How To Reheat Enchiladas? 3 Easy Methods For Delicious Leftovers
Enchiladas are one of my favorite Mexican dishes. With their irresistible combination of tortillas, protein, cheese, and sauce, they make for a scrumptious and satisfying meal. Like most leftovers though, enchiladas often need a little help to taste just as amazing when reheated.
In this article, I’ll share the best ways I’ve found to reheat enchiladas to perfection. Whether you made a big batch for meal prepping or have some leftover enchiladas from a restaurant dinner, these simple methods will have them tasting fresh and flavorful again in no time.
Reheating Enchiladas in the Oven
Using your oven is hands down the best way to reheat enchiladas. It evenly distributes heat to warm the enchiladas through without drying them out. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat Oven to 350°F
Make sure to preheat your oven fully before putting the enchiladas in. This allows the oven to reach the proper temperature.
Step 2: Place Enchiladas in Oven-Safe Dish
Put your enchiladas in a casserole dish or baking pan that can withstand oven temperatures. Glass or ceramic oven-safe pans work great.
Step 3: Cover the Dish with Aluminum Foil
Covering the enchiladas with foil helps trap heat and moisture. This prevents the tortillas from drying out as they reheat.
Step 4: Bake for 15-20 Minutes
Pop your foil-covered enchiladas into the preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The timing depends on how many you are reheating.
Step 5: Uncover and Bake 5 More Minutes
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or so. This helps melt and slightly brown the cheese on top.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
Once bubbly and hot, remove the reheated enchiladas from the oven. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving and enjoy!
Reheating Enchiladas in the Microwave
For quicker reheating, the microwave can work in a pinch. You’ll need to take a few extra steps to prevent dryness though. Here’s how:
Step 1: Place Enchiladas in Microwave-Safe Dish
Use a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Glass or ceramic work best.
Step 2: Cover Loosely with Paper Towel or Splatter Guard
Covering prevents splatter but don’t wrap too tightly or the enchiladas may steam unevenly.
Step 3: Microwave in 30 Second Increments
Microwave the enchiladas for 30 seconds at a time. Check and rotate the dish each time.
Step 4: Microwave until Heated Through
Keep reheating in 30 second bursts until the enchiladas are hot. This may take 2-3 minutes total.
Step 5: Let Stand 2 Minutes before Serving
Once done, let the enchiladas stand for 2 minutes before eating so the filling can finish heating.
Reheating Enchiladas in a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven can be great for reheating smaller servings of enchiladas. Here’s a simple method:
Step 1: Place Enchiladas on Baking Rack
Put the enchiladas on the toaster oven’s rack for the best air circulation.
Step 2: Set Temperature to 300°F
To prevent drying, use a lower temp like 300°F when reheating in a toaster oven.
Step 3: Heat for 5 Minutes
Cook for around 5 minutes until warmed through. Add 1-2 minutes if needed.
Step 4: Allow to Rest then Serve
Once heated, let the enchiladas rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Reheating Frozen Enchiladas
For enchiladas that were frozen, you can reheat them from frozen or after thawing:
Option 1: Thaw Overnight in Fridge
Place frozen enchiladas in the fridge to thaw slowly overnight. Then reheat using oven, microwave, or toaster oven.
Option 2: Reheat Frozen Enchiladas in Oven
Bake frozen enchiladas covered in 375°F oven for 35-40 minutes until hot in center. Uncover last 5 minutes.
No matter which reheating method you choose, always check that enchiladas are piping hot all the way through before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering how long enchiladas last or other common questions, here are some quick answers:
How Long Do Leftover Enchiladas Last?
Properly stored, homemade enchiladas last 2-3 days in the fridge and 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I Prepare Enchiladas in Advance?
Yes! Assemble unbaked enchiladas up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. You can also freeze baked enchiladas for longer storage.
What Kind of Tortilla is Best for Freezing?
For freezing, whole wheat or multigrain tortillas hold up better than white flour or corn tortillas.
Helpful Reheating Tips
Use these tips for the very best reheated enchiladas:
- Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for extra gooeyness.
- Place a cup of water in the oven or microwave when reheating to add moisture.
- Reheat sauce separately and pour over enchiladas right before serving.
- Slice reheated enchiladas with a sharp knife for clean cuts through the tortilla.
Conclusion
With these simple methods, leftover enchiladas can taste as delicious as the day you first made them. Oven heating does the best job of evenly warming enchiladas without drying them out. But the microwave or toaster oven can also be used in a pinch.
Next time you make a big batch of enchiladas for meal prepping or have some remaining after dinner, use these tips to reheat them to mouthwatering perfection again. Enjoy your enchiladas now and later with these handy reheating tricks.