gluten free tortillas
Introduction
Making your own gluten-free tortillas is easier than you might think! Whether you’re avoiding gluten due to celiac disease, sensitivity, or just prefer to cook from scratch, this recipe delivers soft, pliable, and delicious tortillas that hold up beautifully for tacos, wraps, and quesadillas.
Using simple ingredients like gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum (optional), and oil, these tortillas are quick to prepare and cook in just minutes. Plus, you can customize them with spices or herbs to suit your taste.
Recipe Overview
-
Recipe Name: Gluten-Free Tortillas
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Rest Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 40 minutes
-
Difficulty: Easy
-
Yield: About 8–10 tortillas (6-inch diameter)
-
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (optional), Vegan (optional)
Ingredients
-
2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum; if not, add 1 tsp xanthan gum)
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, enhances browning and flavor)
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
-
¾ cup warm water (may need slightly more or less)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon chili powder
-
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment Needed
-
Mixing bowl
-
Rolling pin or tortilla press (lined with parchment or plastic wrap)
-
Skillet or non-stick frying pan
-
Spatula
-
Clean kitchen towel
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Add any optional spices now.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the oil and gradually add the warm water, stirring with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If too dry, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time; if too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes. This hydrates the flour and makes rolling easier.
Step 4: Divide and Roll
Divide the dough into 8–10 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
Lightly flour your work surface with gluten-free flour. Using a rolling pin (or tortilla press lined with parchment), roll each ball into a thin circle about 6 inches in diameter.
If the dough cracks on the edges, press gently to seal.
Step 5: Cook the Tortillas
Heat a dry skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Place one tortilla in the hot pan and cook for about 1–2 minutes or until bubbles form and the underside has golden brown spots.
Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking as tortillas can become hard.
Transfer cooked tortilla to a clean towel and cover to keep warm and soft.
Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Serve immediately with your favorite fillings or store cooled tortillas in an airtight container.
Storage Tips
-
Refrigerator: Store tortillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
-
Freezer: Stack tortillas with parchment between each, then wrap in foil or plastic. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave with a damp towel.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Tortillas
-
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Avoid rice flour-heavy blends alone as they can be brittle.
-
Xanthan gum helps with elasticity. If your blend doesn’t have it, add 1 teaspoon.
-
Warm water helps hydrate the flour better.
-
Resting the dough is important to prevent cracking.
-
Roll gently but firmly to get an even thin tortilla.
-
Cook on medium-high heat for quick cooking and nice browning.
Nutritional Information (Per Tortilla – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Total Fat | 3.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 180mg |