The Best Tortillas You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality)

The Best Tortillas You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 42 min

Cost: $0.47 total, $0.06 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into small pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 3/4 cup Warm Water (about 110°F, helps gluten develop quickly)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all‑purpose flour and salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Incorporate Butter

    Add the softened butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a wooden spoon, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with no visible butter lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Add Warm Water

    Gradually pour the warm water into the bowl while stirring. Add a little at a time until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Rest the Dough

    Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Preheat the Griddle

    Heat a cast‑iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush the surface with a neutral oil and wipe off excess with a paper towel.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F surface)

  7. Divide the Dough

    Portion the rested dough into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each). Keep the balls covered with the towel while you work on the others.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Roll Out the Tortillas

    On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 7‑inch circle, rotating frequently to keep the shape even. Aim for a thin but not translucent sheet.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Cook the Tortillas

    Place a rolled tortilla on the hot griddle. Cook for about 30 seconds until bubbles appear and the surface looks slightly dry, then flip and cook another 30 seconds until light brown spots form.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium heat (≈350°F surface)

  10. Keep Warm

    Transfer cooked tortillas to a clean kitchen towel, stack, and cover to retain heat and elasticity until all are done.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
130
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
22 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting butter with lard or oil

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

The Best Tortillas You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality)

Recipe by Epicurious

Learn how to make soft, buttery, fluffy flour tortillas from scratch using just flour, butter, salt, and warm water. This step‑by‑step guide from Epicurious shows the exact technique for kneading, resting, and cooking on a cast‑iron griddle for perfect tortillas every time.

MediumMexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$0.47
Total cost
$0.06
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fully incorporate softened butter into the flour to avoid pockets.
  • Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Allow the dough to rest for at least 10 minutes.
  • Preheat the griddle to medium heat before cooking.
  • Do not overcook; watch for bubbles and light brown spots.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot griddle with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when adding warm water; it may steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico where wheat was more abundant than corn. They became a staple for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, especially among communities that relied on wheat flour introduced by Spanish colonists.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of flour tortillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, tortillas are often larger, thinner, and made with lard for a richer flavor. In Tex‑Mex cooking, butter or oil is added for a slightly sweet taste, similar to the recipe shown by Epicurious.

cultural
Q

How are flour tortillas traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

Freshly cooked flour tortillas are kept warm under a cloth and served alongside beans, salsas, guacamole, or used as a base for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. They are also enjoyed plain with a pinch of salt.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature flour tortillas in Mexican culture?

A

Flour tortillas appear at everyday meals but are also central to celebrations like Día de los Muertos feasts, family gatherings, and street‑food festivals where tacos and quesadillas are served.

cultural
Q

How does the flour tortilla fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?

A

While corn tortillas are the historic staple, flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable canvas for fillings that are heavier or saucier, complementing the diverse flavors of Mexican regional dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for flour tortillas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients are wheat flour, water, salt, and lard. Epicurious uses butter for a sweeter profile, which can be swapped with lard or a neutral oil if you prefer a classic savory tortilla.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with homemade flour tortillas?

A

Homemade flour tortillas pair perfectly with carne asada, grilled chicken, chorizo, refried beans, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole, making them ideal for tacos, burritos, and fajitas.

cultural
Q

What makes these butter‑flavored flour tortillas special in Mexican cuisine?

A

The addition of butter adds a subtle sweetness and a tender crumb that differs from the traditional lard‑based version, giving the tortilla a richer mouthfeel while still staying soft and pliable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making flour tortillas at home?

A

Common errors include using cold butter (leaving lumps), over‑kneading (making the dough tough), cooking on too high heat (burning the surface), and letting the dough dry out before rolling.

technical
Q

How do I know when a flour tortilla is done cooking on the griddle?

A

The tortilla is done when small bubbles appear on the surface, the top looks slightly dry, and the underside shows light golden spots after a quick flip—usually about 30 seconds per side.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Epicurious specialize in?

A

Epicurious is a culinary media brand that offers a wide range of cooking videos, from quick weeknight meals to classic technique tutorials, focusing on clear, reliable recipes for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Epicurious' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Epicurious emphasizes precise technique, ingredient accessibility, and step‑by‑step visual cues, often highlighting subtle flavor tweaks—like using butter in flour tortillas—while keeping the recipes approachable for everyday kitchens.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS 🫓
3

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS 🫓

Soft, pliable homemade flour tortillas perfect for burritos, tacos, or wraps. This easy recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and requires only a few minutes of hands‑on time.

1 hr 5 minServes 8$1
Mexican
HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC FLOUR TORTILLAS STEP-BY-STEP: Easy to follow recipe for soft, thick tortillas
12

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC FLOUR TORTILLAS STEP-BY-STEP: Easy to follow recipe for soft, thick tortillas

Homemade New Mexico style flour tortillas that are thicker, fluffier, and soft enough to roll into burritos or enjoy with butter. This recipe follows the traditional method with measured ingredients for reliable results.

1 hr 32 minServes 12$1
Mexican
Paratha Roti/ Buss up Shut /Oil Roti, Soft & Silky. Easy Step by Step Recipe
14

Paratha Roti/ Buss up Shut /Oil Roti, Soft & Silky. Easy Step by Step Recipe

A classic Caribbean flatbread known as Roti Paratha or Bust‑Up Shot. This recipe uses just a few pantry staples to create a flaky, buttery, and ultra‑soft roti that pairs perfectly with any curry.

1 hr 50 minServes 6$1
Caribbean
Homemade flour tortillas.I know lard is used,but I LOVE butter!
4

Homemade flour tortillas.I know lard is used,but I LOVE butter!

Learn how to make soft, fluffy, and slightly crispy flour tortillas from scratch using simple ingredients and a few kitchen tools. This step‑by‑step recipe from YouTube channel Jose.elcook shows how to create restaurant‑quality tortillas that are perfect for tacos, wraps, or as a side for any Mexican meal.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$1
Mexican
How To Make Flour Tortillas - SO SOFT! 😋
30

How To Make Flour Tortillas - SO SOFT! 😋

Learn how to make soft, fluffy 8‑9 inch flour tortillas at home using just flour, butter, salt, baking powder, and hot water. Natasha from Natashas Kitchen walks you through each step—from mixing the dough to cooking on a blister‑hot skillet—so you can enjoy fresh tortillas for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even sweet churro‑style treats.

1 hr 17 minServes 4$2
Mexican
Tortilla Recipe (Mexican Homemade Flour Tortilla)
6

Tortilla Recipe (Mexican Homemade Flour Tortilla)

Soft, pliable flour tortillas made from scratch with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for wraps, tacos, or as a side for any Mexican‑style meal. The recipe walks you through mixing, resting, rolling, and pan‑cooking the tortillas for a fresh‑from‑the‑skillet result.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$1
Mexican
let’s make burrito tortillas (flour tortillas) 💛 I used these for the spicy Caesar salad wrap in my
3

let’s make burrito tortillas (flour tortillas) 💛 I used these for the spicy Caesar salad wrap in my

Learn how to make soft, pliable flour tortillas from scratch using simple pantry staples. Chef Taelor Rankin walks you through boiling water, mixing a shaggy dough, kneading, resting, rolling, and cooking each tortilla in a hot skillet for a perfect Mexican‑style wrap every time.

1 hr 13 minServes 4$1
Mexican
Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
133

Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe

Learn how to make tender, buttery flour tortillas from scratch with John Canel of Preppy Kitchen. This easy, hands‑on recipe yields 16 soft tortillas perfect for tacos, wraps, or homemade chips.

1 hr 46 minServes 4$1
Mexican