Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that is typically made with a tortilla, cheese, and fillings. There are many ways to make quesadillas such as with chicken, ground beef, or ham.
If you enjoy eating quesadillas, you may wonder if you can freeze them for later.
Yes, you can freeze quesadillas. All types of fillings can be frozen, but you will need to prepare them correctly. It’s recommended to freeze quesadillas in layers with a baking sheet between each. This will help keep them from sticking together during freezing. Then place them in a freezer bag. Properly stored, you can keep quesadillas fresh for up to 2 months.
Does Quesadillas Freeze Well?
The quesadillas freeze well in quality, texture, and taste. You can prepare a batch before heading out for the day or even to work in the morning and then enjoy it later on!
The only thing you need to make sure it freezes well is to keep them properly stored. If the bag is not sealed tight, air will leak in and cause the quesadillas to get freezer burn. This will destroy the taste of the quesadillas and you will have no other choice but to throw them away.
How To Freeze Quesadillas
There are two ways to freeze Quesadillas: by placing the whole wrapped quesadilla on a plate with the filling inside it, or by removing the filling from the grilled quesadilla before freezing it. Whichever option you choose, the process of freezing it is the same. Below are the steps to freezing quesadillas:
Step 1: Allow To Cool
After the quesadillas are cooked or you have any leftovers, make sure that it is cooled down to room temperature first. Never try to freeze the quesadillas while it’s still warm. The condensation from it will cause moisture to form in the freezer bag which will destroy the quesadillas when it’s frozen.
In addition, the warmth of the quesadillas will cause other food around it to prematurely thaw.
Step 2: Slicing
Freezing quesadillas whole is fine, but slicing them in small pieces is a much better option. This will make it easier for you to remove and thaw it. Also, it will prevent any leftovers.
Step 3: Flash Freezing
On a clean tray, lay a sheet of baking paper. Then place the quesadillas onto the tray ensuring that they don’t touch each other.
Next, place the tray of quesadillas into the freezer. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours to freeze.
Step 4: Transfer To Freezer Bag
Once the quesadillas are completely frozen, take them out of the freezer. Stack the quesadillas on top of each other with a baking sheet between each. This will prevent them from sticking to each other. Then place them in the freezer bag.
After all the quesadillas are in the bag, press on the bag to remove any excess air before sealing.
Step 5: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write the date of freezing on the bag. Then place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Quesadillas?
Quesadillas can last for up to 2 months in a freezer if stored in a freezer bag. It can last for much longer if it’s vacuum-sealed, which is about 5 months. After that time, the quality of the quesadillas will start to deteriorate. It will become soft and lose some of its flavors.
However, the quesadillas will still be safe to eat, but you may not enjoy the taste of it very much.
How Do You Defrost Quesadillas?
Defrosting a quesadilla is pretty easy. There are a few ways to defrost it in the oven.
The first and best option is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Take the quesadilla out of the freezer and put it on a baking sheet so that all sides are covered with foil or parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until you can easily insert a knife into it without resistance.
The second option is to use the microwave. However, thawing them not correctly will result in the quesadillas becoming soft and watery. When using the microwave, it’s best to thaw them directly from the freezer.
Place the frozen quesadillas onto a plate and put them into the microwave. Heat it at medium heat at 2 minutes intervals until it thaws. Avoid heating it for too long as it will become soggy.
Can You Refreeze Quesadillas?
While you can refreeze quesadillas, it isn’t recommended to freeze them. The reason for this is that the fillings are usually filled with ingredients such as cheese, egg, and meat. These ingredients will start to lose their texture and taste after it’s frozen and thawed the second time.
Other Questions about Quesadillas
Can you freeze chicken quesadillas?
It is possible to freeze chicken quesadillas. However, it is not recommended to do so. The dish will lose its taste and texture, which is because of the moisture that was added during the cooking process.
But if you do want to freeze your quesadillas, make sure you wrap them in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container or baggie before freezing them.