How to Reheat Enchiladas – 4 Best Ways
Enchiladas, with their rich combination of flavors and textures, is such a popular homemade Mexican food. Whether you’ve made a batch of homemade enchiladas from scratch or have some delicious leftovers from your favorite Mexican restaurant, learning how to reheat enchiladas is key to preserving their original taste and texture. In this guide, we’ll look at the various methods to ensure your leftover enchiladas are heated just right.
The best way to reheat enchiladas the next day for an easy meal on busy weeknights is to find a balance between speed and technique. No matter which method you decide is the best method for you, the key is to preserve the integrity of the dish.
Experiment with these methods to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and the time you have for the best results! Let’s get into the methods and each option’s step-by-step guide.
Oven Method
One of the most foolproof methods for reheating enchiladas is using the conventional oven, I always use this way when reheating my favorite white chicken enchiladas.
This method ensures that the enchiladas are evenly heated and the tortillas are restored to their original texture so you don’t have soggy enchiladas.
- Preheat your oven temperature to around 350°F (175°C).
- Place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Cover the oven-safe container with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the edges from drying out.
- Heat for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the enchiladas are thoroughly heated.
- Add a little enchilada sauce to complete the meal.
The simple steps for the oven method are ideal for maintaining the integrity of the enchiladas because it gently warms them without compromising the flavors or texture of your homemade enchiladas.
Microwave Method
If time is of the essence, the microwave is a convenient option for reheating enchiladas. But this method requires a little bit more attention to prevent sogginess.
- Place enchiladas on a microwave safe dish.
- Place a damp paper towel over the enchiladas to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking and stirring between intervals.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as this can lead to a loss of texture.
- Add some sauce and sour cream to finish it off.
While the microwave is a speedy option, the only drawback is that it may not give you the same crispiness as oven reheating.
It’s a good choice when you need a quick fix in 2-4 minutes, but can sacrifice a bit on texture. It’s not necessarily the best option for perfectly reheated enchiladas, but it’s a good option for reheating smaller portions.
Skillet Method
For those who appreciate a bit of crispiness from their enchiladas leftovers, the skillet method can be a game-changer.
- Preheat a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Place the enchiladas in the skillet, turning them occasionally to ensure even heating.
- This method is quick and results in slightly crispy edges while keeping the interior warm.
- Add more green enchilada sauce or red enchilada sauce at the end to warm the sauce without making soggy tortillas.
The skillet method strikes a balance between speed and texture, giving you a great contrast between the slightly crispy exterior and the tender interior. No matter the type of enchilada you’re reheating, this is an easy way to keep a close eye on it and prevent uneven heating.
Toaster Oven Method
If you’re looking for a reheating process that is a middle ground between the oven and microwave, the toaster oven is an excellent option. It combines the efficiency of a microwave with the ability to achieve a bit of crispiness for delicious enchiladas.
- Preheat the toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C).
- Place the enchiladas on a toaster oven-safe baking dish.
- Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes of cooking time, checking periodically for the desired warmth.
- Top it off with some remaining enchilada sauce to finish.
The toaster oven is a versatile choice, especially for smaller quantities of enchiladas. It offers a balance between speed, texture, and preserving the flavors of the dish, making it a handy tool in the reheating arsenal.
