Homemade Empanadas Recipe | Savory & Flaky Pastry
1. Introduction
Empanadas are golden pockets of flavor — flaky, buttery pastry filled with savory or sweet ingredients. These hand-held delights are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course. From a classic beef filling to creative variations with chicken, cheese, or vegetables, empanadas are endlessly customizable and always crowd-pleasing.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make crispy, flaky empanadas with a rich, flavorful filling, along with tips for shaping, sealing, and baking or frying them. By the end, you’ll be ready to create empanadas that are perfect for parties, family dinners, or on-the-go meals.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
1. Empanada Dough (12 discs)
- Homemade or store-bought.
- Flaky pastry dough provides the perfect golden crust.
- Substitution: Puff pastry or pie dough can work in a pinch.
2. Ground Beef (1 pound)
- Classic filling choice. Use lean or medium-fat beef for flavor.
- Alternative: Chicken, pork, or plant-based protein.
3. Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
- Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Enhances savory flavor.
5. Bell Pepper (1 small, diced)
- Optional, for added sweetness and color.
6. Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)
- Adds richness and helps bind the filling.
7. Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- For a smoky depth.
8. Cumin (½ teaspoon)
- Adds warmth and traditional flavor.
9. Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Essential for balanced flavor.
10. Egg (1, beaten)
- Used for egg wash to achieve a golden crust.
11. Oil (1 tablespoon)
- For sautéing the filling ingredients.
Optional Ingredients & Variations
- Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey center.
- Vegetables: Peas, corn, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeño or chili powder.
- Sweet Empanadas: Fill with fruit preserves or dulce de leche.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (3–5 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes more, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas
- Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thick if using homemade.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough disc.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon and press edges together.
- Crimp edges with a fork or by pinching to seal.
- Brush each empanada with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 3: Cook the Empanadas
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Frying:
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry empanadas in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve warm with chimichurri, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for presentation.
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips:
- Chill dough before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill — leave space to fold and seal edges.
- Use a fork or crimping tool for a decorative edge that also seals the filling.
- Let fried empanadas drain on paper towels or a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Variations:
- Cheesy Beef Empanadas: Mix shredded cheese into the filling.
- Chicken & Vegetable: Use shredded cooked chicken with sautéed veggies.
- Vegetarian: Sauté mushrooms, corn, and peppers with spices.
- Sweet Empanadas: Fill with apple, cinnamon, or dulce de leche.
5. Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings:
- Chimichurri or salsa verde.
- Guacamole or sour cream.
- Side salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a rustic wooden platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.
- Stack or fan empanadas for visual appeal.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Refrigerate cooked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5–6 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.
Freezing:
- Freeze uncooked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
7. Recipe Notes
- Dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.
- Egg wash ensures golden color and shine.
- Adjust spices and filling to taste — empanadas are highly customizable.
- For even cooking, avoid overly thick dough or overstuffed empanadas.
8. Nutrition Information (Per 1 Empanada, Beef Filling)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main
Cuisine: Latin / Spanish / Argentine
Servings: 6 (12 empanadas)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 empanada dough discs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and ground beef until cooked. Add tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cool.
- Place 1–2 tbsp filling on dough discs. Fold, seal, and crimp edges. Brush with egg.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or fry at 350°F until golden.
- Serve warm with chimichurri or salsa.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free (if using GF dough)
- Party-Friendly
🌿 Health Benefits
- Provides protein and iron from meat.
- Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Homemade dough and fillings are free from preservatives.
10. FAQs
1. Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for a few hours, or freeze for longer storage.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely — puff pastry or refrigerated pie dough works well.
3. How do I prevent empanadas from breaking?
Chill dough before rolling, don’t overfill, and seal edges properly.
4. Can empanadas be baked or fried?
Yes, both methods work — frying yields extra crispiness, baking is lighter.
5. What sauces go best with empanadas?
Chimichurri, salsa verde, sour cream, or spicy aioli.
11. Final Thoughts
Empanadas are a versatile, flavorful, and portable dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or meal. With a flaky crust and a savory filling, they’re perfect for entertaining or family dinners.
Experiment with fillings, spices, and sauces to create your signature empanada. Serve them hot, golden, and delicious — and watch them disappear fast!