The ultimate empanada time-saver: is it possible to prep them the day before?

Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But what if you don’t have time to make them fresh? Can you make empanadas the day before?

The answer is yes! With a little bit of planning, you can make empanadas ahead of time and reheat them later. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights or for parties.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The first step to making empanadas the day before is to choose the right ingredients. Some fillings, such as cooked meat or vegetables, can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. However, fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes or onions, should be added just before baking.

Preparing the Empanadas

Once you have chosen your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the empanadas. Start by making the dough. You can use a store-bought dough or make your own. If you are making your own dough, be sure to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a thin sheet. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or a glass. Fill each circle with your desired filling.

Sealing the Empanadas

Once the empanadas are filled, it’s time to seal them. You can do this by crimping the edges with a fork or by using a pastry brush to brush the edges with water and then pressing them together.

Baking the Empanadas

Once the empanadas are sealed, they are ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Cooling the Empanadas

Once the empanadas are baked, let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help them to set and prevent the filling from spilling out.

Reheating the Empanadas

If you are making empanadas the day before, you can reheat them in the oven or in the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

To reheat in the microwave, place the empanadas on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Tips for Making Empanadas the Day Before

Here are a few tips for making empanadas the day before:

• Use a sturdy dough that will hold up well when reheated.
• Fill the empanadas tightly, but don’t overfill them.
• Seal the empanadas well to prevent the filling from spilling out.
• Let the empanadas cool completely before storing them.
• Store the empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Ways to Use Empanada Dough

Empanada dough is a versatile dough that can be used to make a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Empanada pockets: Fill empanada dough with your favorite fillings and bake or fry them.
• Empanada pies: Use empanada dough to make a savory or sweet pie.
• Empanada wraps: Wrap your favorite fillings in empanada dough and bake or fry them.
• Empanada breadsticks: Cut empanada dough into strips and bake them until they are golden brown.

What You Need to Know

Can you freeze empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze empanadas. To freeze, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator and then bake or microwave until heated through.

How long do empanadas last in the refrigerator?

Empanadas will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can you make empanadas without baking them?

Yes, you can make empanadas without baking them. To do this, simply fry the empanadas in a pan until they are golden brown.