Easy 3-Ingredient Tortillas – Soft, Flexible, and Homemade
Making tortillas at home is easier than you might think—especially when you only need 3 ingredients. These homemade tortillas are soft, pliable, and perfect for everything from tacos and wraps to quesadillas and burritos. No preservatives, no additives—just simple pantry staples that come together in minutes.
Whether you’re trying to avoid processed store-bought tortillas or you just ran out mid-recipe, this quick and easy tortilla recipe has your back. You don’t need a tortilla press or special equipment—just a bowl, a rolling pin, and a hot skillet.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Tortillas
- Minimal ingredients: Just flour, fat, and liquid. No yeast, baking powder, or preservatives.
- Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Versatile: Use them for tacos, wraps, or as a side with soups and stews.
- Better than store-bought: Fresh flavor, no chemicals, and incredibly soft texture.
What Are the 3 Ingredients?
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The three core components are:
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and softness.
- Fat – Traditionally lard or shortening, but olive oil or butter also work.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together and creates steam when cooking for flexibility.
That’s it! These basic ingredients make tortillas that rival any store-bought version—and they’re fresher, too.
How to Make Homemade 3-Ingredient Tortillas
Making tortillas involves just a few simple steps. Here’s a breakdown:
- Mix: Combine flour, fat, and water in a bowl until it forms a soft dough.
- Rest: Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax (this makes rolling easier).
- Divide and roll: Cut the dough into equal portions and roll each into a thin circle.
- Cook: Place on a hot, dry skillet or griddle and cook for about 1 minute on each side until golden spots appear.
What Makes These Tortillas Work
The key to soft and flexible tortillas lies in getting the balance right between hydration and fat. Too dry, and they crack. Too wet, and they become sticky and hard to handle. This recipe strikes a perfect balance for a soft, easy-to-roll dough that cooks beautifully.
Also, a well-heated skillet is essential. A dry pan with medium-high heat allows the tortillas to cook quickly and develop those tell-tale brown spots without drying out.
Tips & Tricks
- Flour options: While all-purpose flour works best, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Rest time: Don’t skip resting the dough. It helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll and the final tortillas more flexible.
- Keep warm: Store cooked tortillas wrapped in a clean towel to keep them soft and warm until ready to use.
- Rolling tip: If your tortillas are shrinking back while rolling, let the dough rest a bit longer.
- Double batch: These freeze well! Make a big batch and store them for later use.
No Special Tools Required
While a tortilla press makes shaping easier, it’s not necessary. A rolling pin (or even a wine bottle) works just fine. A cast iron skillet, non-stick pan, or griddle will give you that perfect sear without sticking.
Quick Recipe Summary
3-Ingredient Homemade Tortillas
Description:
These soft, flexible tortillas require just 3 simple ingredients and are perfect for tacos, wraps, or quesadillas. Quick, easy, and far fresher than store-bought versions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 8 tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or lard/shortening)
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions
- Mix dough: In a bowl, combine flour and oil. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Rest: Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide & shape: Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a thin circle.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 45–60 seconds per side or until golden brown spots appear.
- Keep warm: Stack finished tortillas in a towel to keep soft and warm until serving.