Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (2024)

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Kefir tortillas are a fun and delicious way to use up an abundance of kefir. Learn how to make this simple cast iron skillet tortilla recipe, but be warned: you won’t want to buy the ones from the store anymore!

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (1)

MAKING KEFIR FLOUR TORTILLAS FROM SCRATCH

Confession time: I grew up on store bought tortillas. Making tortillas from scratch wasn’t something my parents had time for, so growing up, I never considered that people actually made their own from start to finish.

The first time I ever encountered homemade tortillas was when my husband, Big Papa–my boyfriend at the time–was feeling ambitious for a Superbowl party potluck. His contribution was tequila lime flank steak tacos, but going the extra mile, he made a batch of homemade tortillas. This isn’t a happy tale.

CAST IRON SKILLET KEFIR TORTILLAS RECIPE VIDEO

If this is your first time visiting the Kitchen, you’re about to find out why I call my kitchen vintage… If you like my style, please consider subscribing to the Vintage Kitchen Vixen YouTube channel!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no additional cost to you.

THE UNHAPPY TORTILLA TALE

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (2)

As you are about to learn, once the dough is properly divided and balled up, it needs to rest for a short period of time. This gives the gluten ample time to develop. Gluten development makes the dough easier to manipulate, so you’re able to stretch it out to whatever size you want.

Anyhow, Big Papa didn’t say anything about making tortillas and his dough balls were resting on the counter, the gluten relaxing. This was unfortunate because shortly after, Doe-Eyed Sylvia entered the kitchen. Spotting the rolls, she preheated the oven and lovingly baked them, not bothering to communicate with her boyfriend. This was the wrong move because they made lousy rolls (unlike these crispy kaiser rolls) that went directly into the compost bin. As for Big Papa, he had to start all over again. Lesson learned!

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (3)

MAKING TORTILLAS FROM SCRATCH IS SATISFYING

Being an advocate of simple living, I find joy in the smallest things, and making tortillas from scratch is one of them. There’s something cozy and hygge-like about taking the time to make flatbread by hand. It’s the same thing with soft naan bread. It’s easy to go out and buy a pack from Costco or the grocery store, but they pale in comparison to what comes out of my trusty cast iron pan.

Not only are the ingredients pure, but I prepare them with love. It’s the heart that shines through. I love every step of the process, the kneading, the dividing, and the rolling. My favourite part is watching the tortillas bubble and puff up in my hot skillet.

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (4)

WHY KEFIR TORTILLAS?

If you’re not new to the Kitchen, then you’ll know all about my obsession with milk kefir. I have a jar in my kitchen cupboard that I feed every couple of days, but I yield more than I use up because I’m not a dutiful milk kefir drinker like my Dad. He’s the one who’s responsible for my love of kefir. A collection of jars of milk kefir can be found in my fridge at any given time, so I am constantly trying to find ways to sneak it into my recipes.

HOW DO KEFIR TORTILLAS TASTE?

Most of my smoothies get the kefir treatment. Like my easy kefir pancakes, cheesy breakfast biscuits, tangy ranch dip, and sesame naan. It was only a matter of time before kefir tortillas became a thing in my kitchen, and guess what? They’re delicious. They give the subtlest tang to the tortillas that’s reminiscent of sourdough.

One day I’ll hop on the sourdough train, but first I need to develop a sourdough starter that respects me. If I can keep a vegetable garden and a kefir culture alive, sourdough shouldn’t be a problem, right?

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (5)

WHAT CAN I USE KEFIR TORTILLAS FOR?

Kefir tortillas can be used for anything regular tortillas are used for. Make them for your next taco night. Use them to whip up a batch of cheesy chicken quesadillas or a jacked burrito. Wrap an eggy breakfast in the safe tangy folds of these tortillas, or bake them to get healthy chips for a taco salad. I like making large tortillas, but you can make them as big or small as you like. If you like them on the small side, they’d make a great foundation for tostadas.

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (6)

HAVE YOU MADE TORTILLAS BEFORE?

I’m curious. Have you ever tried your hand at making your own tortillas before? If so, have you ever tried making them with kefir? If making tortillas from scratch is a whole new world for you to explore, I hope you tag me in a picture on Instagram when you make them! Also, please let me know your favourite way to use tortillas in the comments below. Did I miss anything?

SHOP THIS POST

Cast iron sk i llet
Rolling pin (or a tortilla press)

CAST IRON KEFIR TORTILLAS RECIPE

Makes 8 large tortillas

2 cups all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

3 tbsp avocado oil

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup milk kefir

pinch of salt

CAST IRON KEFIR TORTILLAS INSTRUCTIONS

Work all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl using a dough scraper or pastry cutter.
Once everything is combined, knead the dough until a smooth dough has formed.
Divide the dough into 8 even pieces and roll into balls.
Cover the dough and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to the desired size (or better yet, use a tortilla press if you have one!).
Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the first tortilla.
Flip the tortilla once it’s bubbled up, and remove from the pan after it puffs up, or until you’re satisfied.
Repeat.

PRINTABLE KEFIR TORTILLAS RECIPE CARD

Cast Iron Skillet Kefir Tortillas

Kefir tortillas are a fun and delicious way to use up an abundance of kefir. Learn how to make this simple cast iron skillet tortilla recipe, but be warned: you won't want to buy the ones from the store anymore!

Print RecipePin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 tortillas

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour plus extra for dusting
3 tbsp avocado oil
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup milk kefir
pinch of salt

Instructions

Work all of the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl using a dough scraper or pastry cutter.
Once everything is combined, knead the dough until a smooth dough has formed.
Divide the dough into 8 even pieces and roll into balls.
Cover the dough and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball to the desired size.
Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the first tortilla.
Flip the tortilla once it’s bubbled up, and remove from the pan after it puffs up, or until you’re satisfied.
Repeat.

Keyword Cast Iron Recipes, kefir, Tortillas

PIN IT FOR LATER

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (8)

Love and gratitude,

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (9)

Kefir Flour Tortillas (A Cast Iron Skillet Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

How do you make tortillas in a cast iron skillet? ›

Stick with cast-iron, if you have it. Heat your pan over medium-high heat. There's no need to add any oil. Cook the tortilla until brown spots appear on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side.

Find Out More ›

What is the best pan for homemade tortillas? ›

It's best to cook tortillas on cast iron - like a cast iron griddle, which is what I use, or a cast iron skillet. You can cook more at a time on the griddle. If I have a lot to make, I use my griddle and both of my skillets, but it's hard for one person to keep up with that many at a time.

Discover More ›

How to keep flour tortillas from sticking to the pan? ›

Make sure that you lightly grease your dish, which will help keep the tortillas from sticking to the pan.

Explore More ›

How hot should cast iron be for tortillas? ›

Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the tortillas, one or two at a time, on each side until browned in a few spots and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes total, depending on the thickness of the tortillas.

Explore More ›

How long to cook tortillas in skillet? ›

How To Cook

Preheat a non-stick pan to medium heat No butter or oil required.
Place tortilla in pan for approximately 30 seconds until slightly golden and tortilla begins to puff.
Turn tortilla over, and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Cook thoroughly before eating.

Show Me More ›

What is a tortilla cast iron pan called? ›

Comals are similar to the American griddle or the Indian tawa, and are often used and named interchangeably with these. Comals for home use are generally made from heavy cast iron, and sized to fit over either one burner on the stovetop (round) or two burners front to back (elongated oval).

Get More Info Here ›

What is the best oil for pan frying tortillas? ›

Best oil for frying: If you are frying corn tortillas, corn oil is the best choice. You can also use basic vegetable oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, or sunflower seed oil. You want a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Make sure the oil is hot enough.

Keep Reading ›

What kind of pan is best for flour tortillas? ›

Is There an Alternative to a Comal? If you don't have a comal at home, you can use a grill, cast iron plate, or nonstick pan to make tortillas. These cookwares will still evenly heat the tortillas to help them come out perfectly.

Learn More ›

Why do my homemade flour tortillas come out hard? ›

Adding too much flour to knead or to roll out the tortillas will also create hard and dry tortillas.

Get More Info Here ›

Why do my homemade flour tortillas break? ›

A common problem with homemade tortillas is cracked and jagged edges, a surefire sign that the dough needs more water. You can prevent cracked tortillas by pressing a test tortilla before you roll the rest of the dough into balls.

Why don t my homemade tortillas puff up? ›

You need ample moisture that can react with the heat in order for it to ultimately convert to steam and puff. If your masa has too little moisture, the tortilla in development will dry out before it can ever puff. A proper mixing/kneading process is critical to ensuring well-distributed and even moisture.

Read The Full Story ›

What temperature do you cook tortillas in a pan? ›

While the dough rests, preheat an ungreased cast iron griddle or skillet over medium high heat, about 400°F. Working with one piece of dough at a time, roll into a round about 8" in diameter. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work. Fry the tortilla in the ungreased pan for about 30 seconds on each side.

Tell Me More ›

How do you know when tortillas are done? ›

Follow the 10-40-30 rule, which is how many seconds the tortilla should be cooked per side. Cook until it slides around easily, 10 to 15 seconds. Flip with your hands or a heatproof spatula and cook until the edges are drier, 35 to 40 seconds.

How to brown tortillas in skillet? ›

Just add some butter to your hot skillet and your tortillas will turn out a little toastier than if heated without the butter. Once you're ready, place your tortillas on the skillet and allow them to heat for about 30 seconds on each side.