Enchilada is obviously one of the tasty Mexican delicacies loved by many people. Due to its simple preparation, this casserole dish is also a popular choice for make-ahead and freezer meals.
Whether having leftovers from last night’s dinner or stocking up for quick weekday meals, you can efficiently heat up enchiladas with great success.
Unlike reheating tacos and burritos that require more detailed steps, reheating enchiladas is extremely easy and straightforward.
In this article, we will walk you through the ultimate ways to reheat leftover enchiladas. The best option is reheating in the oven. Although it may take time, this popular reheating method is known for preserving the texture and quality of baked dishes.
Of course, we also give other alternatives in case you’re in a hurry. So, keep reading and be ready to take notes!
How to Reheat Enchiladas in An Oven
Reheating enchiladas in the oven is considered the best technique. It can heat up the tortillas nicely and retain the texture and flavors exceptionally well. The only drawback is this method requires time and patience. So, make sure you have enough time and are not too hungry!
Here is how to reheat leftover enchiladas in an oven.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
2. Place enchiladas in an oven-safe dish. Add more sauce if you’d like.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. If it’s not covered, the tortilla wrappers are likely to dry out.
4. Bake for approximately 15 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. The cooking time depends on the portions.
5. After thoroughly warmed, remove the foil. At this step, you can add extra cheese if desired and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!
For frozen enchiladas, you can reheat them after thawing in advance. If you forgot to defrost them, it is possible to reheat them from the frozen state straight from the freezer.
Follow similar procedures above and simply add 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time (step 4) to compensate for the thawing.
Note: You can also reheat frozen enchiladas in an air fryer or oven too.
How To Warm Up Enchiladas in a Microwave
The only drawback of this handy method is the tortilla wrappers turn a bit chewier.
Sometimes reheating in an oven is not always the best option.
For example, when you only need to reheat an individual portion or when you need a quick fix for your savory cravings in the middle of the night.
In both cases, reheating in a microwave will do the trick!
Here are our detailed instructions on how to heat up enchiladas in a microwave.
1. Place a portion of enchiladas in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Add more sauce or cheese to your liking.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap to help retain moisture.
4. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on medium power.
5. Check whether it is thoroughly heated. If not, put it back and continue reheating with short intervals of 20 to 30 seconds until it is thoroughly warmed all the way to the center.
6. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
FAQs
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and assemble the tortillas, savory fillings, and sauces. Wrap tightly and keep refrigerated for the next day’s baking. If you want to freeze the ingredients, you can freeze the rolled tortillas and the sauce separately, so they don’t turn watery.
How long are beef enchiladas good for in the fridge?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated for 2 to 4 days. If you don’t want to transfer them from the baking dish, at least cover the container with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating.
How long is enchilada sauce good in the fridge?
Homemade red sauce (salsa Roja) can be refrigerated for around 5 to 7 days in an airtight container. If you plan to use it next month, luckily, it freezes exceptionally well.
Can I freeze leftover enchiladas?
Of course! For freezing a massive amount of leftover, consider portioning it into each serving size. Pack each portion in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for approximately 2 to 3 months.
The Bottom Line
Luckily, reheating enchiladas is simple and straightforward. The best method is reheating in an oven, but it takes time. Warming up enchiladas in a microwave comes in handy when you only need to heat up a single portion for yourself.
Follow our guide so they are as delectable as when you just baked them! Don’t forget to make these sides for enchiladas too.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
