Empanadas, a staple of Spanish cuisine, consist of delicate, flaky pastry pockets filled with a medley of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and more. In some cases, these delectable pastries can be served as a satisfying main course. The name ’empanada’ is derived from the Spanish verb ’empanar,’ which translates to ‘enbreaded,’ meaning wrapped or coated in bread.
Empanadas are an excellent way to repurpose leftover meat, poultry, or seafood, and they can be made with a variety of fillings, including traditional meat options as well as chicken or fish. For the more adventurous, making your own empanada dough is a fun and rewarding experience.
As someone who has had the pleasure of trying empanadas, I can attest to their enduring appeal. These versatile pastries have earned my enthusiastic endorsement. In fact, I believe they are a culinary gift to humanity – no exaggeration! Whether you’re in need of an after-school snack for a finicky youngster or a last-minute appetizer, empanadas are the ultimate saviors, always ready to save the day with their savory goodness.
30+ Best Empanadas Recipes That You’ll Love
While empanadas originated in Spain, their popularity has spread to Southern European and Latin American countries. While there are numerous recipes available online, many can be challenging to make and often don’t satisfy even the largest appetites. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a selection of easy-to-follow empanada recipes that are sure to please both family and friends. The best part? These empanadas freeze well and can be baked to perfection in mere minutes, making them a convenient option for any meal or gathering.
Easy Vegan Empanada Dough
Embracing the art of empanada-making, we’re about to crack the code to this savory pastry. At Our Plant Based World, we’re passionate about bringing you mouthwatering recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. In just 10 minutes, you can treat your taste buds to a delightful empanada, perfect for snacking or as a satisfying meal. To achieve the perfect dough, don’t be afraid to get hands-on and knead it with gusto – after all, a little bit of butter never hurt anyone! And why stop there? Add some minced guanciale for an extra boost of flavor. But what about the filling? For our pork and cabbage empanada, we’re taking a shortcut by blanching the cabbage to reduce cooking time and enhance its natural sweetness. With just 5 ingredients and 12 servings, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their snack game or satisfy a crowd.
Empanada De Pollo (Chicken Empanada)
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a flaky pastry crust, infused with the bold flavors of Mexico. Sounds like a culinary dream come true? Look no further than these Mexican chicken hand pies, also known as empanadas de Pollo. With only 40 minutes of total preparation time and serving six people, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for both family gatherings and special occasions like dinner parties or potlucks. To get started, you’ll need just 11 ingredients, including Mexican seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and corn. Let the aroma of these hand-held treats transport you to a fiesta in your kitchen!
Cheesy Beef Empanada
With its delectable flavor and simplicity, the Cheesy Beef Empanada is sure to become a family favorite. Brought to you by Delish, this mouthwatering dish requires just 2 hours of your time to prepare and serves 15 people. The recipe features an impressive 23 ingredients, making it a great option for those looking for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make. When you’re craving something satisfying yet effortless to enjoy with loved ones, the oven-baked Empanada is the perfect choice.
Vegetarian Empanada
Indulge in a deliciously saucy snack with this vegetarian Empanada recipe from Chisel and Fork. Perfect for sharing at your next potluck or picnic, these bite-sized treats can be baked to crispy perfection within 1 hour and 50 minutes, serving up to 9 people. The recipe features 28 ingredients, including the option to prepare the filling in advance and dough ahead of time. Simply fill the pockets with the savory mixture, then bake or fry until golden brown for a comforting treat that’s sure to satisfy.
Baked Chicken Empanada
Indulge in a creative spin on the classic chicken empanada recipe by Woman Scribbles. This delectable treat combines tender chicken, mildly sweet vegetables, and a crispy cheddar cheese crust, perfect for impressing family and friends at your next gathering or satisfying your cravings throughout the week. With a total preparation time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, this recipe yields 12 mouth-watering empanadas that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Pumpkin Empanada
With Sweet Life Bake’s image and recipe, these pumpkin empanadas combine the flaky, crispy texture of the empanada layer with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin. This delightful treat is not only easy to make but also perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for an after-school snack for the kids or a quick dessert option for Thanksgiving or Easter, these empanadas are sure to please. Plus, they can be prepped and popped into the oven in under 15 minutes, making them a great choice for busy days. With only about an hour and 20 minutes of total time required and serving 14-16 people, this recipe is perfect for families or gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures in these pumpkin empanadas makes them a standout Fall treat.
Cheese Empanada
With Easy Recipe Depot, you can indulge in the scrumptious world of Cheese Empanadas that are both effortless to prepare and tantalize your taste buds. This mouthwatering recipe requires just 9 essential pantry staples and a mere 1 hour and 25 minutes of your time. The end result is a delightful treat that yields 12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all to yourself. As the cheese melts and the center bursts forth with its lava-like consistency, you’ll understand why these empanadas are an instant hit among everyone who tries them.
Caramel Apple Empanada
In this delightful dessert recipe, Jamison Joy brings together the warm flavors of fall in the form of delectable apple empanadas. With just 2 hours and 20 minutes of your time, you can create these 24 servings of sweet treats that combine fresh apples with a hint of cinnamon sugar. The rope-like edges add an extra layer of visual appeal to this already mouthwatering dessert.
Spanish Potato Empanada
Authentic Spanish Potato Empanadas are a culinary treasure that deserves to be devoured by everyone. If you’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in this Spanish staple, then let me enlighten you – these empanadas are simplicity at its finest, yet packed with flavor. With just three essential ingredients: potatoes, eggs, and salt, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for their unassuming charm. And I should know, as Spain On A Fork brings you this scrumptious recipe that yields 12 mouthwatering empanadas in a mere hour – talk about convenience!
Air Fryer Empanada
Indulge in the delightful taste of Amanda’s cooking with this innovative air-fried Empanada recipe, carefully crafted to eliminate excess oil while maintaining the rich flavor profile of traditional ground beef empanadas. This healthier alternative is perfect for satisfying your evening cravings, and can be easily prepared in just 23 minutes, serving a crowd of six. The impressive list of nine ingredients ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making this dish an ideal choice for any occasion.
Keto Empanadas
Indulge in the flavors of South America with these scrumptious keto empanadas, guilt-free! Made with almond flour, this recipe yields a satisfying crunch, flaky texture, and a rich buttery goodness that will keep you full and satisfied all day long. With only 14 ingredients and a total prep time of 45 minutes, you’ll be enjoying eight servings in no time. Say goodbye to cravings and hello to a delicious snack option that fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle.
Beef Empanada
Indulge in the delightful taste of empanadas with this straightforward recipe from Table for Two! With a preparation time of just 40 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with 25 servings of aromatic and flavorful goodness at an unbeatable price. This simple yet effective approach requires minimal effort, yielding a culinary experience that’s well worth the investment.
Cheesy Ground Beef Empanada
Indulge in the rich flavors of these delectable cheesy beef Empanadas, crafted by Great Grubs, Delicious Treats. With a total preparation time of 50 minutes and serving 16 people, this mouthwatering treat is perfect for any gathering or occasion.
The savory filling combines seasoned ground beef with two types of cheese, black olives, and raisins, creating an irresistible blend that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. These empanadas make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish that will surely leave you craving more.
Sweet Potato Empanadas
Homemade empanadas, a delightful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Our recipe, courtesy of Dora’s Table, yields 16 tender pastries filled with a scrumptious sweet potato mixture infused with cinnamon and anise. The combination of warm, freshly baked pastry and the savory-sweet filling is nothing short of magic. We recommend serving them with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate dessert experience. To make this culinary delight, you’ll need 13 ingredients and about 2 hours of your time.
Vegan Empanada
Begin by combining the essence of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage with the convenience of a quick and easy recipe, courtesy of Began In The Freezer. This flavorful vegan empanada is comprised of two essential components: a savory filling and a tender dough. The result is an addictive pastry filled to the brim with sautéed mushrooms, sofrito – a blend of bell peppers, onion, and tomato – and more. With a total preparation time of just one hour and serving 12 individuals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. As you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where the aromas and flavors of this beloved dish have been delighting taste buds for generations.
Mexican Chicken Empanada
The Tortilla Channel has shared a mouth-watering recipe for chicken empanadas that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just 7 ingredients, including juicy chicken breast and a blend of Mexican seasonings, these flaky pastries are sure to impress. And the best part? They only take 35 minutes to prepare, serving 12 hungry mouths. For an extra touch of golden goodness, try brushing them with an egg yolk wash before baking. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or just want a delicious snack, these empanadas are sure to be a hit – even the kids will love ’em!
S’mores Empanadas A Sweet Dessert
Indulge in the sweet delight of S’Mores Empanadas, a scrumptious twist on the classic treat. These bite-sized wonders boast 10 ingredients and require just 57 minutes to prepare, yielding 10 servings that are sure to impress. The perfect fusion of chocolatey goodness, toasted marshmallows, and crispy pastry, these empanadas are almost too cute to eat – almost. Kids will be enchanted by the first glance, while adults will appreciate the versatility of serving them as a dessert option. Feel free to mix things up with added raisins and a sprinkle of coconut powder for an extra layer of flavor.
Pineapple Empanada
Sweet Life Bake brings you this delightful recipe for pineapple empanadas, a treat that’s sure to impress. With only an hour and 30 minutes of your time, you can create eight delectable bites packed with the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of juicy pineapples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste experience. Simply bake them until golden brown and serve warm for the ultimate tropical treat.
Beef and Chorizo Empanada
Junblog’s Chorizo and Beef Empanadas transport the flavors of Argentina to your dinner table, without the need for deep-frying. These delectable pastries take just over an hour and 20 minutes to prepare, yielding a batch of 8 tender and crispy empanadas that are perfect as a snack or party appetizer. With only 19 ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to its reliance on fresh and accessible components. Simply mix, shape, and bake – the result is a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Baked Wonton Beef Empanadas
Elevate your next gathering with this extraordinary empanada recipe from Busy In Brooklyn. With its bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The combination of spicy steak, paprika, and garlic onion powder adds a thrilling kick that will leave everyone wanting more. As the savory aromas of garlic, onion, and paprika mingle together, you’ll be transported to an Asian-inspired culinary adventure. These versatile empanadas can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even served alongside other dishes.
Easy Healthy Vegetarian Empanadas
The delightful combination of black beans, white cheddar cubes, corn, and diced zucchini makes these empanadas a wonderful treat for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. In just over an hour, you can prepare 20 of these tasty treats that are sure to please your guests, regardless of their dietary preferences. The filling is rich in flavor and offers a delightful contrast of textures. With only eight ingredients needed, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for parties or gatherings where you want to ensure all guests have something they’ll enjoy.
Baked Apple Cheesecake Empanada (Dairy-free)
This innovative empanada recipe by Healthy Delicious combines the classic hand pie with a twist. By incorporating homemade apple pie filling and sweetened cream cheese within a tender- crisp empanada dough, we’ve created a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried options. With only 1 hour of total time required and serving 10 people, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for game nights with friends and family. Simply gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy these scrumptious Apple Cheesecake Empanadas, baked to perfection rather than deep-fried.
Air Fryer Empanada
Looking for a quick and easy recipe to impress your friends? Healthy Delicious has got you covered! With just 23 minutes of total time, these Ary fried empanadas are perfect for unexpected guests. Made with only four ingredients, don’t let their simplicity fool you – they’re packed with flavor and make great appetizers too. And the best part? They’re ready to serve in under half an hour. Simply follow this recipe and enjoy the delicious taste of our Ary fried empanadas.
Taco Bell Caramel Empanada Recipe
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of Taco Bell caramel empanadas, a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With only an hour of preparation time, this delectable treat is perfect for serving 8 people. The harmonious blend of 10 carefully selected ingredients, including apple and butter, creates a unique flavor profile that will revolutionize your dessert game.
Delectable Mojo Pork Empanadas
Ditch those uninspiring recipes and elevate your culinary experience! Walking on Travels brings you an extraordinary treat: pork sofrito and vegetable-filled empanadas, wrapped in a crispy pastry. Within this delicious package, you’ll discover flavorful pork, aromatic sofrito, and crunchy vegetables that will delight even the most refined palates. These Pork Empanadas pair perfectly with a glass of rich red wine, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ground Beef Empanadas
Imagine gathering around the table to indulge in a flavorful feast that embodies the spirit of Chile’s Independence Day. This delectable Ground beef Empanadas recipe is sure to impress, boasting a rich filling that’s bursting with excitement! A perfect blend of chili powder, olives, and garlic creates an irresistible marinade, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Serve it with a tangy Pebre sauce and get ready for your guests to swoon in delight. With a total cooking time of 50 minutes and serving 12 people, this recipe is the perfect solution for any celebration or casual gathering. Comprising 15 essential ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly these empanadas come together.
Chicken Empanadas
The Modern Proper brings you a mouthwatering empanada recipe that’s sure to please the entire family. With only 1 hour and 5 minutes of total time required, this weeknight dinner solution is both convenient and delicious. The sweet chicken-and-veggie filling is elevated by a zesty, cheesy sauce that will leave you craving more. Shredded chicken flavored with garlic and onion adds a savory depth to the buttery-baked crust, making for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Shrimp Empanadas
At Chisel and Fork, we’re thrilled to share our recipe for mouthwatering shrimp empanadas that are perfect for any themed party. These bite-sized treats combine the flavors of chorizo, onion, and cilantro in a simple yet impressive blend. Serve them hot and enjoy an unforgettable appetizer experience. For seafood lovers, this is a must-try. With just 1 hour and 50 minutes of total time required to prepare, you can easily fit these empanadas into your party planning schedule. Each serving yields 8 delicious pieces, and with only 22 ingredients needed, the process is surprisingly straightforward.
Baked Gluten-free Empanadas
Image and recipe by MI Gluten-free Gal. With only 50 minutes of total time required, this delightful dish is perfect for a celebration or a casual get-together with friends and family. The serving size is generous, accommodating six people. You’ll need 10 ingredients to create these mouth-watering empanadas that are sure to disappear quickly. The gooey cheese adds an irresistible charm, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday or simply looking for a tasty recipe to serve at your next social gathering, this gluten-free delight will surely impress. So go ahead, bake away, and enjoy these bite-sized treats on any day of the year!
Dessert Empanada with Blueberry
If you’re a fan of Blueberry cheesecakes, get ready to fall in love with these blueberry empanadas. This innovative recipe takes a classic approach by swapping traditional baking for a deep-frying twist, resulting in an irresistible and delectable treat. Not only are they indulgent, but also budget-friendly and quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for both casual snacks and elegant dinner party desserts. With just 4 ingredients and a total preparation time of 20-25 minutes, you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings in no time.
Keto Beef Empanadas
Here’s a mouth-watering recipe for Keto Beef Empanadas, courtesy of Mess for Less. This impressive dish takes only 40 minutes to prepare, serving 10 people with just 17 ingredients. The best part? It’s perfectly adapted to fit your keto diet needs, offering plenty of protein and minimal sugar content. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner option that the whole family will love, this recipe is an excellent choice. With its speedy preparation time and satisfying outcome, these empanadas are ready to become a staple in your household anytime.
Fried Cheese Empanada
In just 30 minutes, you can treat your family and friends to a delicious and easy-to-make fried cheese empanada recipe courtesy of The Tortilla Channel. This mouth-watering snack requires only three ingredients and is perfect for back-to-school time or any casual gathering. To start, cut out circles from dough using a glass, then fill them with a mix of melty cheese that’s sure to be a kid-pleaser. Next, brush one side of the dough circle with an egg wash before folding it over and frying until golden brown. For an added boost of flavor, consider sprinkling garlic powder on top before serving.
Vegetarian Empanada ( with Puff Pastry)
Jernej Kitchen’s vegetarian empanadas, crafted with puff pastry, offer a delightful snack option for any gathering. With a medley of flavors courtesy of sautéed onions and Red Kuri Squash, these bite-sized treats can be further enhanced by the addition of portobello mushrooms, sweet corn, and refried beans. What sets empanadas apart from other appetizers is their relatively effortless preparation process – simply wrap egg and cheese in puff pastry, bake until golden, and serve warm. These elegant yet uncomplicated pastries are equally suitable as a precursor to dinner or as the main event itself. For an added bonus, they can even double as dessert or provide a fun, kid-friendly activity when involving little helpers.