When I first starting making homemade flour tortillas, it was purely out of the desire to be more self sufficient and to help eliminate preservatives from my diet. However, today I also make them due to the rising costs of tortillas at the grocery store.
The same package that used to cost me a couple of dollars now has reached a price that exceeds five dollars. Now that may not seem like a lot, however, when that increase is combined with the additional cost of everything else, the grocery bill gets larger and larger every day.
Therefore, whenever I can make something at a fraction of the cost with very little effort, I take advantage of it. And with just 5 ingredients, it couldn’t be easier.
In less than 30 minutes, you will have 16 tortillas made and ready to be enjoyed. With just one bite you will never want to buy those plastic wrapped, processed, never expiring tortillas that you find at the grocery store.
Even if you don’t need all 16 tortillas to make your tacos, burritos, or Homemade Crunch Wraps for dinner, be sure to freeze them for later use. It has been a life saver to have these on hand on busy weeknights or to make a late night quesadilla snack.
Other Ways To Use Homemade Flour Tortillas
Besides the obvious use of the shells to make tacos, burritos and quesadillas, there are several other ways to enjoy them. I have listed some of my favorite ways below.
1. Taco Bowl
Use the tortillas to make taco bowls. Then fill them with seasoned ground beef, diced onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and salsa.
Or make this delicious Leftover Hamburger Taco Bowl recipe using the burgers left over from your backyard barbecue.
2. Pinwheels
There is nothing better than an easy homemade snack. Use the shells as the base to layer your favorite ingredients.
Then roll the shell into a log and slice it into 1 inch pieces. Add your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
One of my favorite pinwheel recipes is this Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Recipe. It is quick and easy and it is always a crowd favorite.
3. Enchilada Casserole
If you like the taste of enchiladas you are going to love this idea. Instead of rolling each individual enchilada, make a casserole instead.
And don’t just think of using the standard enchilada ingredients. Not only can you make Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you can also make a Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole that is perfect to serve to your vegetarian friends or as a meal to make during the Lenten season.
And if you have a pressure cooker, you can also make Instant Pot Enchilada Casserole.
4. Tortilla Chips
Now when the craving hits for chips and salsa, but you don’t have a bag of chips in the cupboard you have an easy solution. Make your own tortilla chips by cutting the tortillas into chips and baking them in the oven.
5. Cinnamon Chips
Using the same concept as turning the homemade flour tortillas into chips, make cinnamon chips instead. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on the surface and enjoy a sweet snack.
I love to serve the cinnamon chips with Pumpkin Dip in the fall.
6. Breakfast Tacos
If you have never tried a breakfast taco, do yourself a favor and make one today! Fill it with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, salsa and cilantro. They are absolutely delicious and addicting.
7. Peanut Butter & Jelly
The kids love this idea! Spread peanut butter and jelly on the surface and then roll it up. It is a simple snack that the kids can even make themselves!
8. Air Fryer Beef Flautas
Another great snack idea. Rolls of tortillas filled with ground beef and then put in the air fryer to cook until they are nice and crispy.
Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce and you have a quick and easy snack that everyone will enjoy.
9. Wraps
One of my favorite items to order at lunch is chicken wraps. Whether it is a Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Barbecue Chicken Wrap, Philly cheesesteak wrap or a Reuben wrap, I love them all.
10. Pizza
Yes, you can even make Pizza with homemade flour tortillas. Add your favorite toppings and then pop it in the oven or air fryer to melt the cheese.
Homemade Flour Tortilla Shells Recipe
*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium size bowl add the flour, baking powder and salt. Then use a whisk to combine.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and then pour the oil and water in the well. Then use a fork or silicone spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the well. Continue to mix until a rough ball forms. *See below for stand mixer instructions.
Place the dough on a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes or until the dough ball becomes nice and smooth.
Divide the dough into 16 equal sections. Then working one at a time coat each section with flour and roll each one into a ball, adding more flour if needed.
Flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand and then cover them with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Roll The Dough
Working one at a time use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll each tortilla dough disc into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. However, remember the circle does not need to be perfectly round. Place the tortilla shells on a plate with parchment paper stacked in between each one.
Cook The Homemade Flour Tortillas
Place a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot add one tortilla and cook for 45 seconds – 1 minute or the top surface begins to bubble up and the bottom surface begins to turn light brown in spots. Flip the tortilla and then cook for an additional 15-20 seconds.
Use tongs to remove the tortilla from the pan or slide it out of the pan. Then repeat and stack tortillas on top of each other, keeping them covered with a towel or in a covered container or resealable plastic bag. The steam will keep the tortillas soft.
Serve warm or allow the tortillas to cool for storage. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or place in the freezer with parchment paper placed between each one for up to 3 months.
Stand Mixer With Dough Hook Instructions:
Combine flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix dry ingredients until well combined.
Add oil and water while the mixer is running at medium speed. When the mixture comes together and begins to form a ball, decrease the mixing speed to low.
Continue to mix for 1 minute or until the surface of the dough appears smooth.
Reheating Homemade Flour Tortillas
Add the stacked tortillas to a microwave safe plate and then cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until they are warm and pliable.
To reheat one tortilla place on a microwavable plate and then heat for 10 seconds.
Enjoy!
Mary and Jim
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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Homemade Flour Tortilla Shells
How to make your own soft and pliable flour tortilla shells. Use them for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl add the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the oil and water in the well. Use a fork or silicone spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the well. Continue to mix until a rough ball forms.
- Place the dough on a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes or until the dough ball becomes nice and smooth. Divide the dough into 16 equal sections. Coat each section with flour and roll each one into a ball, adding more flour if needed. Flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand and cover with a clean towel. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
- Working one at a time use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll each tortilla dough disc into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. The circle does not need to be perfectly round. Place the tortilla shells on a plate with parchment paper stacked in between each one.
- Place a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot add one tortilla and cook for 45 seconds - 1 minute or the top surface begins to bubble up and the bottom surface begins to have light brown spots.. Flip the tortilla and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds.
- Use tongs to remove the tortilla from the pan or slide it out of the pan. Repeat and stack tortillas on top of each other, keeping them covered with a towel or in a covered container or resealable plastic bag. The steam will keep the tortillas soft.
- Serve warm or allow the tortillas to cool for storage.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Stand Mixer With Dough Hook Instructions:
Combine flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix dry ingredients until well combined. Add oil and water with mixer running at a medium speed. After about 1 minute, or when mixture comes together and begins to form a ball, decrease mixing speed to low. Continue to mix for 1 minute or until dough is smooth.
To Reheat:
Add the stacked tortillas to a microwave safe plate and cover with a slightly damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds or until they are warm and pliable. To reheat one tortilla place on a microwavable plate and heat for 10 seconds.
*You can freeze tortillas for several months. However be sure to place wax paper or parchment paper between each one.
Recipe courtesy of Old World Garden Farms
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 tortillaAmount Per Serving: Calories: 125Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 164mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Nutritional Information is to be used as a general guideline only . Nutritional calculations will vary from the types and brands of the products used.