Burritos are a convenient and delicious meal, but they aren’t always finished in one sitting. Luckily, there are several easy methods for reheating burritos to bring them back to their just-made taste and texture. This article will provide tips on the best ways to reheat burritos using an oven, microwave, toaster oven or stovetop.
How to Reheat a Burrito in the Oven
The oven provides an evenly heated environment to recreate that just-cooked sensation.
- Preheating – Preheat your oven to 350°F. This brings the oven up to the proper temperature.
- Use Aluminum Foil – Wrap the burrito loosely in aluminum foil. This helps keep the tortilla moist and prevents drying out.
- Time – Place foil-wrapped burrito directly on the oven rack and heat for 10-15 minutes. This gives time for the inside to fully heat.
- Check Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to confirm the burrito center reaches 165°F. The burrito should be hot throughout.
- Add Toppings – Once heated, unwrap and add any desired toppings like salsa, guacamole or cheese.
How to Reheat a Burrito in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick reheating option when you’re in a hurry.
- Use a Microwave-Safe Dish – Place burrito in a microwave-safe plate or bowl. This prevents overheating.
- Add Water – Add a teaspoon of water next to the burrito before microwaving. This creates steam to make the tortilla pliable.
- Time – Microwave burrito on high in 30 second intervals until heated through, around 1-2 minutes total. Check and turn burrito over halfway for even heating.
- Let Sit – Let burrito sit 1-2 minutes after microwaving to allow heat to evenly distribute and prevent hot spots.
- Add Toppings – Once cooled slightly, add any desired toppings.
How to Reheat Burritos in a Toaster Oven
The toaster oven combines quick heating with crisping capabilities.
- Preheat Toaster Oven – Preheat toaster oven to 350°F to fully heat interior.
- Wrap in Foil – Wrap burrito loosely in foil, with openings at both ends. This allows steam to escape.
- Time – Place foil-wrapped burrito directly on the rack. Heat 5-10 minutes until hot throughout.
- Remove Foil – Carefully remove foil once done. This allows the tortilla to crisp up.
- Broil – Switch to broil setting and broil 1-2 minutes if you want a crisper tortilla. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Add Toppings – Add any desired toppings after removing from the toaster oven.
How to Reheat a Burrito on the Stovetop
Use the stovetop to reheat and crisp up burritos.
- Use a Skillet – Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Cast iron works well.
- Add Burrito – Place burrito directly into the hot skillet.
- Time – Cook 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. Press gently with a spatula to promote even browning.
- Check Doneness – Cut into burrito to ensure the center is fully heated through.
- Add Toppings – Slide from skillet and add any desired toppings. Enjoy your crispy burrito!
How to Reheat a Burrito with Lettuce
Lettuce can turn soggy when reheating burritos. Follow these tips to keep lettuce crisp.
- Remove Lettuce – Take lettuce off burrito before reheating if possible.
- Reheat Burrito – Reheat burrito using preferred method without lettuce.
- Re-crisp Lettuce – Separately place removed lettuce on a paper towel lined plate. Microwave in 10 second bursts until crisped.
- Add Lettuce – Add the crisped lettuce back on top of the reheated burrito just before eating.
Or, keep lettuce chilled and fresh by storing separately. Add it cold on top of hot burrito just before serving.
More Questions
Can you reheat a burrito without drying it out?
Yes, use steam or moisture to keep the tortilla pliable when reheating. Microwave with a damp paper towel or reheat in foil.
What is the best reheating method for a frozen burrito?
Thaw first, then reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for best results with frozen burritos.
How do you reheat burritos for a crowd?
Wrap individually in foil and reheat in a 250°F oven until heated through, then transfer to a warming tray to keep hot.
Tips
- Let burritos sit 1-2 minutes after reheating to allow heat to equalize and avoid burns.
- Stir up the fillings to distribute heat evenly, especially for microwaved burritos.
- Use a lower oven temperature (325°F) if you’ll be reheating and holding burritos for serving throughout a meal.
- Store and reheat with any moisture-releasing toppings like salsa, guacamole or sour cream on the side.
- Double wrap burritos in foil for oven reheating if they have been pre-made and refrigerated.
Recipe Ideas
- Breakfast Burritos – Fill with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, sausage or bacon.
- Bean and Rice Burritos – Fill with Spanish rice, pinto or black beans, cheese, lettuce.
- Fajita Burritos – Fill with sauteed peppers and onions, grilled chicken or steak, guacamole.
- Vegetarian Burritos – Fill with sauteed vegetables, brown rice, black beans, avocado.
- Dessert Burritos – Fill a tortilla with fruit, chocolate chips, marshmallows and nuts then grill lightly.
Here are some specific appliance recommendations for reheating a burrito:
Microwave:
- Panasonic NN-SN973S – 1200 watts with Inverter Technology for fast, even heating. Good for quickly reheating single burritos.
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. capacity 1000 watt microwave. Large enough for multiple burritos. Has sensor reheating for convenience.
Oven:
- GE JT5000SFSS – 30″ 5.3 cu. ft. electric oven with convection mode. Good for reheating several foil-wrapped burritos evenly.
- Bosch Benchmark Series BOV5301UC – Double wall oven with convection is great for reheating large batches of burritos.
Toaster Oven:
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro – 1800 watts with convection setting, can hold up to 6 slices for multiple burritos.
- Cuisinart TOB-260N1 – 0.95 cu. ft. capacity, fits 4-6 burritos. Has convection, toast, and pizza settings.
Stovetop:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – 10.25 inch skillet evenly reheats burritos on stovetop. Keeps crispy texture.
- All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Fry Pan – 10 or 12 inch pan with durable nonstick coating ideal for stovetop burrito reheating.
The right appliances make reheating burritos easy and convenient. Look for options with convection, nonstick surfaces, and capacity for multiple burritos.
With some simple preparation, burritos can be easily reheated using the oven, microwave, toaster oven or stove without losing their delicious flavor. Follow these tips for enjoying leftover burritos that taste freshly made. Reheating brings new life to leftover burritos.
