Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are soft, pliable flatbreads perfect for wraps, tacos, and quesadillas. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them a versatile staple suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Easily customized with fillings, they’re a quick homemade alternative to store-bought tortillas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the self-rising flour and shortening by hand until well combined.
- Add the hot boiling water to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Pinch off small portions of dough, about the size of a biscuit, and roll into balls.
- Heat a greased griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place each rolled dough piece onto the hot griddle and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer tortilla, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter to the dough. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Make sure the water is boiling to help create a pliable dough.
Serving Suggestions
These flour tortillas are perfect for homemade burritos or tacos and pair beautifully with Cactus Salad or New Mexico Salsa. Serve them alongside Crock-Pot Spanish Rice for a complete meal or use them to scoop up your favorite dips like Chile Rellenos Dip. Enjoy them warm for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tortillas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet for a few seconds on each side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flour Tortillas contains roughly 559 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 60g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tortillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tortillas ahead of time and store them as mentioned. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. You can also freeze them and reheat them when needed, making them convenient for quick meals.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try adding a little more self-rising flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Kneading the dough well can also help improve its texture and reduce stickiness.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly different. You may need to adjust the water amount as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. The tortillas will have a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).