This Will Make You Never Buy Tortillas Again
This Will Make You Never Buy Tortillas Again is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by acooknamedMatt on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 51 min
Cost: $0.95 total, $0.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 tbsp Bacon Fat (rendered, solid at room temperature)
- 0.75 cup Water (room temperature)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (flaky sea salt)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for brushing cooked tortillas)
Instructions
Render Bacon Fat (if not pre‑rendered)
Place bacon strips in a cold skillet, turn heat to low and cook slowly until the fat melts; strain the liquid fat into a heat‑proof container.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and flaky salt until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Bacon Fat
Add the rendered bacon fat to the dry mixture and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Time: PT3M
Add Water and Knead
Gradually pour the room‑temperature water into the bowl, stirring with a fork. When the dough comes together, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2‑3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Time: PT5M
Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Time: PT15M
Divide and Roll Out
Divide the rested dough into eight equal balls (about 1½‑2 ounces each). On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle about 6‑7 inches in diameter.
Time: PT8M
Preheat Skillet
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat until a few drops of water sizzle on contact.
Time: PT2M
Cook Tortillas
Place one rolled tortilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 30‑45 seconds, until bubbles form and the underside shows light brown spots. Flip and cook the other side for another 30‑45 seconds. Remove and keep warm.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Butter and Salt
Brush each hot tortilla with a thin layer of melted butter and sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt.
Time: PT2M
Serve Warm
Serve the tortillas immediately with your favorite fillings, or store as described below.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 22g
- Fat
- 3g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains pork (bacon fat), Gluten
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour
- Instead of Bacon Fat: Lard, Vegetable Shortening
- Instead of Salt: Kosher Salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Skillet or Cast Iron Griddle
- Pastry Brush (optional)
- Kitchen Towel (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic
- Rest the dough for at least 15 minutes
- Cook tortillas just until bubbles appear and light brown spots form
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a tortilla press for perfectly uniform circles if you have one.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the dough.
- Store cooked tortillas with a damp paper towel inside the container to keep them soft.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and crumbly.
Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together; it should be soft but not sticky.
Tortillas are tough and do not puff.
Ensure the dough rested for at least 15 minutes and roll the tortillas thin; also avoid over‑cooking.
Tortillas stick to the skillet.
Make sure the skillet is properly pre‑heated and lightly oil the surface if using a non‑stick pan.
Storage
Refrigerator: Place tortillas in an airtight container or zip‑top bag for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Separate tortillas with parchment paper, stack, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in a skillet or microwave.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days if wrapped tightly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling.
- Cooked tortillas freeze well; reheat on a skillet or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?
Flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico where wheat was more readily available than corn. They became a staple for dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas, reflecting the region’s Spanish and indigenous culinary influences.
What are the traditional regional variations of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?
In northern Mexico, flour tortillas are often larger, thinner, and made with lard for richness. In Tex‑Mex cooking, they may be slightly thicker and sometimes flavored with a touch of sugar or garlic.
How are flour tortillas traditionally served in Mexico?
Fresh flour tortillas are served warm, brushed with butter or lard, and used to wrap meats, beans, cheese, or vegetables. They are also served alongside soups and stews to soak up broth.
What occasions or celebrations are flour tortillas associated with in Mexican culture?
Flour tortillas are a daily staple but are especially featured at family gatherings, street‑food festivals, and celebrations like Día de los Muertos where tacos and quesadillas are popular.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with homemade flour tortillas?
Homemade flour tortillas pair perfectly with carne asada, grilled chicken, chorizo, refried beans, and classic dishes such as fajitas, burritos, and quesadillas.
What makes these flour tortillas special compared to store‑bought versions?
Using rendered bacon fat adds a savory depth and tenderness that mass‑produced tortillas lack, while the short resting time keeps them soft and pliable for immediate use.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making flour tortillas?
Common mistakes include over‑kneading, not letting the dough rest, rolling the tortillas too thick, and cooking them too long, which makes them tough and dry.
Why does this flour tortilla recipe use bacon fat instead of vegetable oil?
Bacon fat (or lard) provides a richer flavor and creates a softer texture that mimics traditional northern Mexican tortillas, whereas vegetable oil can result in a drier bite.
Can I make these flour tortillas ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before rolling, or freeze cooked tortillas in a sealed bag. Reheat on a skillet or microwave before serving.
What does the YouTube channel acooknamedMatt specialize in?
The YouTube channel acooknamedMatt focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes with a focus on classic comfort foods and practical cooking techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel acooknamedMatt's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
acooknamedMatt emphasizes simplicity and uses readily available ingredients like bacon fat instead of specialty lard, offering quick, no‑fuss versions of traditional dishes while still honoring authentic flavors.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
