Empanadas, those delightful pockets of savory or sweet fillings encased in flaky dough, are a culinary staple in many cultures. They are perfect for parties, quick lunches, or satisfying dinners. But what if you’re short on time? Can you prepare empanadas ahead of time? The answer is a resounding yes! However, there are specific strategies and considerations to ensure your pre-prepared empanadas are as delicious as freshly made ones. This guide explores the best methods for making empanadas in advance, covering everything from dough preparation to cooking and storage.
Making the Dough Ahead: The Foundation of Flavor
The dough is the heart of any good empanada. Preparing it in advance can significantly streamline the assembly process. Freezing the dough is a popular and effective method, allowing you to have ready-to-use discs whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing Empanada Dough
Most empanada dough recipes freeze exceptionally well. Whether you’re using a traditional pastry dough, a corn-based dough, or a gluten-free alternative, the principle remains the same: prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture.
Once your dough is prepared, divide it into portions suitable for individual empanadas or larger batches. Flatten each portion into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For added protection, place the wrapped discs in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. This double layer of protection will prevent the dough from drying out and absorbing unwanted freezer odors.
Proper labeling is crucial. Clearly mark the bag with the date and type of dough (e.g., “Pastry Dough for Empanadas – 10/26/2023”). This avoids confusion and ensures you use the oldest dough first.
When you’re ready to use the frozen dough, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dough’s texture and prevents it from becoming sticky or difficult to handle. If you’re short on time, you can thaw the dough at room temperature, but keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too soft.
Once thawed, the dough may need a brief kneading to restore its elasticity. Roll it out to your desired thickness and proceed with filling and shaping your empanadas.
Refrigerating Empanada Dough
If you plan to use the dough within a day or two, refrigeration is a viable option. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Storing it in the refrigerator allows the gluten to relax, which can result in a more tender and easier-to-handle dough. However, be mindful that refrigerated dough can sometimes become slightly discolored on the surface. This is generally harmless and won’t affect the flavor or quality of the final product.
Preparing the Filling in Advance: Maximizing Flavor and Efficiency
The filling is where you can truly unleash your creativity when making empanadas. Whether you’re opting for a classic beef filling, a vegetarian delight, or a sweet treat, preparing the filling ahead of time is an excellent way to save time on the day you plan to assemble and bake or fry your empanadas.
Cooking the Filling Ahead
Most empanada fillings, especially those containing meat, benefit from being cooked in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful final product. Allow the filling to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
When storing the filling, use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Properly stored, cooked empanada fillings can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing the Filling
Freezing is also an option for longer-term storage of empanada fillings. Divide the cooled filling into portions suitable for your empanada recipe and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and type of filling.
When you’re ready to use the frozen filling, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be careful not to overcook it. Once thawed, you may need to drain off any excess liquid that has accumulated during freezing.
Specific Filling Considerations
Some fillings require special attention when preparing them in advance. For example, fillings containing cheese may become watery or separate when frozen and thawed. To minimize this, use cheeses that are known to freeze well, such as cheddar or mozzarella. Avoid using soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese, as they tend to become grainy after freezing.
For sweet fillings, such as fruit-based fillings, you may want to add a small amount of cornstarch or flour to help thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny during baking or frying.
Assembling Empanadas in Advance: To Bake or Not to Bake?
Once you have your dough and filling prepared, you can assemble the empanadas. This is where you have several options for preparing them ahead of time.
Freezing Assembled, Unbaked Empanadas
One of the most convenient ways to prepare empanadas in advance is to assemble them completely and then freeze them before baking or frying. This allows you to have a batch of ready-to-cook empanadas on hand whenever you need them.
To freeze assembled empanadas, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the empanadas are not touching each other, as this will prevent them from freezing properly. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the empanadas for at least 2 hours, or until they are solid.
Once the empanadas are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and baking instructions. Frozen, unbaked empanadas can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake or fry the frozen empanadas, you can cook them directly from frozen. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Refrigerating Assembled, Unbaked Empanadas
If you plan to bake or fry your empanadas within a day or two, you can refrigerate them after assembly. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with plastic wrap. This will prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerated, unbaked empanadas should be baked or fried as soon as possible, as the dough can become soggy if stored for too long.
Partially Baking Empanadas
Another option is to partially bake the empanadas before freezing or refrigerating them. This involves baking them for a shorter time than usual, just until the dough is set but not fully browned. This can help prevent the filling from becoming overcooked when you finish baking them later.
To partially bake empanadas, bake them at the recommended temperature for about half the usual baking time. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, you can freeze or refrigerate them as described above.
When you’re ready to finish baking the empanadas, bake them at the recommended temperature for the remaining baking time, or until they are golden brown.
Baking or Frying Ahead: Considerations for Reheating
While freshly baked or fried empanadas are always the most delicious, you can also bake or fry them ahead of time and reheat them later. However, this method requires some extra care to ensure the empanadas retain their flavor and texture.
Reheating Baked Empanadas
Baked empanadas can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
To reheat them in the microwave, place the empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Be aware that microwaving can make the crust soggy.
To reheat them in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
Reheating Fried Empanadas
Fried empanadas are best reheated in the oven or air fryer, as these methods help to restore some of their crispness.
To reheat them in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
To reheat them in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
Tips for Success: Ensuring Delicious Pre-Prepared Empanadas
Here are some additional tips to help you prepare empanadas ahead of time with confidence:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be.
- Don’t overfill the empanadas. Overfilling can cause the dough to burst during baking or frying.
- Seal the edges tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking. This will give them a golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or frying pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and prevent the empanadas from cooking evenly.
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from burning your mouth.
By following these tips and techniques, you can easily prepare delicious empanadas ahead of time, saving you time and effort without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re freezing the dough, preparing the filling in advance, or assembling the empanadas ahead of time, there’s a method that will work for your schedule and preferences. Enjoy!
Can I assemble empanadas in advance and store them before baking?
Yes, you can definitely assemble empanadas ahead of time. This is a great way to break up the work and have freshly baked empanadas ready whenever you desire. Simply prepare your dough and filling as instructed, then assemble the empanadas according to your recipe.
Once assembled, carefully place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other. You can then cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can freeze them.
How long can I store unbaked empanadas in the refrigerator?
Unbaked empanadas can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows you to prepare them a day in advance for easy baking when you’re ready to enjoy them. Ensure they are properly covered to prevent them from drying out.
Keeping them refrigerated for longer than 24 hours can lead to the dough becoming soggy or the filling affecting the texture of the dough. Therefore, it’s best to bake them within this timeframe to maintain the best quality and prevent potential issues with the filling.
What’s the best way to freeze unbaked empanadas?
To freeze unbaked empanadas effectively, first place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch. Freeze them uncovered for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together later.
Once frozen solid, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out any excess air. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. Remember to label the bag with the date so you know how long they’ve been frozen.
Do I need to thaw frozen empanadas before baking?
You do not need to thaw frozen empanadas before baking. Baking them directly from frozen actually helps maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy. Adding a few minutes to the baking time is all that’s needed.
Simply preheat your oven as directed in your recipe, and place the frozen empanadas directly onto a baking sheet. Increase the baking time by approximately 5-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Can I bake the empanadas completely and then reheat them later?
Yes, you can bake the empanadas completely and reheat them later. This is a convenient option for meal prepping or for having leftovers. Allow the baked empanadas to cool completely before storing them.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, you can use an oven, microwave, or air fryer for best results. The oven or air fryer will help to restore some of the crispness to the crust.
What’s the best way to reheat baked empanadas?
The best way to reheat baked empanadas is in the oven or air fryer. These methods help to retain or restore the crispness of the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. In the air fryer, reheat for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is also an option, but it can make the crust softer.
Will the type of filling affect how well empanadas can be stored ahead of time?
Yes, the type of filling can indeed affect how well empanadas can be stored ahead of time. Fillings with high moisture content, such as those with lots of vegetables or sauces, can make the dough soggy if stored for extended periods, especially in the refrigerator.
Drier fillings, such as those made with cooked meats or cheeses, tend to hold up better during storage. If using a moist filling, it’s best to bake the empanadas as soon as possible after assembly or to freeze them to prevent sogginess.