Easy Gluten-Free Corn Tortillas Recipe | GFP (2024)

You can make your own homemade, fresh gluten-free corn tortillas using only three ingredients and a few simple steps. With a few of my tips, a little practice, and you'll have this down like a pro! Mexican nights are great with these tasty GF corn tortillas and your favorite sides.

The history of corn and wheat tortillas is long and fascinating. Gluten-free corn tortillas make a great Mexican meal. Use them for tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.

If you love making tortillas from scratch, you'll want to try these gluten-free flour tortillas next. We love making gluten-free corn tortillas for our gluten-free enchiladas. We also love serving them with our gluten-free tacos. You can also make this super simple, incredibly delicious crack corn dip

GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS RECIPE

Did you know that it's really simple to make gluten-free corn tortillas? There are only 3 ingredients, and you can either roll these gluten-free corn tortillas out by hand, or you can use a tortilla press.

I've included instructions for both, so if you don't have a tortilla press, don't worry. You can still make this gluten-free corn tortilla recipe. These corn tortillas are naturally dairy-free and vegan.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS

Only 3 ingredients - Yes, you need only 3 ingredients, and you can have a gluten-free Mexican evening.

No special equipment needed - You can use a tortilla press, but by hand can work too.

Easy to make - Don't be intimidated; these GF corn tortillas are so easy to make.

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS

Masa flour - I recommend using the Maseca brand corn flour for tortillas.

Salt - I like adding a bit of salt. It enhances the tortilla, but feel free to remove the salt.

Very warm water - Using warm water is important so the masa will soak it up well and bind together.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THESE GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS

• Skillet or cast-iron pan - I use my 12-inch skillet pan.
• Mixing bowl - I like these mixing bowls in assorted colors. They're nonslip too!
• Tortilla press or rolling pin - You can make these by hand and with a rolling pin. But if you plan to make them frequently, I recommend you get a tortilla press. You insert the dough and press it down.
• Tortilla warmer - Warm your GF corn tortillas in the microwave in this tortilla warmer. It keeps them warm for up to 1 hour. Making it super handy. Not a requirement but definitely nice to have on Mexican night.

If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below. I often get asked are corn tortillas gluten-free or do corn tortillas have gluten and I've answered that below.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS

WITH A PRESS

1. Stir the corn flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Pour 1 ½ cups very warm water over the masa and mix till combined. If it is too dry, add a little more but don’t add the entire amount unless needed.
2. Mix the masa and water well and let sit for 10 minutes. It is important that the masa soaks up the water, and this will bind the tortilla together. Knead the masa for several minutes till the dough is nice and pliable and a nice ball is formed.
3. Begin by pinching off a piece of dough and rolling it into large golf ball sized masa balls. Place balls on a plate and keep covered with a towel. (Should make between 14 and 16 balls.)
4. Cut a piece of plastic (I use a gallon size Ziplock bag, cut into 2 pieces the size of the press) into 2 pieces. Heat a skillet or cast-iron skillet over high heat.
5. Using a tortilla press, place one piece of plastic down, place one masa ball on the plastic and cover with the second plastic piece. Press down. May need to turn the masa and press down again.
6. Gently remove the plastic and place the tortilla on the hot skillet. Cook 30 seconds each side. They may puff up as they cook. Remove from the skillet and place in a tortilla warmer or under a towel.

WITHOUT A PRESS

1. Stir the corn flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Pour 1 ½ cups very warm water over the masa and mix till combined. If it is too dry add a little more but don’t add the entire amount unless needed.
2. Mix the masa and water well and let sit for 10 minutes. It is important that the masa soaks up the water and this will bind the tortilla together. Knead the masa for several minutes till the dough is nice and pliable and a nice ball is formed.
3. Begin by pinching off a piece of dough and rolling it into large golf ball sized masa balls. Place balls on a plate and keep covered with a towel. (Should make between 14 and 16 balls.)
4. Cut a piece of plastic (I use a gallon size Ziplock bag, cut into 2 pieces the size of the press) into 2 pieces. Heat a skillet or cast-iron skillet over high heat.
5. Using your rolling pin, place the masa ball between the two pieces of plastic and roll it out into a circle shape.
6. Gently remove the plastic and place the tortilla on the hot skillet. Cook 30 seconds each side. They may puff up as they cook. Remove from the skillet and place in a tortilla warmer or under a towel.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free corn tortillas, please see the complete recipe below.

ARE CORN TORTILLAS GLUTEN-FREE?

I often get asked are corn tortillas gluten-free or do corn tortillas have gluten? If you make homemade, traditional corn tortillas, they don't contain any gluten ingredients. Most store bought corn tortillas are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels.

TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS

Use very warm water to make the masa - Use warm water to make the masa dough.

Let the dough sit for 10 minutes - Let the dough sit for 10 minutes when you add water.

Knead the dough correctly - You want it to be smooth and elastic.

WHAT IS MASA HARINA?

Masa harina also known as masa flour, is a flour used for making corn tortillas so you can make gluten-free tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. I like to use this brand of masa harina which is naturally gluten-free as it is made from corn kernels: Maseca brand corn flour.

WHAT ARE BLUE CORN TORTILLAS?

Blue corn tortillas are tortillas made with blue corn varietals. They are essentially the same as white or yellow tortillas. Blue corn tortillas have a natural pigment found in blueberries, blackberries, currants, or grapes.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORN TORTILLAS AND FLOUR TORTILLAS?

Corn tortillas are made from corn. Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour, thus containing gluten.

WHY WON’T MY GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS STAY TOGETHER?

Using very warm water with your masa is very important. It is also particularly important to let the masa sit for 10 minutes when you add the water so it will absorb well.

This will help the tortillas stick together. If the tortillas get too dry, they will get crumbly so you can add a little more warm water as needed.

You don’t want it to be sticky though and may need to add more masa if so.

Kneading the masa is also especially important. It will be like coarse sand when you first start, but as you knead the dough for a couple of minutes, it will become smooth and more elastic.

HOW SHOULD I STORE GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS?

Wrap in a paper towel and place in a Ziplock bag in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Warm before eating.

CAN YOU FREEZE CORN TORTILLAS?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free corn tortillas. It's best to thaw them at room temperature and then reheat them in a tortilla warmer. If you heat them from frozen, they may dry out and crumble.

HOW DO YOU FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS?

To store gluten-free corn tortillas in the freezer, place them in a sealable plastic bag. Make sure you keep them separated by placing a layer of parchment paper between each corn tortilla. This will help you separate the tortillas easily when you take them out of the freezer.

WHAT CAN YOU SERVE WITH GLUTEN-FREE CORN TORTILLAS?

You can serve:

• A salad of your choice.
• Guacamole.
• Baked beans.
• Potatoes like Spanish potatoes or fries.

WHAT BRAND OF CORN TORTILLAS ARE GLUTEN-FREE?

Here are a few brands that are gluten-free, but please check the ingredients as the product can change.

• Mission White Corn Tortillas
• Siete Cassava Grain Free Flour Tortillas
• La Banderita Street Taco

Did you make these gluten-free corn tortillas? Please leave me a comment below and let me know what you thought.