How to Make Tortillas

Having a great tortilla recipe on hand can make all of the difference in your favorite wrap, Mexican, or southwest dish, like this traditional posole recipe, or this cheesy southwest breakfast casserole. Both flour and corn tortillas are easy to make and only require a few ingredients.

How to Make Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas are perfect for wraps and are even more delicious when made at home as opposed to store-bought. After learning how to make flour tortillas, you’ll never go back to using tortillas from the store again.

Tools you’ll need:

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Large mixing bowl
• Large pan
• Rolling pin

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined, in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make a well in the center and add the oil and water. Stir from the bottom up until all dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough starts to form a shaggy ball
3. Move dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth
4. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions, and turn each piece to coat with flour. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten with your palm.
5. Cover flattened dough rounds with a clean kitchen towel for at least 15 minutes
6. After resting, heat a large pan over medium heat and roll each piece of dough into a circle
7. When the pan is hot, place one dough circle into the pan and cook for about 45 seconds until the bottom begins to brown and the top surface begins to bubble. Flip and cook on the other side for 15-20 seconds.
8. Remove from pan and stack into a covered container or a sealable bag to keep the tortillas soft
9. Serve warm, or let cool for future use

How to Make Corn Tortillas

Homemade corn tortillas add the perfect flavor and texture to your favorite southwest or south of the border dish. These tortillas are also so easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and roll and fold much easier than the store-bought version.

Tools you’ll need:

• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Large mixing bowl
• Large pan
• Tortilla press

Ingredients:

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 ½ to 2 cups very warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine the masa flour and very warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes
2. After the resting period, knead the dough for several minutes. The dough will be a little gritty in the beginning, but will become more pliable as you knead it.
3. If the dough feels too dry or too wet, add more water or masa to get the texture just right
4. Form the dough into 16-18 balls by pinching off a piece of the dough and rubbing it in between your hands to form a ball slightly larger than a golf ball.
5. Cut two pieces of plastic into the shape of your tortilla press. Place one sheet of plastic under the ball of dough, and another on top of the ball of dough. Gently close the press down.
6. Once the dough has been pressed, heat a large skillet on high heat. Lay the tortilla onto the hot pan and cook for 30 seconds to one minute on each side. The tortilla should be lightly toasted and air pockets forming.
7. While one tortilla is cooking, press the next tortilla in preparation for going into the pan.
8. Wrap cooked tortillas in a dish towel to keep them warm while the others are cooking
9. Serve immediately or refrigerate and reheat

How to Make Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are generally fried in oil, but there are also baked tortillas chips that provide the same crunch without the oil. Find both versions here to get your perfect chip!

Tools you’ll need:

• Knife
• Dish towel
• Large, high-sided pot or cast iron skillet
• Slotted spoon or tongs

Ingredients:

• 10 corn tortillas
• ¾ to 1 cup neutral high-heat cooking oil, like avocado oil or vegetable oil
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut each tortilla into 6 triangles
2. Line a plate with paper towels or a dish towel
3. Add oil to a wide, high sided pot or cast iron skillet so that it is about ¼ inch deep. Turn the heat to medium-high and heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Carefully place the tortilla triangles into the hot oil so they are in one layer and not crowded on top of each other. 
5. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to push each triangle into the oil to coat them.
6. Cook until the chips are crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Using the slotted spoon transfer the chips to the prepared plate lined with a towel, and repeat for the remaining triangles.

How to Make Baked Tortilla Chips

1. Heat the oven to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Spray or lightly brush the tortillas on both sides with oil. Then cut each tortilla into 6 triangles and arrange in one layer on the baking sheets.

3. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chips are golden brown.

4. Lightly sprinkle each chip with salt and serve.