Empanadas are designed to be enjoyed hot, crisp on the outside, and flavorful on the inside. But once they’ve been refrigerated or frozen, reheating them the wrong way can ruin everything, the crust turns soggy or dry, the filling heats unevenly, and the overall eating experience falls flat.
If you’re searching for how to reheat empanadas in oven, you’re already on the right track. The oven is the best and most reliable method for reheating empanadas, whether they are baked or fried, homemade or store-bought, refrigerated or frozen.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to reheat empanadas in the oven, covering temperatures, timing, preparation techniques, common mistakes, food safety, and professional tips used by bakeries, caterers, and food brands. By the end, you’ll know how to restore empanadas to near-fresh quality every time.
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Why Reheating Empanadas in the Oven Is the Best Method
Before jumping into the steps, it’s important to understand why the oven works best for reheating empanadas. Benefits of Reheating Empanadas in the Oven:
- Preserves the crisp or flaky crust
- Heats the filling evenly from edge to center
- Prevents steam buildup that causes sogginess
- Works for both baked empanadas and fried empanadas
- Allows reheating multiple empanadas at once
- Delivers consistent results for home and commercial kitchens
Microwaves may be faster, but they trap moisture and soften the crust. Stovetops can overheat the exterior. Air fryers work well for small batches, but for consistency and scalability, the oven remains the gold standard.
How To Reheat Empanadas In Oven (Basic Method)
This is the core method that works in most situations.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Properly
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This temperature is ideal because it:
- Warms the filling thoroughly
- Re-crisps the crust without burning
- Prevents excessive moisture loss
Avoid higher temperatures like 400°F, which often cause the crust to brown too quickly while the filling remains cold.
Step 2: Prepare Empanadas for Oven Reheating
Proper preparation is essential.
- Remove empanadas from plastic wrap, sealed containers, or bags
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Leave space between empanadas to allow airflow
If empanadas were stored in grease-resistant food packaging, allow them to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes before reheating.
Step 3: Cover Empanadas Loosely with Foil
Loosely tent empanadas with aluminum foil during the first half of reheating.
This step:
- Prevents over-browning
- Helps the filling heat evenly
- Reduces the risk of drying out
Do not wrap empanadas tightly, as this traps steam and causes soggy crusts.
Step 4: Reheat Empanadas in the Oven
Reheat times depend on storage and size:
| Empanada Condition | Reheat Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated empanadas | 10–15 minutes |
| Frozen empanadas | 20–25 minutes |
| Large or thick empanadas | 15–18 minutes |
Remove the foil during the final 3–5 minutes to allow the crust to crisp up.
Step 5: Check Temperature and Rest
Empanadas should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This allows heat to redistribute and prevents filling from spilling out.
How To Reheat Frozen Empanadas In Oven
Frozen empanadas can be reheated directly in the oven, no thawing required.
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place frozen empanadas on a lined baking sheet
- Cover loosely with foil
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes
This method ensures the crust doesn’t burn while the filling fully heats.
How To Reheat Refrigerated Empanadas In Oven
Refrigerated empanadas reheat faster and retain moisture better than frozen ones.
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Reheat time: 10–15 minutes
- Cover lightly with foil
- Remove foil near the end for crispness
This method works well for leftovers stored overnight.
How To Reheat Baked Empanadas In Oven
Baked empanadas tend to be drier than fried ones, so moisture control matters.
- Always reheat at 350°F
- Cover loosely with foil
- Optional: lightly brush crust with oil if it looks dry
- Avoid overbaking
Baked empanadas reheat best when stored in breathable food packaging instead of airtight plastic.
How To Reheat Fried Empanadas In Oven
Fried empanadas benefit greatly from oven reheating because excess oil evaporates.
- Place empanadas on a wire rack set over a baking sheet
- Reheat at 350°F
- Finish uncovered for crisp texture
This method restores crunch without adding more oil.
Best Oven Temperature To Reheat Empanadas
The best temperature to reheat empanadas in the oven is 350°F (175°C).
Why this matters:
- Lower temperatures cause sogginess
- Higher temperatures burn the crust
- Consistent heat ensures even reheating
Patience delivers better texture and flavor.
How Long To Reheat Empanadas In Oven
Reheat time depends on several factors:
- Size and thickness
- Filling type (meat, cheese, vegetables)
- Whether empanadas are baked or fried
General guidelines:
- Small empanadas: 8–12 minutes
- Standard empanadas: 10–15 minutes
- Frozen empanadas: 20–25 minutes
Always rely on internal temperature, not just appearance.
Common Mistakes When Reheating Empanadas In Oven
Avoid these common errors:
- Using very high heat
- Wrapping empanadas tightly in foil
- Reheating in sealed takeout containers
- Reheating empanadas more than once
- Microwaving before oven reheating
These mistakes lead to soggy crusts, dry fillings, and food safety risks.
How To Store Empanadas Before Reheating
Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)
- Store in breathable packaging
- Separate layers with parchment paper
- Consume within 2–3 days
Long-Term Storage (Freezer)
- Wrap individually
- Freeze in a single layer
- Use within 2–3 months
Proper storage makes reheating easier and more consistent.
Food Safety: Is It Safe To Reheat Empanadas?
Yes, reheating empanadas is safe if:
- They reach 165°F internally
- They are reheated only once
- They were stored properly
Never refreeze reheated empanadas.
FAQs: How To Reheat Empanadas In Oven
Can you reheat empanadas in the oven the next day?
Yes. Refrigerated empanadas reheat well at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
What is the best way to reheat empanadas?
The oven is the best way to reheat empanadas because it preserves crispness and heats evenly.
Should empanadas be covered when reheating in the oven?
Yes, loosely covering them prevents drying during reheating.
Can you reheat empanadas without drying them out?
Yes, by using 350°F, covering initially, and avoiding overbaking.
Is it safe to reheat empanadas?
Yes, as long as they reach 165°F and are reheated only once.
Conclusion
Reheating empanadas in the oven isn’t about speed, it’s about control. With the right temperature, timing, and preparation, empanadas can be revived to near-fresh quality, whether you’re serving leftovers at home or reheating dozens for an event.
