I’m not sure if you know this, but I love Mexican food. The thing is that it’s hard to find time to make everything from scratch – like enchiladas for example. But the good news is that there are ways around it! One way of storing your favorite Mexican dishes (like these delicious enchiladas) without all the fuss is freezing them before cooking. This article will show you how!
Enchiladas: Main Ingredients
Enchiladas originated in Mexico but have become popular throughout North America. They are a type of dish made with corn tortillas stuffed with meat, cheese or other ingredients. They can be covered in sauce and baked until the tortilla is crisp, like an imitation of nacho chip.
Enchiladas have a few simple requirements. The most important ingredient is the enchilada sauce, typically made with chili powder and garlic to give it flavor. Enchiladas are usually filled with shredded meat or cheese before they’re rolled up in tortillas. Many recipes also call for onion or bell pepper as well as other vegetables.
The Best Way to Freeze Enchiladas
There are a few different ways to freeze enchiladas. It is recommended that you use freezer-safe containers or bags for freezing, as well as wrap the entire dish in foil. If using plastic storage containers, be sure to leave around an inch of space between each layer so there isn’t any overlap once it’s frozen. Then seal tightly and place upright on its side inside your freezer for optimal storage.
If you prefer not to use any kind of storage container, wrapping each individual package with aluminum foil before placing them into a freezer bag will work just fine too! Once they’re all wrapped up individually like this, stack them on top of one another inside the larger bag until full then seal shut.
To bake frozen enchiladas, simply remove the foil and place them on a baking sheet inside your oven without thawing first.
Cautions:
- Don’t forget to mark the date and contents on the bag when storing it in your freezer.
- Take extra care when cooking with freezer-safe bags because they are not always microwave safe!
Freezing Assembled Casserole
Freezing an assembled casserole is very simple. Just place the dish in the freezer for a few hours until it’s firm enough to cut without breaking. Once frozen, remove from the dish and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing back into the freezer.
If you’re going to freeze your casserole for more than two months, consider using a vacuum sealer instead of just wrapping it up in regular plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will keep out any frost or ice that may form during long-term storage.
When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed on your recipe—usually at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes.
How Long Does Enchiladas Last in Freezer?
Enchiladas can be stored in the freezer for about three to four months if properly wrapped and packaged. This may vary depending on how you choose to freeze your enchilada dish though. For example, if using a plastic storage container instead of foil or freezer bags, make sure there is enough room between each layer so as not to cause any overlap once frozen.
If freezing multiple casseroles at one time (like with lasagna), consider dividing them up into smaller portions before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap first—especially if attempting this with glass dishes which are more fragile and breakable when dropped from certain angles.
Freezing Enchiladas With Sauce
When freezing enchiladas with sauce, it’s important to freeze them on a flat surface so they don’t stick together and are easy to separate when reheating.
Make some extra sauce to freeze separately from the enchiladas, even if it means scooping some out of the pot before filling the tortillas. Save some of the excess sauce in a separate freezer bag for when you cook your enchiladas. It’s always better to have too much than too little!
Enchiladas with sauce should also be frozen in a plastic container, as the sauce will take on a more metallic flavor if frozen in an aluminum wrap alongside the rest of the enchilada.
Cook With Ease!
These are only some of the ways you can freeze enchiladas. There’s no need for despair when it comes to making your favorite Mexican dishes at home. You can store them in the freezer with ease and cook or heat up whenever you’re ready! To see how, just follow these steps below. If you want more tips on storing food before cooking, check out our other blog posts here – we have plenty of resources that will help make your life easier!