If you've ever been to a Mexican restaurant, you've likely been served a basket of warm, freshly made corn tortillas. These thin, pliable rounds of cornmeal dough are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are the foundation for many delicious dishes. While you may think that making your own corn tortillas would be difficult, it's actually quite simple with the right recipe. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to make your own homemade corn tortillas, so you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexico from the comfort of your own home.
Mexican Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, using layers of tortillas instead of traditional lasagna noodles. This dish is packed with bold Mexican flavors and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
2of 20
Mexican Street Corn Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Poblano Peppers, Garlic
This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening. It's made with corn tortillas, corn kernels, and topped with a creamy blend of spices and seasonings. Serve with some freshly squeezed lime juice and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Clove, Red Bell Pepper
This vegan-friendly casserole is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, black beans, veggies, and a homemade enchilada sauce. Top it off with some avocado slices and salsa for a mouthwatering meal.
4of 20
Pozole Rojo (Authentic Mexican Pozole)
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt Roast, Guajillo Chilies, Ancho Chilies
Pozole Rojo is a classic Mexican stew that's perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe uses tender pork, hominy, and a flavorful blend of chili peppers and seasonings to create a rich and comforting dish. Serve with some fresh cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges for a traditional touch.
A tostada is a crispy corn tortilla topped with delicious ingredients, making it the perfect handheld meal. You can get creative with your toppings, but some popular choices include shredded chicken, refried beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Don't forget to add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Street tacos are a popular Mexican street food that has gained popularity all over the world. These mini tacos are made with soft corn tortillas, tender chicken, and topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with a side of salsa for a burst of flavor.
Enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this beef version is a crowd-pleaser. The beef is cooked with spices and tomato sauce before being rolled in corn tortillas and topped with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and then enjoy with some sour cream and guacamole on top.
8of 20
Traditional Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Sea Salt, Vegetable Oil, Tomatoes
Chilaquiles Rojos is a popular Mexican breakfast dish that consists of fried corn tortillas, simmered in a red chili sauce and topped with eggs, cheese, and sour cream. It's a delicious and hearty way to start your day and is sure to keep you full until lunchtime.
This casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional taco. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, ground beef, black beans, and cheese. Top it off with some sliced black olives and sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
10of 20
Mexican-Style Corn Tortilla Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Corn Tortillas, Refried Beans, Mexican Blend
If you're craving pizza with a Mexican twist, then this recipe is for you. These mini pizzas are made with crispy corn tortillas as the base and topped with refried beans, shredded chicken, and cheese. Customize with your favorite toppings, such as jalapenos or pineapple, for a delicious and easy meal.
11of 20
Mexican Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Salsa, Frozen
This casserole is similar to a traditional lasagna, but with layers of corn tortillas instead of noodles. It's packed with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese, and topped with salsa and sour cream. It's a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner.
12of 20
Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Raisins, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin
This set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The pork is cooked low and slow in a blend of spices and adobo sauce until it's tender and juicy. Shred the pork and serve it in soft flour tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese and diced tomato.
If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this Mexican Beef Casserole is the way to go. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese. Top it off with some sliced avocado and diced onion for a delicious and filling dinner.
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for feeding a large group. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, and cheese, and topped with salsa and sour cream. Customize with your favorite toppings, such as black olives or jalapenos, for a delicious and easy meal.
15of 20
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Medium Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This casserole is a great way to use up leftover ground beef. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, ground beef, salsa, and cheese, and topped with sour cream and guacamole. Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Carnitas are a popular Mexican dish made with tender and flavorful pulled pork. This recipe uses a blend of citrus juices and spices to create a delicious marinade for the pork, which is then cooked until it's fall-apart tender. Serve in soft corn tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and authentic meal.
17of 20
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Canola Oil, Fresh Lime Juice, Chili
If you love Mexican street corn, then you'll love these tacos. They're made with tender grilled chicken, creamy cotija cheese, and a flavorful corn salad made with fresh corn, lime juice, and spices. Serve with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
18of 20
Mexican Lasagna with Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Ground Chuck, Taco Seasoning, Water, Green Onions
This version of Mexican Lasagna is made with layers of corn tortillas, spicy ground beef, and enchilada sauce, and topped with cheese and fresh cilantro. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve with some guacamole and sour cream for a complete meal.
19of 20
Vegetarian Tortilla Casserole (Mexican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Frozen Corn
If you're looking for a meatless option, this vegetarian tortilla casserole is a great choice. It's made with layers of corn tortillas, black beans, vegetables, and enchilada sauce, and topped with cheese and sour cream. It's a delicious and healthy twist on traditional Mexican lasagna.
20of 20
Huevos Rancheros
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Corn Tortillas, Black Beans
Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that's perfect for a lazy weekend morning. It's made with fried corn tortillas, eggs, and a flavorful tomato and chili sauce. Top it off with some avocado slices and fresh cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
What You'll Need
Before you start making your corn tortillas, it's important to gather all of your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need masa harina, which is a special type of corn flour used to make tortillas. You can find this at most grocery stores in the international or baking aisle. You'll also need water, salt, and a tortilla press. If you don't have a tortilla press, you can use a heavy skillet or rolling pin instead. Optional ingredients include vegetable oil or lard for cooking the tortillas and corn husks for added flavor.
Preparing the Dough
To make the dough for your corn tortillas, start by mixing 2 cups of masa harina with 1 1/4 cups of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to work the dough until it comes together and is slightly sticky. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, and if it's too wet, add a little more masa harina. Once the dough is the right consistency, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Making the Tortillas
Rolling the Dough
After the dough has rested, it's time to roll it out into tortillas. Cut a piece of plastic wrap and place it on your tortilla press. Take a golf ball-sized piece of dough and roll it into a ball, then place it on the plastic wrap. Cover the dough with another piece of plastic wrap and press it down with the tortilla press until it's about 1/8 inch thick.
Cooking the Tortillas
Now it's time to cook the tortillas. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with vegetable oil or lard. Carefully peel the plastic wrap off of your tortilla and place it in the hot pan. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until the tortilla starts to bubble and brown. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
Enjoying Your Homemade Corn Tortillas
Once you've made all of your tortillas, it's time to enjoy them! Serve them warm with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. You can also use them to make chips or tostadas. These homemade corn tortillas are sure to add an authentic touch to any Mexican-inspired meal. Now that you know how easy they are to make, you'll never want to buy store-bought tortillas again.