Whole Wheat Tortilla Recipe
Whole wheat tortillas are a hearty, fiber-rich alternative to white flour wraps — great for lunch wraps, healthier tacos, and anyone who wants a nuttier flavor. This whole wheat tortilla recipe balances texture and pliability so your wraps don’t break while holding up to fillings.

Whole Wheat Tortillas
Heartier and nuttier, whole wheat tortillas are a good, wholesome swap with extra fiber and flavor.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin (or press)
- Skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 2 cups 240 g whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup 180 ml warm water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Mix dry & fat. Combine flour and salt. Stir in oil until mixture is crumbly.
- Add water & form dough. Add warm water gradually until dough forms; knead 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Rest. Cover 10–20 minutes to hydrate the bran (makes rolling easier).
- Divide & roll. Divide into 8 balls and roll to about 1/8″ thickness. Whole wheat may crack if too thin — aim slightly thicker if needed.
- Cook. Cook on hot skillet 30–60 seconds per side until done. Keep wrapped.
Why choose whole wheat
Whole wheat brings extra flavor and nutrition, but the bran can make dough drier. The trick is resting the dough to hydrate the bran and using a bit of fat to keep tortillas tender.
Looking to improve your technique?
Browse our posts to learn more about creating mouthwatering tortillas at home!
Technique & tips
- Hydrate well. Let dough rest 10–20 minutes so bran softens — this prevents cracking.
- Thickness: Roll slightly thicker than white flour tortillas (aim ~1/8″) to avoid tearing.
- Mix flours if needed: For lighter texture, replace up to half the whole wheat with all-purpose flour.
Troubleshooting
- Cracking at edges: Under-hydration or over-rolling — add a teaspoon of water and refrain from rolling too thin.
- Dense texture: Try a blend of whole wheat + all-purpose flour or increase resting time.
Storage & reheating
- Store wrapped at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- Reheat on a skillet or wrap and microwave briefly; a steam towel helps restore softness.
Serving ideas & pairings
- Use for grain bowls wrapped with roasted vegetables and tahini.
- Fold into breakfast burritos with eggs and beans.
- Make hearty quesadillas with sharp cheddar and caramelized onions.
Variations
- Add 1–2 tbsp honey or molasses for subtle sweetness.
- Stir in ground flax or chia for extra nutrition (pre-soak or grind to avoid tearing).