Whole Wheat Tortillas
Enjoy soft, pliable, and wholesome homemade tortillas. Made with whole wheat flour for extra fiber and a nutty flavor, they are perfect for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. This simple recipe yields tortillas far superior to any store-bought version.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cut in the Fat
- b.Add the cold, cubed vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Dough
- b.Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Gradually pour in the warm water while mixing with a fork or your hand until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Knead and Rest the Dough
- b.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball.
- c.Place the dough ball back in the bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and making the dough easy to roll.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Divide and Shape
- b.After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- c.Keep the dough balls covered with the damp towel as you work to prevent them from drying out.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Roll Out the Tortillas
- b.On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin circle, about 7-8 inches in diameter. Rotate the dough frequently to maintain an even, circular shape.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Cook the Tortillas
- b.Heat a cast-iron skillet, comal, or heavy-bottomed non-stick pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot and completely dry (no oil).
- c.Carefully place a rolled-out tortilla onto the hot pan. Cook for 30-60 seconds, until bubbles start to form and the underside develops light brown spots.
- d.Flip the tortilla and cook for another 30-60 seconds on the other side. It may puff up, which is a great sign. You can gently press with a spatula to encourage puffing.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Keep Warm and Serve
- b.As each tortilla is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel or place it inside a tortilla warmer.
- c.Keep the tortillas covered to trap the steam, which ensures they stay soft and pliable. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dough balls.
- d.Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. Adjust with a teaspoon of water if too dry, or a tablespoon of flour if too sticky.
- 2Don't skip the resting step! It relaxes the gluten, making the dough much easier to roll out thin without shrinking back.
- 3A hot pan is key. If the pan isn't hot enough, the tortillas will dry out and become stiff instead of cooking quickly and staying soft.
- 4To get the classic puff, make sure you roll the tortillas evenly and cook them on a sufficiently hot surface. The trapped steam inside is what causes them to inflate.
- 5Store leftover tortillas in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them for a few seconds on each side in a dry pan or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Traditional Fat
For a flakier, more authentic flavor, substitute the vegetable shortening with an equal amount of lard (manteca).
Oil BasedOil-Based
You can use 3 tablespoons of a neutral oil like canola or avocado oil instead of shortening. Mix it in with the warm water before adding to the flour.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro or 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle flavor boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in whole grains are broken down slowly by the body, providing a steady release of energy rather than a quick spike.
No Preservatives or Additives
By making tortillas at home, you avoid the preservatives, dough conditioners, and excess sodium often found in commercially produced tortillas.
Frequently asked questions
One homemade whole wheat tortilla from this recipe contains approximately 155 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats.