Freeze your empanadas now: the ultimate meal-prep hack you need!
What To Know
- Remove the empanadas from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours.
- Frozen empanadas make meal planning easier, as you can simply reheat them when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
- Buying empanada ingredients in bulk and making them in large batches can save you money in the long run.
Empanadas, those delightful pastries filled with savory or sweet ingredients, are a culinary delight that can tantalize taste buds and satisfy cravings. But what if you want to enjoy empanadas without the hassle of making them fresh every time? Can you make empanadas and freeze them?
The Answer: Yes, You Can!
The answer is a resounding yes! Empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment. This is a great way to save time and have delicious empanadas on hand whenever you need them.
How to Make and Freeze Empanadas
Making empanadas and freezing them is a simple process that involves a few key steps:
1. Prepare the Empanadas: Fill your empanada dough with your desired fillings, whether it’s savory ground beef, chicken, cheese, or sweet fruit.
2. Seal and Crimp: Fold over the empanada dough and crimp the edges to seal them securely.
3. Egg Wash: Brush the empanadas with an egg wash to give them a golden brown color when baking.
4. Bake (Optional): For immediate consumption, bake the empanadas according to the recipe instructions.
5. Cool: Allow the empanadas to cool completely before freezing.
6. Freeze: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.
7. Store: Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Empanadas
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen empanadas, thawing and reheating them is a breeze:
1. Thaw: Remove the empanadas from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours.
2. Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Air Fryer: Alternatively, you can reheat empanadas in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Benefits of Freezing Empanadas
Freezing empanadas offers several benefits:
- Convenience: Having frozen empanadas on hand allows you to enjoy them whenever you crave them without the need to make them from scratch.
- Time-Saving: Making empanadas ahead of time and freezing them saves you time when you’re short on it.
- Meal Planning: Frozen empanadas make meal planning easier, as you can simply reheat them when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
- Cost-Effective: Buying empanada ingredients in bulk and making them in large batches can save you money in the long run.
Tips for Freezing Empanadas
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will yield the best-tasting empanadas.
- Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling empanadas can cause them to burst when frozen.
- Wrap Tightly: Wrap the empanadas securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Label and date the frozen empanadas for easy identification.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I freeze empanadas that have been fried?
A: Yes, you can freeze fried empanadas. Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
Q: How long can I store frozen empanadas?
A: Frozen empanadas can be stored for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I freeze empanadas with wet fillings?
A: Wet fillings, such as sauces or liquids, may not freeze well and can cause the empanadas to become soggy. It’s best to use dry or semi-dry fillings.
Q: Can I reheat frozen empanadas in the microwave?
A: Reheating frozen empanadas in the microwave is not recommended, as it can make them tough and soggy.
Q: Can I make empanadas with store-bought dough?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought empanada dough. However, homemade dough will typically yield better results.