Homemade baked empanadas are a delicious pastry filled with savory ingredients such as seasoned meat, vegetables, or cheese. These crispy hand pies are popular in many cuisines, especially in Latin American cooking. They are perfect for family dinners, party appetizers, lunch boxes, and quick snacks. Because they can be baked instead of fried, they are also considered a healthier comfort food option.
This detailed guide includes the complete empanada recipe, preparation steps, cooking tips, and frequently asked questions that people commonly search when looking for easy homemade empanadas, baked pastry recipes, and savory snack ideas.
Ingredients
For the Dough
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ cup cold butter (cubed)
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1 egg
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½ cup cold water
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1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for extra flakiness)
For the Filling
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1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 small bell pepper (chopped)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon cumin
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup tomato sauce
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½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Egg Wash
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon milk
Preparation Time
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: About 50 minutes
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Servings: 10–12 empanadas
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg, vinegar, and cold water gradually while mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead lightly for about 2–3 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps create a flaky pastry texture, similar to pie crust.
2. Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes.
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Add ground beef or shredded chicken and cook until browned.
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Stir in bell pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in tomato sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add shredded cheese if desired.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.
Roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut 4–5 inch circles.
4. Fill the Empanadas
Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and seal with a fork to create the classic empanada crimped edge.
5. Apply Egg Wash
Mix egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over each empanada. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
6. Bake
Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries become golden, flaky, and crispy.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These baked empanadas pair well with:
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Garlic yogurt dip
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Spicy tomato salsa
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Guacamole
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Fresh salad
They are excellent for party appetizers, lunch recipes, or meal prep snacks.
Nutritional Highlights
Baked empanadas are popular among people searching for:
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Healthy baked snacks
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High protein recipes
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Homemade comfort food
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Budget-friendly family meals
Using lean meat and baking instead of frying helps reduce excess oil and calories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can empanadas be baked instead of fried?
Yes. Baking empanadas makes them healthier and less oily while still maintaining a crispy texture.
2. What fillings can I use for empanadas?
You can use many fillings such as:
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Ground beef
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Shredded chicken
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Cheese and spinach
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Mushrooms
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Potato and vegetables
Sweet versions with apple, chocolate, or dulce de leche are also popular.
3. How do I keep empanadas from opening while baking?
Make sure to seal the edges firmly and press them with a fork. You can also brush a little water on the edges before sealing.
4. Can empanadas be frozen?
Yes. You can freeze them before or after baking. Frozen empanadas can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
5. What dough works best for empanadas?
A simple butter-based pastry dough works best because it creates a flaky and tender crust.
6. How do I reheat empanadas?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
