When you think about empanadas, you might envision a world of flavors wrapped in golden pastry. From Classic Beef Empanadas to Sweet Apple versions, each recipe offers a distinct taste that can enhance any gathering. Perhaps you're in the mood for something spicy, or maybe a cheesy delight is more your style. Whatever your preference, the versatility of empanadas guarantees there's something for everyone. But which recipes truly stand out? Let's investigate the five best options that promise to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Classic Beef Empanadas
Classic Beef Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. With their flaky crust and savory beef filling, these empanadas are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The process of making them isn't only rewarding but also allows you to customize the filling to suit your taste.
Whether you pair them with a zesty chimichurri sauce or enjoy them plain, these empanadas are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
To make the empanadas, start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. While the dough chills, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle, fold the dough over, and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, you can add diced olives, hard-boiled eggs, or diced bell peppers to the beef filling.
Be sure not to overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst during baking. If you prefer a crispier texture, consider frying the empanadas in hot oil instead of baking.
Finally, these empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen. Enjoy your homemade classic beef empanadas!
Spinach and Cheese Empanadas
Spinach and cheese empanadas are a delightful and savory treat that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. The combination of fresh spinach and melty cheese encased in a golden, flaky pastry creates a deliciously satisfying bite that's sure to please anyone.
Whether you're preparing them for a gathering or simply for a comforting meal at home, these empanadas are easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for brushing
Cooking Instructions:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent.
Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a clean surface, place an empanada dough disc and spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling onto one half of the disc.
Fold the other half over the filling, and press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp if desired.
Repeat with remaining discs and filling.
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like parsley or dill into the filling, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you prefer a crispy texture, try frying the empanadas instead of baking them—just heat oil in a deep pan and fry them until golden brown on both sides.
If you're short on time, you can also use frozen spinach, but be sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the cheeses.
Serve these empanadas with a side of chimichurri or salsa for an extra burst of flavor!
Chicken and Salsa Empanadas
Chicken and Salsa Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Latin cuisine into your home. These savory pastries are filled with seasoned chicken and zesty salsa, making them perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish.
Whether you're hosting a party or simply looking for a comforting meal, these empanadas are guaranteed to impress your family and friends with their delightful crunch and flavorful filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Oil for frying (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until well incorporated.
Lay out the empanada dough discs on a clean work surface. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each disc, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer for frying. If baking, place the empanadas on a baking sheet, brush the tops with beaten egg, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. If frying, cook until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a healthier version, you can bake the empanadas instead of frying them, and feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as black beans, corn, or different types of cheese.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicy salsa. To make the empanadas ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking or frying; just remember to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you're ready to cook them, there's no need to thaw—just bake or fry them straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as necessary. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Sweet Apple Empanadas
Sweet apple empanadas are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of baked apples with a flaky crust. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack, these empanadas are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices or toppings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm and inviting dish that's certain to impress family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 package pre-made empanada dough (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the empanada dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each circle, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, you can mix in some raisins or nuts into the apple filling.
If you want a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the filling mixture.
To guarantee the empanadas are perfectly sealed, make sure to press down firmly on the edges with a fork.
For a touch of elegance, dust the empanadas with powdered sugar after baking and serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your sweet apple empanadas!
Spicy Black Bean Empanadas
Spicy Black Bean Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. These savory pastries are filled with a zesty mixture of black beans, spices, and veggies, all encased in a flaky crust. Whether you're serving them as appetizers at a party or enjoying them as a comforting meal, these empanadas are sure to delight your taste buds with their bold flavors and gratifying textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, mashing some of the beans with a fork to create a chunky filling.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough discs. Place a spoonful of the black bean mixture in the center of each disc, fold over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
If you want to make these empanadas ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
Pair your empanadas with a revitalizing salsa or a yogurt-based sauce for dipping to amplify the flavor experience.
Enjoy your spicy black bean empanadas with friends and family for a delightful treat!