and they were delishes. My hubby really enjoyed them also. I would have liked them larger and thinner but that was due to the fact that when I went to roll them out I realized we lost our rolling pin in our recent move (FYI, wine bottles will work in a pinch- ha!)
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you gave them a try Liz and I love the wine bottle tip – genius!
Becky says
Is there a way to make these without shortening? Shortening is just so full of trans fats that I would love an alternative to using it.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I lot of readers have commented that they have tried with butter and it just doesn’t work out as well. Sorry!
tori says
Yes, you can use butter or even margarine. I have been making tortillas for 20 years, but have never tried oil. If you want softer tortillas, use 1 tsp baking powder for 2 cups of flour and hot water!
tori says
And yes you can freeze – just take what you need out and thaw before warming up in a heated and sprayed pan! Or directly on the fire as we do!
Carolyn "Flores" Trainor says
I grew up making tortillas from the time I could reach the counter to roll them out. This recipe is very similar to my mom’s/grandma’s but we just use vegetable oil instead of shortening which is healthier and saves you the step of cutting in shortening or lard. Back in the day, we would even use bacon grease which is not so healthy but gives them a great flavor. Although the masa mixes up quickly, it is the rolling out that can get people because it tends to snap back and you have to work with it until you get it to the right size/thickness. Love that you have this in recipe form because we just used the same bowl and “eye-balled” the ingredients! 😀
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m totally going to try the oil Carolyn – thanks for the tip!
Jen Cuilan says
Thank you so much for this! I just recently tried them, and talk about a hit! I was immediately advised to make them larger for wrap sandwiches and breakfast burritos. I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon! I don’t think I’ll ever buy prepackaged again!
Thomas says
This may be a dumb question, but do you melt the shortening first? Look forward to trying this.
Michelle says
Just made these today. It’s been a while since I’ve had homemade tortillas. They tasted just as I remembered. I’m definitely making these again!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Michelle! So glad you gave it a go 🙂
carol says
Hi, do you is cold water or hot water? My mom has always used hot water in hers, is there a difference? Can’t wait to try them. Thanks! 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I use lukewarm water Carol but use hot if that’s what your mom did – she probably knows best 🙂
reba says
How do you get them rolled thin enough? I tried them, they taste good, but end up being a little thick and tough. Will be trying them again, just looking for tips. Thanks for the recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sometimes letting the dough relax before rolling them out does the trick Reba. Good luck!
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says
Trish,
I’d love for you to link this post to #GetHimFed Fridays. The party is open until Sunday evening. Hope to see you there.
Annamaria
AnnMarie says
I would love to try these! Do they freeze well? if there’s any left!! I am forever freezing left over store bough tortillas and then forget them in the freezer! They are not pretty when you find them again!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I have never tried AnnMarie but I think they would 🙂 Worth a shot!
Lisa Bertolini says
I’m going to try these when the weather cools down a bit. They look so yummy! So, I have butter flavored shortening.. think they’ll taste just as good?
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
Ohmygosh your tortillas look great. Mine always look like amoebas!
Gurvy Green says
YUM, your photos are amazing. I am not the biggest fan of the shortening, I see someone else had asked for a substitution as well, have you tried making this with an alternate ingredient other than the shortening?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I don’t use shortening a lot either but I find it really is best for this recipe. Others have tried with butter and it just doesn’t work out as well.
Lindsay says
These look good! Do they store OK?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
For a couple days Lindsay but probably not much longer than that. Thanks for stopping by!
Carrie Groneman says
Stopping by from Sweet sharing Mon and great recipe. Printed and will give it a try! Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Awesome! Thanks Carrie!
Kyleigh @ Petite Chouette says
I prefer wraps to sandwich bread any day and making my own is even better! Have you tried substituting your flour for other kinds and seeing how it worked? Did it turn out okay? I was thinking maybe coconut flour…
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I haven’t Kyleigh but I would LOVE to know how they turn out if you give it a go!
Karen says
I was just told to cut salt intake. What is the taste like without it?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You could maybe try reducing it first instead of totally eliminating it? Let me know how it goes!
Susan says
Just made them and they were great!!! Perfect recipe. I was making them before with melted butter, but this way is better. Thanks!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Woohoo! Thanks Susan!
Chaya says
If i wanna save these in a container… How long will they last?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They should be good for a couple of days Chaya.
Debra Anderson says
Last time I had fresh made tortillas was when I was little & lived in southern Texas!! I love flour tortillas for wrap sandwiches. Will have to try these. I know they will be a larger tortilla for using as a wrap. Thanks for the recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They really are amazing! Thanks Debra!
Marissa says
We go through so many tortilla’s every week for so many different reasons! I cannot wait to try this! I got super excited when I read the recipe and saw how easy it looked:D I keep finding awesome recipes from your site and my husband just rolled his eyes and said,”Oh boy, another mess in the kitchen!” LOL!
Do you think it would work out find if I used self-rising flour and omitted the salt and baking powder?
Thanks and keep posting these awesome recipes!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s a great idea Marissa and definitely worth a try if you have self-rising flour on hand. Let me know how it goes!
john says
anyone tried adding sourdough to the mix
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I sure haven’t John but let me know if you give it a try!
mgrace says
Authentic Mexican tortillas are never made with shortening always use lard, you might not think so but there is a difference. Otherwise great recipe, and terrific step by step directions
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are correct but lard can be hard to come by for some people. Thanks for the great feedback!
Christina says
How about highrollers I would love to make them home made
Christina says
How about a receipt for high rollers I would love to make them home made
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Christina! I’m afraid I don’t even know what high rollers are! If you can describe them to me I might be able to find one for you though 🙂
Kari says
Hello! Could I use butter flavored shortning?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It would definitely change the flavor but it should work!
Kim H. says
Do you happen to know if coconut oil would work in place of the shortening?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I haven’t tried that Kim but if you do, let me know how they turn out!
Barbara says
I saw this recipe and was a little skeptical….I just made them for lunch and it was terrific!! Will save this one!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Excellent Barbara! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
T.J. says
I tried these yesterday and I was so disappointed! The dough went together fine but I let it sit, split it up as per directions, and ended up with tiny, awful little tortillas. The first one was barely the size of the palm of my hand, and if I had spread it any thinner it would have torn into pieces. I threw the rest out. I will not try this again.
Sarah says
Have you ever tried this recipe with whole wheat flour? Also, do you think the dough balls could be frozen then thawed to make fresh tortillas? Thanks for this recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Definitely okay to freeze and I would try half and half with the flour first before going all wheat. Let me know how it turns out!
Lacey says
I made quesadillas tonight, but used the last of my tortillas and I still have lots of chicken left. So tomorrow I will give these a try. I hope they are as good as they look. Sometimes I am dough challenged.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think you’ll like this recipe Lacey – it’s really pretty simple and fast too 🙂 Let me know what you think!
Emily says
Just made these for dinner tonight. Oh my goodness, they were delicious!! I texted the recipe to all my friends. This will be my new staple tortilla recipe. YUM!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Emily! It’s easy too so it’s perfect any day of the week. Thank so much for stopping by!
TrishAnna at A Homestead Heart says
Thanks so much for posting this! I’m glad I saw it on Pinterest. I’ve always loved Mexican food, but when I started buying freshly-made flour tortillas, I found out what I’d been missing. Fresh is SO much better! I really need to try these! I’ve been cooking “raw dough” tortillas for a while in a well-seasoned iron skillet (they don’t stick for me, or if they start to, I add a couple drops of oil). But now I can’t wait to try these (as soon as I get into a “real kitchen” – we’re moving and have been dealing with a hot plate in a hotel room for six weeks). Thanks again!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Good luck with the move and let me know what you think when you get a chance to try the recipe out. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Diana Mendez-Lucio says
OR you can buy Harina Preparada any brand all you add is warm water and follow all of the above steps!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
LOL! So true Diana!
G says
That isn’t sold all over the country. I haven’t seen it in years, since I moved.
Krystal says
Can’t wait to try this for my gluten free kids! They hate the corn ones and miss the flour ones! I have a GF flour mix that should work great with this!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh that’s awesome Krystal! Let me know how they turn out!
tara says
could something be substituted for the shortening?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
In most recipes butter can, but for these tortillas I’ve found that shortening really yields the best results. Good luck!
SueAnn says
Have you tried freezing them? I wonder if they would still be good after freezing/thawing?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I haven’t frozen them SueAnn but they should be fine. Just thaw at room temperature.
Victoria says
Similar to my recipe……you can double the recipe and freeze them for another day. I stash some in the fridge for a hot summer day when I don’t want to heat up the kitchen!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for letting me know Victoria! I had a reader asking if they could be frozen. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
Irene Carranza says
Cool down, then you can freeze. I used lard for years, changed to oil the last 10 years.
Nancy says
No oil for the cooking?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
As long you’re using a nonstick surface you’ll be fine. If you find they are sticking just use some cooking spray. Have fun!
Allyson @ All Our Days says
These look so yummy!
We’d love for you to share your posts with our readers at our weekly Finished Friday Link-Up.
The Big Green Bowl says
I had no idea they were this easy to make. Definitely going to try it, thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Super easy! Definitely give them a try!
Laura @ The Rookie Cook says
These look delicious! I’ve been wanting to make my own tortilla for a couple of years but it always seems like so much work. You’ve taken the work out of it and made it look easy – thanks.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Laura! They really are very easy to make and delicious too!
Jocie@TheBetterHalf says
Yum, homemade tortillas have been on my to-make list for awhile but i never get around to it. I MUST move it higher on the list! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
These are super easy to Jocie!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
Mexican is a staple around our house. I had no idea that tortillas were that easy to make!!! They look great!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Super easy Jocelyn! We make them all the time because we are Mexican fanatics 🙂
Kate says
Oh my gosh! I’m so excited that you shared this recipe! I LOVE fresh tortillas! I tried to make them once from a super complicated recipe and even bought a tortilla press for the occasion. They were a huge fail. So, I’m really excited to try these! Thanks again for sharing this!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
This recipe is a cinch Kate and I’ve never had a problem with them. Definitely give it a try!
Megan @ The Pink Flour says
Mexican is definitely a favorite in my house too! I never knew tortillas could be so easy to make. Will definitely be trying these soon!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They really are delicious and easy Megan! Definitely give them a try!
kellyprososki@hotmail.com says
how smart!! pinning for later use
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Super easy too! Thanks for the pin Kelly!
Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says
would butter or oil work as a substitute to shortening? I am not a fan of shortening. thanks
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Me either Daniela but it really is necessary in this recipe. Thanks for stopping by!
Maria says
Yes butter and oil work but it also works better if you use hot water to mix. I have been making this since I was 9 years old.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Great tip! Thanks Maria!
audrey says
I agree! hot water makes the BIGGEST difference! Makes them easier to handle and they are waaaay fluffier/softer. I have tried the butter/oil combo and i have to agree that shortening is the best route! Wish there was another way as well. Perhaps a butter/shortening combo would work too!
Deborah Ochoa says
Butter Crisco is great too
Meghan @ The Tasty Fork says
I’ve made corn tortillas but not flour. I’ll need to try this one out! I LOVE Mexican food!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Super easy recipe Megan! Definitely give it a try 🙂
Bill Beaman says
I just got a killer recipe that homemade tortillas will go perfect with! Thank you so much!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Perfecto!
Happy Valley Chow says
I have always wanted to try to make my own tortillas. Great job, they look fantastic!
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They are super easy and fast too!
Jennifer says
SO need to make these myself, we go through a pile of the store-bought ones every week… lately my kids are choosing wraps over sandwiches.
Thanks for sharing!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•`¤… Jennifer
Jenn’s Random Scraps
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Perfect Jenn! You might want make them a bit bigger for wraps.
YinMom YangMom Allie says
HUH!?! It’s that easy to make tortillas? I had NO idea… I am going to start making my own now! Do you think I could whip up a big batch and keep them in the fridge?
Ps those fish tacos look unbelievable! I wonder if my five-year-old would go for those. Hmmm, may have to try those too…
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I know right? If I do a double batch I’ve kept them in the fridge for a good 3-4 days with no problems. They haven’t lasted longer than that though 🙂
Kathy says
I need to try these! I have not had much luck with homemade tortillas for some reason. I would love them to work as Mexican food is our favorite as well!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
This recipe is super easy Kathy – I’ve never had them turn out poorly. Mexican is the best!
Mary@Back to the Basics! says
I LOVE tortillas! This is a great recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Mary!
tanya says
We are HUGE fans of Mexican foods! I never knew making tortillas was so easy-good bye store bought! Thanks for this recipe Trish!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Super easy Tanya and super good too!
Sarah K. says
I had no idea tortillas were so easy to make. I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing it!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They are super easy Sarah and soo good! Thanks for stopping by!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I think I need to make these. BADLY. Mexican is, hands down, my favorite food EVER. Problem with these is I’d eat the whole batch!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh yeah, I have to hide these if I make them in advance. Dangerous stuff!