How To Make Homemade Tortillas: Just 5 Cents Each!
Homemade flour tortillas are worth the work. With just a few simple and cheap ingredients, you can eat some of the best, freshest tortillas!
Why oh why has it taken me so long to make my own tortillas at home? My friend Meredith came over today and we made a batch – and they were so, so good.
Besides being delicious, I think these rank as one of the cheapest foods ever.
Don’t be intimidated by this recipe. It’s quite easy. No yeast or kneading required. Just mix the dough, let it rest for 30 minutes, roll it out, and cook in a dry skillet until done.
I made my homemade tortillas/burrito shells with coconut oil, and they were delicious. See notes below for other acceptable oils.
The Cost: About 5 Cents Each!
The tortillas that you buy in the store are cheap enough. About 15 to 20 cents each.
But when you make tortillas at home, they cost about 5 cents each. Plus, you’re avoiding preservatives and artificial ingredients. It’s a win-win.
Do I Need A Tortilla Press?
No. You can make homemade tortillas without a tortilla press, using a rolling pin. However, if you plan on making tortilla shells often, it may be worth it to purchase a tortilla press:
Uses For Homemade Tortillas
- Tortilla pizzas
- Homemade tortilla chips
- Mini enchilada stacks
- Breakfast tostadas
- Egg and potato breakfast tacos
- Fish tacos
- Breakfast burritos (with scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, and salsa)
- Mexican burritos
- Quesadillas (with cheese, bacon, and scallions)
- Make a tortilla toppings bar (pictured above) with refried beans, Mexican rice, cheese, chopped green chilies, chopped tomatoes, and other ingredients
Get this similar recipe: Whole wheat tortilla shells made with coconut oil
Homemade Flour Tortillas
Upon researching this recipe, I found that people have used a variety of different oils to make homemade tortilla shells. I used coconut oil because that's what I had available. Other recipes suggested using canola oil, vegetable oil, and even lard.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- In large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add oil and mix with your hand until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add water and continue to mix until the dough forms a ball - just a minute or two. Cover dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Cut dough into 12 even pieces (for large tortilla shells) or 24 even pieces (for smaller tortilla shells). Coat each dough ball with a bit of flour. On a clean floured surface, roll each dough ball into a flat thin round, about 8 inches (or 4 inches for small tortillas) across.
- Heat a dry skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla round on one side until it begins to brown and blister. Turn over and heat the other side until brown. Stack tortillas on a plate and serve warm.
- To reheat: If using coconut oil, these will be hard upon refrigeration. Simply place in the microwave for a few seconds, or heat briefly in a skillet before serving.
I love homemade tortillas — what fun that you tried it with coconut oil. Yum.
I’ve heard they’re great made with lard… might have to give it a try!
I love making my tortillas but they never look this pretty and round. Even though mine are often ugly, they are delish. There is just no comparison between store bought and homemade.
Thanks, Karen! I had some help rolling these out ๐
This sounds great! I’ve never made flour tortillas at home before–corn, yes, but flour, no. I’m looking forward to trying it out!
I typically buy corn tortillas anyway, so it would be fun to try to make them homemade!
Masa harina can be used as well, I believe. I hope so, as I picked up a small bag at the store. It is a fine ground corn flour, isn’t it?
Yes, I think you’re right. Although I don’t know if it would be the same recipe/amounts… let me know what you find out!
Just tried these tonight. Very easy, and tasted so much better than store bought. Used vegetable oil instead of coconut. Thank you for sharing this!
Glad to hear you liked them! Definitely a treat if you’re used to store-bought ๐
Hi im just wondering if I could use chickpea flour instead on plain flour .
Hey Charline – I’m so sorry, but I don’t know if chickpea flour would work. I’ve never cooked with it before. Please let me know if you find out, and if it works for you! Good luck!
Hi there, just wanted to stop by and thank you for this awesome recipe – I have been making them regularly and my family LOVES them. Tonight we are having them with greek salad.
I am so happy to hear this! Glad the recipe has become a favorite!