Breakfast burritos are a favorite of many, and that’s no surprise. After all, the delicious and nutritious filling neatly wrapped in a tortilla shell is irresistible. And with things like corn, rice, cheese, salsa, and beef, who can say no? But cold, leftover breakfast burritos are a different story.
If you are also wondering how to revive the texture and flavor of your cold burrito, you’re at the right place!
While many people choose to reheat it on the stove or in the oven, I prefer something much simpler and quicker. I find it much better to just chuck it in the microwave.
And despite what many believe, microwaved breakfast burritos are not dry or soggy. You just need to be a little careful and follow some tips. Yes, it’s that simple!
You no longer need to preheat the oven or fire up the air fryer just to heat a simple breakfast burrito. Especially if you’re a college student living in a dorm room, a microwave is your best bet.
Not convinced?
In this article, I talk about everything you should know when reheating a breakfast burrito in the microwave. By the end of it, you’ll be convinced to take advantage of your microwave.
So let’s get started!
Can you microwave breakfast burritos?
Yes, you can microwave breakfast burritos. It is faster and easier than reheating them in an oven. You just need to make sure you store them correctly. Otherwise, they might get soggy or, worse, spoiled.
To save your leftover breakfast burrito, wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then place it in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. The double wrapping will help retain the moisture so that the burrito doesn’t dry up.
Make sure that the burrito is cool and there’s no steam when storing it; otherwise, moisture will make the reheated burrito soggy. Also, remember that you should eat burritos containing cooked meat within 2-3 days.
To reduce the chances of sogginess, you should eat the leftover burrito the next day. Plus, the longer you keep it in the fridge, the staler it gets and starts losing its flavor.
How do you microwave breakfast burritos?
Unwrap your burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Put a damp paper towel over it and microwave it for 45-60 seconds on high power. Allow it to sit for roughly 45 seconds before opening the microwave and flipping it. Then microwave it for another minute.
Wrapping the burrito with a damp paper towel helps to keep the tortilla moist and soft. This ensures that your burrito doesn’t dry out in the microwave. Remember to wring the paper towel thoroughly; you don’t want it dripping. And make sure to cover the whole burrito, especially the two open ends.
You also need to be careful not to overcook the burrito. The tortilla will get drier and tougher the longer you cook it, and the filling will start to lose moisture. I recommend microwaving the burrito in short intervals instead of in one go to reduce the chances of overcooking it.
If you don’t like your fillings hot, you can take them out before putting the burrito in the microwave. After all, not everyone likes hot sour cream and guac or warm lettuce and tomatoes. Just remember to add them in again before biting into your burrito!
And if you have a frozen breakfast burrito, it’s best to keep it in the fridge the night before and let it thaw. You can also defrost the frozen burrito in the microwave before following the reheating procedure. This will help avoid cold spots.
Is it safe to microwave breakfast burritos?
Yes, it is safe to microwave breakfast burritos. Just make sure you take them out of the foil packaging because it can catch fire.
A burrito is safe to eat if the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it has been in the fridge for more than 2 days, make sure it’s not spoiled.
Once you’re done reheating the burrito, wrap it in foil so that it doesn’t burn your hands. A wrapped burrito is also easier to take with you, especially if you’re in a hurry.
How long does it take to microwave breakfast burritos?
The time it takes for a microwave to heat a breakfast burrito depends on your microwave’s wattage, the number of burritos, and the burrito’s temperature. However, in general, you should microwave it for 45-60 seconds, let it rest for 45 seconds, flip it, then microwave for another minute.
The whole process takes about 2-3 minutes for 1-2 burritos when the microwave is set on high. But if the burritos are frozen, then the whole process can take up to 5 minutes since you need to factor in the defrost cycle, too. If you have a low-wattage microwave, then it might take you longer.
The size of the burrito also affects the length of time. If you have a small burrito, then it’s better if you microwave it for 30 seconds first. Then, if you still find that the burrito is not hot enough, you can warm it in short 10-15-second intervals and check if it is hot enough after each interval.
For large burritos, start by microwaving them for 45 seconds first. Then you can microwave it in short intervals accordingly.
Once the burrito is hot enough from one side, let it rest for another 45 seconds in a closed microwave so that the heat spreads evenly. Then, flip it over and microwave it for another 45-60 seconds in 15-20-seconds intervals.
You can continue microwaving until the burrito is as hot as you like.
And, of course, frozen burritos will take longer than those kept in the fridge, especially if you don’t defrost them beforehand. You might need to experiment with the timings a bit, but once you find the right duration (considering all the factors), you can get the perfect hot burrito every time.
How do you know when the breakfast burrito is done microwaving?
You can be sure that your breakfast burrito is done microwaving by using an instant thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat filling should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also cut the burrito and touch the filling to know if it’s hot enough for you.
If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can simply take a bite out of the burrito. Just cut a small bite and taste it. If the breakfast burrito is heated up, the filling will be juicy and hot while the tortilla will be moist. It’s better if you take a couple of bites to make sure there are no cold spots.
Another way to make sure that the burrito is fully heated is to just microwave it for the entire duration. Don’t forget to flip and microwave the other side too! This way, you won’t leave anything to chance.
Tips to Microwave Breakfast Burritos
Microwaving a breakfast burrito is a little tricky since it can dry out or become soggy if you’re not careful. But by keeping the following tips in mind, you can prevent that from happening:
- Do not microwave plastic wrap or foil unless it says it is microwaveable.
- If your microwave has a reheat function, you should take advantage of that.
- Breakfast burritos tend to dry out quickly in the fridge. To be on the safe side, you can sprinkle some hot sauce or water inside before warming them.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to reheat breakfast burritos in the microwave, you can enjoy a scrumptious burrito with a crispy tortilla and evenly warmed filling. You can pair it up with your favorite sauce, a cup of coffee, and enjoy a hearty breakfast!
FAQ
How can I reheat leftover burritos without making them soggy?
The best way to reheat chipotle burritos is by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving on medium heat for 30 seconds. To avoid a soggy burrito, make sure to remove any sour cream or pico de gallo before reheating. Warm tortillas separately on medium heat until they are soft and pliable. Once the tortilla is warm, add the fillings such as refried beans, shredded cheese, and melted cheese.
What’s the best way to store leftover burritos?
To store leftover burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge overnight if you plan on eating it within 24 hours. If you want to keep it longer than that, freeze it instead.
Can I use flour tortillas for my homemade chipotle burritos?
Yes! Flour tortillas are perfect for making homemade chipotle burritos because they are soft and pliable when warmed up. Warm your flour tortilla separately on medium heat until it becomes soft enough to fold around your desired filling.
What toppings should I put inside my homemade chipotle burrito?
There are many delicious options for filling your homemade chipotle burrito! Some popular choices include refried beans, shredded cheese, melted cheese, pico de gallo or salsa fresca (fresh tomato salsa), guacamole or sliced avocado.
How do I make sure my flour tortilla stays soft after reheating?
To ensure that your flour tortilla stays soft after reheating with other ingredients like refried beans or melted cheese inside of it: first warm up each ingredient separately over medium heat so that everything is heated through evenly; then assemble all of these components together into one cohesive dish before serving immediately while still hot from cooking!
What are some tasty fillings for a carne asada burrito halfway through cooking?
Some delicious fillings for a carne asada burrito halfway through cooking include cilantro rice, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro. You can also add some cold ingredients like diced tomatoes or avocado to give it an extra crunch.
What is the best way to reheat a California burrito?
The best way to reheat a California burrito is by using an oven or toaster oven. Preheat your appliance at 350°F and wrap the burrito tightly in aluminum foil before placing it on an oven rack. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm throughout.