Tortilla Recipe With Butter

I love finding ways to make simple sides feel special, especially for family dinner. This simple tortilla recipe with butter creates savory, soft, and flavorful flatbreads that are perfect for dipping or serving alongside a hearty meal. The secret lies in a simple technique: spreading a rich smoked paprika and garlic butter layer before rolling the dough, creating beautiful swirls in every bite. This tortilla recipe with butter makes a great alternative to store-bought flatbreads for healthy eating. My kids love helping with the rolling process, making this a fun weeknight project. Learn how to make these show-stopping flatbreads in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

• 300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  Use standard all-purpose flour for the best results and structure. Be sure to measure accurately for the right dough consistency; add a bit extra for dusting during rolling. This quantity yields approximately 6 medium-sized flatbreads.
• 5 g (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt
  Fine sea salt dissolves easily in the dough and blends well with the seasonings. Adjust slightly to taste, but a teaspoon ensures proper flavor balance for the dough.
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened, for the dough
  Softened butter easily incorporates into the flour, similar to a biscuit or scone dough. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added fine sea salt by half a teaspoon. The initial butter incorporation in this tortilla recipe with butter is key to a soft dough.
• 180 ml (¾ cup) warm water
  The warm water helps the dough come together smoothly and aids in developing gluten. The temperature should be warm to the touch, not hot, to avoid damaging the dough structure. Use slightly more or less depending on your kitchen’s humidity and flour absorption.
• 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened, for the swirl and brushing
  This amount provides richness for the internal swirl and extra flavor for brushing post-cooking. Use high-quality butter here, as its flavor will be prominent. Do not substitute with oil here, as it won’t create the proper swirl texture for this tortilla recipe with butter.
• 5 g (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
  Smoked paprika provides a rich, savory, and complex flavor profile. Use hot smoked paprika if you prefer a spicier kick, or sweet smoked paprika for a milder taste. Ensure your spice is fresh for maximum impact.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced very finely
  Freshly minced garlic provides a strong, pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoked paprika. Finely mincing or pressing the garlic ensures it blends thoroughly into the butter swirl. If you prefer a milder taste, roast the garlic first or use garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon) instead.
• 5 g (1 tablespoon) fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
  Use fresh parsley for a vibrant green color and fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors. The parsley should be added just before serving for visual appeal and freshness. A sprinkle of dried oregano can also work in a pinch if fresh parsley isn’t available.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut the 30g (2 tablespoons) softened butter into small pieces and add to the flour. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean cloth and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Make the Flavored Butter: While the dough rests, in a small bowl, combine the 60g (4 tablespoons) softened butter with the smoked paprika and minced garlic. Mix well until thoroughly combined and evenly colored. Ensure the butter is soft enough to spread easily but not melted or greasy.
3. Form the Swirls: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle, approximately 15×20 cm (6×8 inches). Spread about 1 tablespoon of the smoked paprika and garlic butter evenly over the entire surface of the rectangle.
4. Roll and Slice: Tightly roll the buttered dough rectangle into a log, starting from one of the longer sides. Once rolled, gently stretch the log slightly to even it out. Slice the log into three equal pieces.
5. Shape the Tortillas: Take one sliced piece (it will look like a spiral) and gently flatten it with the palm of your hand. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a thin round tortilla, about 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in diameter. The buttered layers will create visible swirls. Repeat with the remaining dough portions and butter. Rolling out these swirl tortilla recipe with butter rounds requires a light hand.
6. Cook the Tortillas: Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla on the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown spots appear and the tortilla puffs up slightly. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. The cooking process for this specific tortilla recipe with butter should be fast to keep them soft. If the flatbread doesn’t puff on the first side, gently press a spatula on the bubbles to encourage them to expand.
7. Serve: Transfer the cooked tortilla to a plate. Immediately brush lightly with a small amount of the remaining smoked paprika and garlic butter. Stack the tortillas to keep them warm as you cook the rest. Plating & Visual Styling: Arrange the warm, glossy flatbreads on a simple matte white or light-colored ceramic plate, stacking them slightly off-center. Drizzle any remaining smoked paprika and garlic butter artfully over the top tortilla, allowing it to pool and drip slightly. Finish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley directly onto the tortillas for a vibrant green contrast. This tortilla recipe with butter gives you soft, flavorful flatbreads that are perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Tips for Perfect Swirls and Puffy Tortillas

Getting the right texture for this tortilla recipe with butter requires a few key techniques. The secret to a beautiful swirl is rolling the dough thin and tight, while the secret to a puffy flatbread is all about temperature control.

The Importance of Softened Butter

Ensure both the dough butter and the swirl butter are at room temperature and easily spreadable. Cold butter will create lumps in the dough and tear the flatbread during rolling, while melted butter will make the dough greasy. This simple step ensures a smooth dough and even distribution of flavor for this tortilla recipe with butter.

Rolling Techniques for the Swirls

Roll the dough rectangle as thinly as possible before spreading the butter. When rolling the log, try to keep it snug and tight to create defined internal swirls when you slice it. Gently flatten the sliced pieces before rolling them into rounds to maintain the spiral pattern.

Achieving the Perfect Puff

Make sure your skillet or comal is sufficiently hot before placing the tortilla on it. Cook time is typically 1-2 minutes per side, but watch for bubbles forming on the surface during the first flip. If the flatbread doesn’t puff, it might be rolled too thick or the heat isn’t high enough; adjust heat and thickness for the next piece.

What to Serve with Your Smoked Paprika Flatbreads

This savory flatbread is more versatile than you might think. The rich flavor from the tortilla recipe with butter makes it a great addition to almost any meal, especially for easy weeknight dinners.

As a Savory Side

These flatbreads are fantastic alongside grilled meats, hearty stews, or roasted vegetables. The paprika and garlic flavor makes them a great accompaniment to Mediterranean or Spanish-inspired dishes. Try them with a simple lentil soup or a slow-cooked chicken dish for a filling, family-friendly meal.

Dipping Sauce Options

Serve these warm flatbreads with a creamy hummus, a simple yogurt dip with herbs, or a spicy marinara sauce. The butter swirl makes them rich enough on their own, but a cool dip offers a great contrast.

Creative Toppings

Top the warm flatbreads with melted cheese, a fried egg, or use them as the base for a quick pizza or appetizer. These flatbreads can be used as a base for easy weeknight dinners.

FAQs

Can I use this tortilla recipe with butter to make standard tortillas without the swirl?

Yes, you can skip the swirl step and simply knead the extra butter directly into the main dough. However, you lose the visual appeal and intense flavor layering that makes this specific tortilla recipe with butter so unique.

How long do these flatbreads last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy meal prep. To reheat, warm them briefly on a dry skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per flatbread.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours) after the initial 30-minute rest. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with rolling and shaping.

What other seasonings work well for the butter swirl?

You can customize the flavor profile by swapping the smoked paprika and garlic for a blend of za’atar, Italian seasoning, or a mix of chili powder and cumin. *I often make a high-protein version by adding nutritional yeast to the seasoning mix.*

Can I freeze these tortillas?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked flatbreads by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, freeze the raw, shaped tortillas layered between parchment paper; cook from frozen on a lower heat setting until golden.

Why did my flatbreads come out hard and dry?

This often happens if the dough was over-kneaded (making it tough) or cooked for too long at too high a heat. Ensure you knead only until elastic and cook just until golden spots appear, being careful not to overcook this particular tortilla recipe with butter.

Conclusion

This tortilla recipe with butter is a perfect way to elevate a simple meal, delivering a rich, flavorful flatbread that looks as good as it tastes. The unique butter swirl technique adds a special touch without adding complexity to your cooking process. Save this recipe on Pinterest for your next easy dinner idea.

tortilla recipe with butter

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• Author: Sarah Mali
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 flatbreads 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe creates savory, soft flatbreads featuring a unique technique where smoked paprika and garlic butter are spread on the dough before rolling, resulting in flavorful swirls in every bite. It’s a great alternative to store-bought flatbreads for easy weeknight dinners or dipping alongside meals.

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Ingredients

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• 300 g all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 5 g fine sea salt
• 30 g unsalted butter, softened, for the dough
• 180 ml warm water
• 60 g unsalted butter, softened, for the swirl and brushing
• 5 g smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 5 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dough Base: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Rub in 30g softened butter until crumbly, then add warm water gradually until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then rest for 30 minutes.
2. Mix Flavored Butter: While the dough rests, mix the remaining 60g softened butter with smoked paprika and minced garlic until fully combined.
3. Spread Dough Layers: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll one portion into a thin rectangle (approx. 15×20 cm) and spread about 1 tablespoon of flavored butter evenly over the surface.
4. Create Swirl Log: Tightly roll the buttered rectangle into a log from the long side. Slice the log into three equal pieces.
5. Roll Tortillas Thin: Take one sliced piece and gently flatten it, then roll into a thin round tortilla (approx. 18-20 cm diameter). Repeat for all pieces.
6. Cook Flatbreads: Heat a dry cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and it puffs slightly.
7. Finish and Serve: Immediately brush cooked tortillas with remaining butter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

To achieve a smooth dough and proper texture during rolling, ensure both butter portions are softened to room temperature. To achieve a good puff, ensure the skillet is hot and cook quickly for 1-2 minutes per side; overcooking will result in a dry texture.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 flatbread
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg