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/ Last Modified On January 18, 2023Making this easy homemade gluten-free tortilla recipe is easier than you think. This step-by-step recipe is dairy-free and vegan, and you can roll them out easily with a rolling pin or use a tortilla press. It’s up to you! Mexican evenings will be great using these for burritos, tacos, and wraps.
According to WebMD, corn tortillas are a clear winner in terms of nutritional value. But flour tortillas are more durable and can hold more fillings inside of them.
The choice is up to you. I love both regardless of nutritional content. If you prefer corn tortillas, make your own homemade, fresh gluten-free corn tortillas using this recipe with only three ingredients and a few simple steps.
GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE
Making this gluten-free tortilla recipe is easier than you think and it’s a lot less expensive than buying them at the store.
With just a few ingredients that you probably already have, you can make these gluten-free flour tortillas. These gluten-free flour tortillas are flexible, they have the perfect texture, and they can be frozen and reheated.
This gluten-free tortilla recipe includes tips, setting you up for success. You can roll the gluten-free homemade tortillas out with a rolling pin or use a tortilla press. (We recommend this affordable cast iron tortilla press!)
WHY YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE
Simple to make - These gluten-free tortillas are simple to make, and they use minimal ingredients.
Cost saving - They are high-quality tortillas but at a fraction of the cost of store-bought tortillas.
Ingredients readily available - The ingredients are relatively easy to find, and they store well.
INGREDIENTS IN THIS GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE
There are only five or six ingredients in this gluten-free tortilla recipe, depending on if your gluten-free flour blend has xanthan in it.
All-purpose gluten-free flour blend – for this recipe we used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour or my gluten-free flour blend.
Xanthan gum – Xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients and hold these gluten-free flour tortillas together. If your blend includes it, omit it.
Baking powder – Helps with texture and gives it a little rise. Reduce to ½ teaspoon if your blend includes baking powder.
Salt – For flavor.
Shortening – For flavor, texture, and to help bind the ingredients together.
Water – You’ve probably seen mixed messages on the water. Some recipes call for extra cold water, and some call for hot water. You can use room temperate water or warm water in this gluten-free tortilla recipe.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE
Skillet - The best skillet to use is cast iron, like this one here. However, you can also use a nonstick skillet at a slightly lower temperature.
Tortilla press - You can roll the gluten-free tortillas out with a rolling pin or use a tortilla press. We recommend this affordable cast iron tortilla press.
If you have any questions about making this gluten-free tortilla recipe, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
HOW TO MAKE THIS GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the shortening is the size of small peas.
- Add ½ cup water and give it a good stir. The dough will be dry. Add in the remaining ¼ cup water and stir.
- Work the dough with your hands until it starts to come together into a ball.
- Place a piece of wax paper on your counter. Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the surface. Turn your dough onto the floured wax paper. Knead the dough with your hands until smooth. If the dough is too wet, add additional flour and knead it; if the dough feels dry, knead 1 tablespoon of water into it.
- Heat cast iron skillet over low-medium heat. Roll dough into 12, 2-inch dough balls. Place one dough ball onto your floured wax paper. Place another piece of wax paper on top and using a rolling pin, roll into about ⅛th inch thick.
- Carefully remove the top piece of wax paper, flip the tortilla over into your hand and carefully remove the second piece of wax paper.
- Increase the heat to medium. Place the tortilla into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to brown. Flip the tortilla over and cook another 2-3 minutes. You can roll out the next tortilla while it cooks, or you can have a helper do it.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in this gluten-free tortilla recipe, please see the complete recipe below.
WORKING WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS
When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour, but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.
HOW DO YOU RE-HEAT GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS?
Re-heat these gluten-free tortillas either in a pan over low heat on the stovetop or microwave them in between two damp paper towels for 10-15 seconds.
SHOULD I GREASE THE SKILLET I COOK THE TORTILLAS IN?
No, you don't need to grease your skillet with oil, you can just go ahead and cook your tortillas.
WHY IS MY GF FLOUR TORTILLA DOUGH CRUMBLY?
Add more water if you find your dough is crumbly, you may have added too much flour.
CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS?
To freeze gluten-free tortillas, first let them cool to room temperature. Once they are cooled, place a piece of parchment paper in between each tortilla, and place them in a zip lock bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you have a food saver, they’ll keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
HOW DO I DEFROST FROZEN GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS?
You can easily defrost gluten-free tortillas in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to refresh them by softening them in a hot skillet for a few moments on each side. Also, make sure the skillet is very hot before you place the tortilla on it.
HOW DO I MAKE MY GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS SOFT AND STRETCHY?
To make your gluten-free wraps soft and stretchy, you can use a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour (like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour) and xanthan gum that will hold all the ingredients together.
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A TORTILLA PRESS?
No worries, you can use a rolling pin and roll them out in between two pieces of parchment paper or wax paper. I’ve included photos to show you both methods.
TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS
Spoon the flour - Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup then level, otherwise you’ll end up with a dry dough.
Don’t overmix - Don’t overmix the gluten-free flour tortilla dough.
Room temperature - Use room temperature water or warm water for this recipe.
Use a wooden spoon - It’s best to use a wooden spoon when stirring in the water.
Use the correct pan - Cast iron skillets work best when making tortillas. I don’t recommend non-stick pans.
TIPS FOR HANDLING GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR DOUGH
To make your gluten-free wraps dough soft, add more warm water by the tablespoonful until it holds together and almost feels a bit greasy.
Then, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes. After that, work with ¼ of the dough at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAN YOU MAKE FLOUR TORTILLAS WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR?
You can use gluten-free flour for flour tortillas recipes too! Just make sure to use xanthan gum to bind the ingredients and hold gluten-free flour tortillas together (again, if your blend includes it, feel free to omit it).
WHAT ARE GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS MADE OF?
You can make these gluten-free flour tortillas using only six ingredients:
- All-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- Xanthan gum
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Shortening
- Water
ARE GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS HEALTHY?
Generally, some gluten-free flours have more nutrients than others, which makes them healthier choices to include in your diet. Gluten-free flour tortillas are also a great option for people with celiac disease and those who avoid gluten for other reasons.
DO GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS TASTE DIFFERENT?
Gluten-free tortillas have a bit different taste than traditional flour tortillas. Some people describe this taste as similar to potatoes.
WHICH GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR BLEND IS BEST FOR GF FLOUR TORTILLAS?
For this recipe I have used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour or my gluten-free flour blend.
HOW DO YOU USE A TORTILLA PRESS?
Line a tortilla press with a small plastic bag that is open on all sides, but one side (the seam). Lightly dust the inside of the bag with gluten-free flour.
Roll dough into 2-inch balls and place a dough ball into the floured bag on the press. Close to flatten. Slide the bag off the tortilla press. Gently remove the gluten-free tortilla from the bag. TIP: You can also make a smaller dough ball to make it taco size or a larger dough ball for a burrito size. There are a variety of tortilla presses to choose from and is worth the investment if you make these often.
WHAT’S THE BEST PAN/SKILLET FOR COOKING GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS?
The best skillet to use is cast iron, like this one here. However, you can also use a nonstick skillet at a slightly lower temperature. The most important step is to make sure the skillet is very hot before you add the first shaped round.
HOMEMADE GLUTEN-FREE WRAPS
If you love gluten-free wraps you can now make your own at home. Use this gluten-free flour tortilla recipe to make your favorite gluten-free wraps.
These tortillas are pliable, and they are perfect for making gluten-free wraps. If you are on a low-carb diet, try these low carb tortillas.
WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS?
- Gluten-free tacos - Use our homemade gluten free taco seasoning and your choice of ground meat to make the best tacos.
- Gluten-free enchiladas - While we like to use gluten free corn tortillas in our enchiladas, these gluten-free tortillas are also amazing.
- Instant Pot salsa chicken - We love a quick dinner, and we especially love it if it includes tacos.
- Instant Pot fajitas - We love making fajitas and they are especially good with homemade gluten-free tortillas.
WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN YOU USE THIS GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLA RECIPE?
Make it sweet - You can place butter on it and then a generous amount of cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
Add some cheese - for a fun kid's snack.
WHAT STORE-BOUGHT GLUTEN-FREE TORTILLAS CAN I BUY?
While we prefer to make our gluten-free tortillas from scratch, here are a few store-bought brands that our readers like:
- Mission Gluten-Free Tortillas
- Food for Life Gluten-Free Brown Rice Tortillas
- Siete Foods Almond Flour Tortillas
- Siete Foods Cassava Flour Tortillas
- Maria & Ricardo's KETO Tortillas
- Toufayan Bakery Gluten-Free Tortilla Wraps
Easy Gluten-Free Tortilla Recipe
Making this easy homemade gluten-free tortilla recipe is easier than you think. This step-by-step recipe is dairy-free and vegan, and you can roll them out easily with a rolling pin or use a tortilla press. It’s up to you!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose gluten free flour blend (we used Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend contains it)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (reduce to ½ teaspoon if your blend includes it)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- ¾ cup water, plus more if needed
Instructions
- In medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the shortening is the size of small peas.
- Add ½ cup water and give it a good stir. The dough will be dry. Add in the remaining ¼ cup water and stir.
- Work the dough with your hands until it starts to come together into a ball.
- Place a piece of wax paper on your counter. Sprinkle gluten free flour over the surface. Turn your dough onto the floured wax paper. (see note below for using a tortilla press)
- Knead the dough with your hands until smooth. If the dough is too wet, add additional flour and knead it; if the dough feels dry, knead 1 tablespoon of water into it.
- Heat cast iron skillet over low-medium heat.
- Roll dough into 12, 2-inch dough balls. Place one dough ball onto your floured wax paper. Place another piece of wax paper on top and using a rolling pin, roll into about ⅛th thick.
- Carefully remove the top piece of wax paper, flip the tortilla over into your hand and carefully remove the second piece of wax paper.
- Increase the heat to medium. Place the tortilla into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to brown.
- Flip the tortilla over and cook another 2-3 minutes. You can roll out the next tortilla while it cooks or you can have a helper do it.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Using a Tortilla Press: Line a tortilla press with a small plastic bag that is open on all sides, but one side (the seam). Lightly dust the inside of the bag with gluten free flour. Roll dough into 2-inch balls and place a dough ball into the floured-bag on the press. Close to flatten. Slide the bag off the tortilla press. Gently remove the tortilla from the bag.
- Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it.
- It’s best to use a wooden spoon when stirring in the water.
- Cast iron skillets work best when making tortillas. I don’t recommend non-stick pans.
- Use room temperature water, or warm water.
- Don't overmix the dough.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.
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Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast iron Skillet - Frying Pan - Safe Grill Cookware for indoor & Outdoor Use - Chef's Pan - Cast Iron Pan (Black)
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Victoria 8 Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press. Tortilla Maker, Flour Tortilla press, Rotis Press, Dough Press, Pataconera Seasoned with Flaxeed Oil, Black -
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Did you make these gluten-free tortilla recipe? Did you enjoy them with gluten-free tacos or did you make a gluten-free wrap? Let us know in the comments below.
Nicole
Can something other than lard be used?
chrystal
You can use butter or shortening. To swap out the lard for butter or shortening, just cut in equal amounts of shortening or slightly soft butter before you add the warm water.
Amna S
Can I replace the shortening with olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee?
chrystal
Olive oil or ghee should work (but I haven't tested it myself with gluten free flour, only wheat flour many many years ago before going gluten free). I'd add the oil to the water before adding the water to the flour, and then knead the dough until it's smooth. Let me know how they turn out.
Best,
Chrystal
Meadow
I tried it with coconut oil because the store was out of lard and shortening (I guess people are still doing a lot of baking lol). I also didn't have a cast iron and mine came out pretty awful. They crumbled on the sides when I rolled them out and if they were too thin they broke completely while the thicker ones tasted like bad, gluten-free undercooked pancakes. I blame this one on myself. Do you think it's the substitute items that made it taste a lot like homemade salt dough? It was also very stiff. I am a terrible baker in general and this is my first try so I think I'll revisit this recipe when I have the right items. We did get a good laugh over here though! 😉
Lindsay
Hi Meadow! Yes, definitely the substitution of coconut oil for the lard and shortening was the issue here. Tortillas require those specific ingredients. I'm glad you were able to laugh about it though!
Long
A great guide. Thank you for putting in all the steps and details to making tortillas.
Eliane
Dear Chrystal,
First of all thank you for your generosity en giving us alternatives of food . I am brazilian and I cannot translate to portuguese "shortening". I understood that is something to put together the past but, can you explain what is it?
Thank you very much.
chrystal
Hi Eliana,
Shortening is lard or animal fat. In the US we have vegetable shortening for those who are vegetarian or vegan.
Best,
Chrystal
Kelly
HI Crystal,
I am very excited to try this recipe. Back in CA we had a local company make GF flour tortillas and I was so in love with them. We recently moved across the country and don't have easy access to them anymore. Plus, I love to cook from scratch! I am going to try these this week. My question is about Xanthan Gum. The Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour already has it listed though I see in your directions you used the same flour and also the Gum. If I am using the same BRM flour as you, should I still add the tsp of Gum in?
Thank you!
Kelly
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Kelly, you only need to add xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn't have it. So yes, you are correct in not adding it with BRM.
Samina Golandaz
Hi,
Will any vegan butter like earthbalance or miyokos work in place of the shortening?
Please let me know
Thanks
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Samina,
It should be possible to substitute vegan butter for shortening in this gluten-free tortilla recipe, but it may alter the texture and flavor of the tortillas. Shortening is a common ingredient in tortillas because it helps to create a flaky texture and prevents the dough from sticking to the surface when rolled out.
You may need to adjust the amounts and add some extra liquid to compensate for the moisture content in the butter. Start by using the same amount of vegan butter as the amount of shortening called for in this recipe. You may also want to chill the dough before rolling it out to help the vegan butter solidify and prevent it from melting too quickly.
Remember that vegan butter has a different flavor than shortening, which may affect the taste of the tortillas. Also, some vegan butter, like Miyoko's, may contain additional ingredients that could affect the texture or structure of the tortillas.
It's best to experiment with small batches first to see how the substitution affects the final product.
Samina Golandaz
Thank you for your detailed response. Appreciate it!