Soft Oatmeal Tortillas

If you ask me, oatmeal tortillas are a game-changer in the kitchen.

These homemade tortillas bring together the wholesome goodness of oats and the familiar comfort of traditional flour tortillas. They’re softer and more nutritious than store-bought versions, with a slightly nutty taste that makes them special.

I love how they work just as well with morning eggs as they do wrapped around beans and cheese for lunch. The oats give them a rustic texture that holds up nicely, whether you’re making tacos or quesadillas.

They’re a healthier twist on an everyday staple that the whole family will enjoy, perfect for anyone looking to add more whole grains to their meals.

oatmeal tortillas
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Why You’ll Love These Oatmeal Tortillas

  • Gluten-free friendly – Made entirely with oats, these tortillas are perfect for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten in their diet.
  • Simple ingredients – You only need oats, water, and a pinch of salt – ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • Budget-friendly – Using basic pantry staples like oats makes these tortillas much more affordable than store-bought alternatives.
  • Healthier option – These tortillas are packed with whole grain goodness and fiber from the oats, making them a nutritious alternative to regular flour tortillas.
  • Meal prep friendly – You can make a batch and store them for several days, perfect for planning your meals ahead.

What Kind of Oats Should I Use?

For tortillas, old-fashioned rolled oats are your best bet since they provide the right texture and hold together well when ground. While quick oats can work in a pinch, they tend to create a slightly mushier texture since they’re already partially processed. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended for this recipe as they’re too coarse and won’t blend properly into a workable dough. When shopping, look for oats labeled as “rolled oats” or “old-fashioned oats” – these will give you the most consistent results. Just make sure your oats are fresh and haven’t been sitting in the pantry for too long, as they can develop a bitter taste over time.

oatmeal tortillas
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Options for Substitutions

Looking to make these oatmeal tortillas but need to switch things up? Here are some helpful substitution tips:

  • Whole oats: Regular old-fashioned rolled oats work best here, but you can use quick oats in a pinch – just know the texture might be slightly different. Steel-cut oats won’t work for this recipe as they need much longer cooking times.
  • Oat flour: No oat flour? No problem! Make your own by blending regular oats in a food processor until fine. If you need to avoid oats completely, you can try quinoa flour or buckwheat flour, but keep in mind you might need to adjust the water amount slightly.
  • Water: While water is the simplest choice, you can use unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) for a slightly richer taste. Just stick to the same measurements.
  • Salt: Feel free to skip the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake, or try using a salt substitute. You could also add a pinch of herbs like dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The trickiest part of making oatmeal tortillas is getting the right consistency – too wet and they’ll stick to everything, too dry and they’ll crack when you try to fold them. To achieve the perfect texture, add water gradually while mixing, rather than all at once, and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the oats to fully absorb the liquid. Another common mistake is rolling the tortillas too thick, which can lead to a gummy center – aim for about 1/8 inch thickness and use plenty of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking. For the best results, cook your tortillas on a preheated skillet or comal over medium-high heat, watching for small bubbles to form (about 1-2 minutes per side) – cooking at too low a temperature will make them tough and dry.

oatmeal tortillas
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

What to Serve With Oatmeal Tortillas?

These hearty oatmeal tortillas make a great base for both breakfast and lunch options! For breakfast, try filling them with scrambled eggs, black beans, and a sprinkle of cheese, or go sweet with peanut butter and sliced bananas. At lunch, they work really well as wraps filled with turkey and avocado, or you can warm them up and serve them alongside your favorite chili or soup. Since these tortillas have a slightly nutty flavor from the oats, they also pair nicely with roasted vegetables and hummus for a healthy meal option.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These oatmeal tortillas stay good at room temperature for about 24 hours when wrapped in a clean kitchen towel – this helps them stay soft and pliable. For longer storage, put them in a zip-top bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to separate each tortilla with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Freeze: These tortillas are great for freezing! Place sheets of parchment paper between each tortilla, stack them up, and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This is super handy when you want to make a big batch for future meals.

Bring Back to Life: When you’re ready to use your stored tortillas, warm them up briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first. A quick heat helps make them soft and flexible again, just like freshly made ones!

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 30-45 minutes
Total Time 40-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 700-800
  • Protein: 20-25 g
  • Fat: 10-15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 120-130 g

Ingredients

  • 180 grams whole oats (approximately 2 cups)
  • 500 ml water (equivalent to 2 cups)
  • A dash of salt
  • 180 grams oat flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 500 ml water (around 2 cups)
  • A small pinch of salt

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

If using whole oats, start by blending oats with water and any optional extras (like spices or herbs) in a blender until smooth.

If using oat flour, whisk together the oat flour, water, and optional extras in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.

At this point, you can add any additional seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavor of your tortillas.

Step 2: Allow Batter to Thicken

Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.

During this resting period, the mixture will thicken slightly, making it easier to work with when cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Pan

Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

Once heated, lightly coat the pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent the tortillas from sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Tortillas

Pour 1/3 cup of batter into the preheated pan and spread it out evenly to form a tortilla.

Cook until the edges begin to lift off the pan, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Carefully flip the tortilla and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fully cooked.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

After cooking each tortilla, rinse the frying pan to cool it down, helping to maintain even cooking temperatures and preventing burning.

Reapply cooking spray or a light coat of oil before cooking each new tortilla.

Repeat this process until all the batter is used up.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the tortillas are cooked, serve them warm.

They can be used in various dishes as wraps or folded into tasty pockets for your favorite fillings.

Enjoy your homemade oat tortillas!

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