Irresistible Empanadas Recipe: Flaky & Flavorful Delights

The aroma of freshly baked empanadas wafts through the air, enticing you with its savory promise. Golden-brown and flaky, they cradle a delicious filling that makes your taste buds dance. Picture biting into that perfectly crisp pastry, where every crunch leads to a burst of flavor that warms your soul.

Empanadas are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of life’s little moments. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply trying to impress friends during game night, these delightful pockets of goodness will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I made these empanadas; my friends declared me the “Goddess of Flakiness” after just one bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour to ensure a perfect dough texture that holds its shape beautifully.

• Butter: Cold butter is key for flaky pastry; it creates those delightful layers we all love.

• Ground Meat (beef or chicken): Choose lean ground meat for a juicy filling without excess grease.

• Onions: Dice finely; they’ll sweeten as they cook and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers add color and crunch; go for a mix of red and green for vibrancy.

• Spices (cumin, paprika): These spices give depth; adjust the amounts based on your heat preference.

• Eggs (for egg wash): A simple egg wash will provide that lovely golden sheen when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: Start by combining all-purpose flour and cold butter in a bowl until crumbly. Gradually add water until it forms a soft dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Sauté the Filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften and smell heavenly. Stir in ground meat, cooking until browned with spices added for flavor.

Shape the Empanadas: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface until thin. Cut into circles using a cutter or glass. Place spoonfuls of filling onto each circle.

Seal Them Up!: Fold each dough circle in half over the filling and crimp edges with a fork to seal tightly. This step ensures no leakage during baking—trust me, you don’t want that mess!

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each empanada with an egg wash for that glossy finish and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Serve Warm and Enjoy!: Let cool slightly before digging in! Pair with salsa or guacamole for extra flavor—it’s like an explosion of happiness in every bite!

Empanadas are not just food; they’re little packages of love wrapped up just waiting to bring joy at your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough, letting it rest while you cook the filling. Assemble, then bake or fry for a crispy finish.

Add Your Touch

Try adding spices like cumin or paprika to elevate the flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses or veggies for unique fillings.

Storing & Reheating

Store empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for maximum crispiness.

Sharing my first experience making empanadas was a delightful disaster! My friends raved about them despite my kitchen looking like a flour bomb exploded.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough for this empanadas recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and works well if you’re in a rush.

What kind of fillings work best for empanadas?

Meat, cheese, vegetables, or even fruits create delicious and varied fillings for empanadas.

How do I know when my empanadas are done baking?

Empanadas should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when fully baked.

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Empanadas

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Empanadas are irresistible pockets of flavor that bring joy to every gathering. With a golden, flaky crust and a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and fresh vegetables, these delightful treats are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main dishes. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, homemade empanadas are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer/Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/2 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (mix of red and green), diced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour and cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until it forms a soft dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Sauté the Filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until softened. Stir in ground meat, cooking until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the Empanadas: Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to thin sheets. Cut into circles and place spoonfuls of filling onto each circle.
4. Seal Them Up: Fold each circle in half over the filling, crimping edges with a fork to seal tightly.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve Warm: Allow to cool slightly before serving with salsa or guacamole.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 empanada (75g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 175mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg