Sourdough Tortillas

🌮 Sourdough Tortillas (Soft, Flavorful & Naturally Fermented)

If you’re looking to upgrade your homemade tortillas, Sourdough Tortillas are a game changer. Soft, pliable, and lightly tangy, these tortillas combine the traditional comfort of homemade flatbreads with the digestive and flavor benefits of sourdough fermentation.

Made with simple pantry staples and sourdough starter, sourdough tortillas are perfect for tacos, wraps, quesadillas, burritos, and flatbread pizzas. Whether you’re using active starter or sourdough discard, this recipe helps reduce waste while creating delicious, wholesome tortillas.

⭐ Why You’ll Love Sourdough Tortillas

• ✅ Soft and flexible texture

• ✅ Mild tangy sourdough flavor

• ✅ Easier to digest than conventional tortillas

• ✅ No preservatives or additives

• ✅ Perfect use for sourdough discard

Once you try sourdough tortillas, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.

🌾 What Are Sourdough Tortillas?

Sourdough tortillas are unleavened flatbreads made using a sourdough starter instead of commercial yeast. While traditional tortillas rely on flour, fat, and water, sourdough tortillas introduce natural fermentation, improving both taste and digestibility.

They can be made with:

• All-purpose flour

• Whole wheat flour

• Spelt or einkorn flour

And cooked quickly on a skillet—no oven required.

🍞 Benefits of Sourdough Fermentation

Sourdough fermentation offers several advantages:

• Helps break down gluten

• Improves mineral absorption

• Enhances flavor naturally

• May be gentler on digestion

This makes sourdough tortillas a great choice for people who prefer traditional, slow-fermented foods.

🛒 Ingredients for Sourdough Tortillas

Basic Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat)

• ½ cup active sourdough starter or discard

• ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ to ¾ cup warm water (as needed)

Optional Add-Ins

• Garlic powder

• Herbs

• Ground cumin or paprika

🔪 How to Make Sourdough Tortillas

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add sourdough starter and oil. Gradually add warm water until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead

Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fermentation (Optional but Recommended)

For deeper flavor and better digestibility, let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4–8 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Divide dough into equal balls (about golf-ball size). Cover and rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 5: Roll Out

Roll each ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin.

Step 6: Cook the Tortillas

Heat a dry skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30–60 seconds per side until bubbles form and light brown spots appear.

🌬️ Tips for Perfect Sourdough Tortillas

• Let dough rest for easier rolling

• Don’t overcook—tortillas should stay soft

• Stack cooked tortillas in a towel to retain moisture

• Adjust hydration based on flour type

🌮 Ways to Use Sourdough Tortillas

Sourdough tortillas are incredibly versatile and can be used for:

• Tacos and fajitas

• Burritos and wraps

• Quesadillas

• Flatbread pizzas

• Breakfast wraps

They also freeze beautifully for future meals.

❄️ Storage & Freezing

Storage

• Store at room temperature for 1 day

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days

Freezing

• Freeze tortillas with parchment paper between layers

• Freeze for up to 2 months

Reheat directly on a skillet or in the microwave.

🌱 Variations & Customizations

Whole Wheat Sourdough Tortillas

Use 100% whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and higher fiber.

Sourdough Corn Tortillas

Replace part of the flour with masa harina (note: texture will differ).

Dairy-Free Option

Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter.

Herb Sourdough Tortillas

Add dried herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough.

🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Tortilla – Approximate)

Nutrition values vary depending on flour and fat used.

🌿 Are Sourdough Tortillas Healthy?

Compared to store-bought tortillas, sourdough tortillas:

• Contain fewer preservatives

• May be easier to digest

• Offer better nutrient absorption

While not gluten-free, they are often better tolerated by those sensitive to conventional bread products.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sourdough discard?

Yes! Sourdough tortillas are perfect for discard and still taste amazing.

Do sourdough tortillas taste sour?

They have a mild tang, especially if fermented longer—but they’re not overpowering.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Traditional sourdough tortillas contain gluten, but gluten-free sourdough starters and flours can be used with recipe adjustments.

Why are my tortillas stiff?

Overcooking or too little fat can cause stiffness. Keep cooking time short.

🌮 Sourdough Tortillas vs Store-Bought Tortillas

🥖 Final Thoughts

Sourdough Tortillas are a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of sourdough fermentation in a quick, everyday flatbread. Soft, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, they’re perfect for anyone who loves homemade bread, traditional cooking, and real ingredients.

Once you make them at home, you’ll never want to buy packaged tortillas again.