Sourdough tortillas Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a homemade tortilla that carries a secret tangy twist with every bite, you’re going to fall in love with these sourdough tortillas. Combining the rustic charm of a bubbling sourdough starter with the soft, flexible texture of a classic tortilla, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavor and warmth that’s perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings. Whether you’re new to working with sourdough or a seasoned pro, these sourdough tortillas add an irresistible depth that will elevate any meal from everyday to unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make fantastic sourdough tortillas. Each component plays a crucial role, whether providing structure, moisture, or just that hint of richness that makes each bite so good.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it the right amount of chew and tenderness.
- Sourdough starter: Adds a delightful tang and natural fermentation flavor that sets these tortillas apart.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps balance the sourdough’s natural acidity.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the tortillas pliable.
- Water: Gradually added to create the perfect soft but manageable dough consistency.
How to Make Sourdough tortillas
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and salt in a mixing bowl. This simple step ensures the salt is evenly distributed, helping your sourdough tortillas develop a consistent, savory base flavor.
Step 2: Incorporate sourdough starter and fat
Next, add the bubbly sourdough starter along with your choice of vegetable oil or melted butter. The starter is the heart of this recipe, bringing that signature sourdough tang, while the fat enriches the dough, making the tortillas tender and soft.
Step 3: Add water gradually and form dough
Now it’s time to add water a tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable—which is just perfect for kneading.
Step 4: Knead until smooth and elastic
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step develops the dough’s gluten, giving your tortillas that ideal stretchy, pliable texture.
Step 5: Divide and rest the dough
Divide the dough into 8 equal balls, then cover them with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Letting them rest for 15 minutes is the secret to tortillas that roll out smoothly and cook evenly.
Step 6: Heat your skillet
While the dough rests, preheat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan over medium heat. A hot pan helps your sourdough tortillas develop those lovely golden spots and little bubbles that show they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Roll out the tortillas
Take one dough ball at a time, flatten it slightly, and roll it into a thin circle about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. If the dough sticks, dust the surface lightly with flour to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 8: Cook the tortillas
Place a rolled-out tortilla onto your hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until small bubbles appear. Flip it and cook for another 30 seconds until you see golden brown spots forming. The aroma at this point is simply incredible!
Step 9: Keep warm and repeat
Remove each cooked tortilla and place it on a plate, covering it with a clean kitchen towel to stay soft and warm while you finish the batch. Repetition is key here, and each tortilla will get better as you go.
Step 10: Ready to enjoy or store
Your sourdough tortillas are perfect for immediate use, but you can also store them in an airtight container to enjoy later. They’re incredibly versatile and will hold their texture beautifully.
How to Serve Sourdough tortillas

Garnishes
The beauty of sourdough tortillas is that they pair wonderfully with simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a squeeze of lime to brighten things up. These touches enhance the natural flavor without overpowering the subtle sourdough tang.
Side Dishes
Serve your sourdough tortillas alongside hearty beans, vibrant salsas, roasted veggies, or smoky grilled meats. The charisma of the sourdough dough makes it a star sidekick to countless dishes, turning everyday meals into something a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Use sourdough tortillas to make wraps filled with creamy avocado and spicy chipotle chicken, or fold them around grilled fish with a fresh mango salsa. Their flexibility and mild tang allow you to experiment creatively in endless delicious ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some sourdough tortillas left after your meal, store them at room temperature in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll remain soft and pliable for up to two days—perfect for quick snacks or last-minute meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen sourdough tortillas will keep their charm for up to three months, making them a fantastic make-ahead staple.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-from-the-pan warmth, gently reheat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This helps to revive their softness and enhances the flavor wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a sourdough starter that isn’t fully active?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to use an active and bubbly sourdough starter. An inactive starter won’t provide the same tang or fermentation benefits, resulting in less flavorful tortillas.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can swap some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that whole wheat will make the tortillas slightly denser and heartier. Adjust water as needed to keep a soft dough.
Do I need to let the dough rest before cooking?
Absolutely. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making rolling out the tortillas much easier and preventing shrinkage during cooking.
What’s the best fat to use in this recipe?
Vegetable oil provides a neutral flavor and keeps the tortillas soft, whereas melted butter adds richness and a buttery note. Both work wonderfully—it’s up to your personal preference!
Can sourdough tortillas be used for other recipes?
Definitely! These tortillas are versatile and can be used just like regular tortillas—for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, or even cut into chips for dipping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade sourdough tortillas that brightens up any meal with their subtle tang and soft texture. This recipe doesn’t just deliver a delicious product but invites you to celebrate the magic of sourdough in a whole new way. I can’t wait for you to try making your own sourdough tortillas and experience how a few simple ingredients transform into something genuinely unforgettable.
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Sourdough tortillas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tortillas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for sourdough tortillas offers a delicious twist on traditional tortillas by incorporating the tangy flavor and natural fermentation of sourdough starter. These soft, pliable tortillas are perfect for wraps, tacos, or dipping and are made with simple pantry staples, making them an easy and wholesome choice for homemade flatbreads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- Water, as needed (added gradually until a soft dough forms)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the active sourdough starter and vegetable oil or melted butter to the flour mixture. Stir until all ingredients are combined into a shaggy dough.
- Add Water Gradually: Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- Divide and Rest Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Roll Out Tortillas: Take one dough ball, slightly flatten it, and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin circle about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Lightly dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortillas: Place the rolled-out tortilla carefully onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until small bubbles appear on the surface. Flip it and cook for another 30 seconds or until the tortilla develops light golden brown spots and is cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Remove the cooked tortilla and place it on a plate. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining tortillas.
- Serve or Store: Serve the tortillas warm immediately or allow them to cool and store in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- Using active and bubbly sourdough starter is essential for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust water quantity as needed; dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- If tortillas stick to the rolling surface, sprinkle a little more flour to prevent tearing.
- For a richer flavor, opt for melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Leftover tortillas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat tortillas on a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sourdough tortillas, homemade tortillas, easy tortilla recipe, fermented flatbread, sourdough recipes