Do Empanadas Need To Be Refrigerated?
Empanadas are absolutely tasty, and given the amount of prep that goes into them, it’s no wonder many want to save them for later. The question is, do empanadas need to be refrigerated?
According to the experts at Mexicali Blue, empanadas do need to be refrigerated, but only after they have already cooled for at least an hour after their initial cooking. This prevents any additional moisture from making the empanadas soggy and protects them from going bad. An empanada can last for a week before becoming unsafe to eat.
In this article, we will go over the answer to the question “Do empanadas need to be refrigerated?” We will also cover some frequently wondered questions such as how to best store empanadas after the best way to prepare them, ad some other often-asked questions about these tasty snacks. With so much to go over, let’s get started immediately.
Do Empanadas Need to Be Refrigerated?
Empanadas are very tasty, and many people attest that you can enjoy them outside of the oven as well as straight out of a refrigerator. That’s right, they’re that good; hot or cold! However, you might prefer them hot and wonder to yourself if it’s really necessary to stick them in the fridge after cooking them.
The answer is, yes, empanadas do need to be refrigerated. This is because they are filled with ingredients that are susceptible to the negative effects of oxidation. Oxidation is when oxygen, as well as heat or light, change the makeup of food so that it loses it’s freshness and begins to break down, going bad. It even facilitates the growth of harmful bacteria.
Empanadas are also so popular because of their pleasant crunch and their flavorful profile. Both of these qualities can get completely lost when it comes to storing them improperly. So, for the safety of your health and the tastiness of your leftovers, refrigerate your empanadas!
How to Prepare and Store Empanadas
Empanadas, getting their roots in Spanish and Latin cultures, are adored all around the world. They are easy to eat, make great party favors, and are not too difficult to prepare, either.
However, as previously mentioned, the key to good empanadas are the balance between crunch and flavor. To keep those two traits the best they can be, let’s go over a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and store empanadas.
- Prepare the Dough – You can either make your own empanada dough with an eggless wheat flour, or you can purchase the dough pre-made (bearing in mind that it will need to be refrigerated before use.)
- Choose Filling Ingredients – One of the joys of making empanadas is found in using leftovers as well as fresh ingredients. Mashed potatoes, ground beef, or even olives, can all contribute to flavorful fillings as long as they’re heated and pulped to fit into the dough crust.
- Make Flat Circles of Dough – Using a rolling pin on a floured, flat surface, create 5-inch circles of dough. Make sure the dough is chilled beforehand.
- Fill the Dough – Use a little under 2 tablespoons of filling and place them in the center of each 5 inch circle. Less is more; it is important not to tear the dough which will need to remain intact for baking.
- Fold Empanadas and Close – Fold one side of the dough circle over the filling, then use the back of a fork to “seal” each with a crimped edge.
- Place on a Baking Sheet – You will want to keep each empanada at least an inch apart and make sure the baking sheet has a rim along the edge. This will prevent any spilling in the event that an empanada has too much filling and opens during the baking process.
- Bake – If you choose to bake empanadas, place them in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow to Cool – Cool the empanadas for at least an hour after baking before you try to store them; however, you’re free to begin eating as many as you like in the meantime!
- Store in an Airtight container – An airtight container will prevent the previously-mentioned oxidation effects. This can be a glass container with a sealed lid, plastic tupper-ware, or even plastic or foil wrap, as long as it is airtight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s look at some answers to often-asked questions on this topic.
How long do empanadas last in the fridge?
They can last for at least a week in the fridge, even if their contents include meat or cheese. This is only if they are carefully sealed, however, and allowed to cool for an hour before being refrigerated.
Can you freeze empanadas?
Yes, it is possible to freeze them, but they are not likely to retain their flavor or the crispiness of their crust. Therefore, we do not recommend freezing them.
On our website, you can find a number of interesting articles like Do Dill Pickles Need To Be Refrigerated?, Can You Freeze Bologna?, Do Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?, and Do Custard Donuts Need To Be Refrigerated?
In Conclusion
In conclusion, empanadas do need to be refrigerated. This prevents the contents inside from going bad. More importantly, it protects the flavor and even crispiness of it. As long as they are cooled for an hour after cooking and placed in an airtight container, you’ll be able to enjoy your empanadas for at least a week!
