Are you looking for a delicious way to take your meals from boring to super fun and tasty? If so, then look no further than these Empanada Recipes!
Empanadas are the perfect mix of savory flavors and flaky crust that will leave everyone in your household begging for more.
Not only are they tasty, but you’ll be surprised that cooking them at home is incredibly easy and fun.
From classic beef, chicken and cheese to creative fruit and breakfast empanadas, there’s sure to be something for everyone on this list!
Empanada Recipes:
1. Beef Empanadas
We are beginning our list of Empanada Recipes with classic Beef Empanadas!
This recipe shows how to make perfectly flaky, crispy homemade pastries filled with the most flavorfully spiced ground beef and veggies, making the ultimate empanadas.
You will love this baked version for sure!
Get the Recipe @ themodernproper
2. Chicken Empanadas
These easy-to-make Chicken Empanadas are a delicious indulgence perfect for any party.
The homemade dough is packed with shredded chicken, potatoes, and seasonings for extra flavor.
These delectable delights work great as an appetizer or a hearty dinner option.
Get the Recipe @ thenovicechefblog
3. Puerto Rican Empanadas
Puerto Rican Empanadas are a very famous street food from Puerto Rico known as Empanadillas de Carne.
These amazing empanadas are made with flaky dough filled with tasty beef and veggie stuffing. Follow this recipe to make these tasty treats, and enjoy them any time of the day.
Get the Recipe @ mexicanappetizersandmore
4. Apple Empanadas
These Apple Empanadas are going to be a new favorite dessert for you and your family!
It’s like you’re enjoying your favorite apple pie in empanada dough, making it a great handheld sweet treat!
Get the Recipe @ mydominicankitchen
5. Baked Pulled Pork Empanadas
Make these seriously delicious Baked Pulled Pork Empanadas and impress everyone.
The buttery, flaky, and light pasty dough is packed with rich and tasty pulled pork filling, then baked to a light, golden perfection. It makes a super yummy appetizer for any special event.
Get the Recipe @ sugarsaltmagic
6. Breakfast Empanadas
Uplift your first meal of the day with these easy Breakfast Empanadas! This recipe is so flavorful and perfect that you will completely fall in love with these amazing pockets.
They’re filled with chorizo, potatoes, eggs, spices, peppers, and cheese. It’s a super yummy must-try recipe!
Get the Recipe @ handletheheat
7. Chipotle Chicken Empanadas
This Chipotle Chicken Empanadas recipe is super addictive and can make for a great party appetizer.
This shortcut recipe has a super flavorful filling made with chipotle chicken, black beans, bell peppers, and cheese. You can make this special treat ahead of time, and it’s also freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings
8. Crispy Chorizo Empanadas
These Crispy Chorizo Empanadas are pure handheld perfection.
They are loaded with Mexican chorizo, onions, corn, olives, and cheese in a homemade pastry dough fried to crispy perfection.
This recipe had instructions for an air fryer and oven, so choose your cooking method and make this super flavorful snack!
Get the Recipe @ butterbeready
9. Vegetarian Empanadas
These Vegetarian Empanadas will make an amazing treat for all vegetarians!
This baked goodness is super easy to make. The empanadas are perfectly buttery and flaky, and the delicious veggie filling makes it just too good to be true.
It makes a great contender for potlucks and game days appetizers, and we are sure you will not even notice the missing meat at all.
Get the Recipe @ handletheheat
10. Crab Empanadas
These Crab Empanadas make a great addition to your empanadas recipes. The simple crab meat filling makes these fried empanadas just delicious!
Your whole family will love this version of the handheld dish that’s very popular in coastal parts of Mexico. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe @ mexicoinmykitchen
11. Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas
This Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas recipe is another awesome addition to your party’s dessert menu.
It tastes way better than your favorite pumpkin pie, so what are you waiting for? Try this deliciously sweet snack today!
12. Shrimp Empanadas
This Shrimp Empanadas recipe is a classic Brazilian snack well known as Brazilian Pastel.
You can make them large or small, they’re perfectly moist and loaded with delicious flavors, and you can savor their goodness any time of day.
So, if you have shrimp on hand, try these tasty Shrimp Empanadas!
Get the Recipe @ travelcooktell
13. Jalapeño Popper Empanadas
Turn your beloved Jalapeño Poppers into impressive Empanadas, and treat yourself to the best snack ever!
They’re made with a tasty filling made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and jalapeños stuffed in the frozen disk of dough for a quick dish.
Enjoy them as an appetizer or as an evening snack. You will love them every time!
Get the Recipe @ stylishcravings
14. Keto Empanadas
Attention all keto and gluten-free dieters! This Keto Empanadas recipe is a jackpot find.
This classic Argentinian snack is super flaky, and the filling is mind-blowingly delicious and simple to make. You will keep this version of Empanadas handy, as it will be loved by non-diet followers, too!
15. Argentinian Beef Empanadas
This recipe for tasty Argentinian Beef Empanadas will become your family’s favorite.
The easy filling is made with ground beef, onions, spices, and green olives and baked to flaky, golden perfection. You can easily deep fry or air fry these savory pockets.
16. Cuban-Style Empanadas
Are you a fan of picadillo? Then these Cuban Style Empanadas are a must-try for you.
These fried pockets of goodness are made with delicious beef picadillo filling. You can use store-bought dough to make them easy and quick.
They are so good that you can enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a light snack. They’re crazy tasty!
17. Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas
This recipe is a great way to convert your holiday Leftover Turkey into a delicious handheld pocket snack.
These Pot Pie Empanadas have all the holiday flavors you love, and the flaky crust makes them truly outstanding. Serve these golden delights with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce, and enjoy them with your family and friends!
18. Caprese Empanadas
These Caprese Empanadas are a must-try for caprese lovers that will have you hooked!
The tomato, mozzarella, and basil filling makes these empanadas delicious. Serve this Italian version as a snack with basil garlic dipping sauce to make them completely irresistible!
19. Mexican Street Corn Empanadas
Give your Mexican Street Corn a delicious makeover with a Spanish touch.
These Empanadas are a great addition to your Mexican dinner night, and the unique flavors with a buttery, crispy crust will be loved by everyone. It’s a must-try recipe for all Mexican food lovers.
20. Beef and Caramelized Onion Empanadas
Want a delicious appetizer for your future parties? Then try this Beef and Caramelized Onion Empanadas recipe, and make everyone super happy.
You can make your own dough or use store-bought, because the easy filling full of beefy flavors is the real star. It makes a great dinner option, too. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe @ hungryfoodlove
21. Cheese Empanadas
Make drool-worthy Cheese Empanadas at home with this easy recipe. This Spanish treat can be made with just five easy ingredients that turn into one of the tastiest dishes.
Both pan-fried and air-fried instructions are included. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy this fabulous treat!
22. Black Bean Vegan Empanadas
These Black Bean Vegan Empanadas are another delectable option for the vegan crowd. Everyone will love this healthy twist on this classic dish.
Just follow this easy recipe for a perfectly flaky pastry and a flavorful black bean filling that makes an ultra-delicious snack.
Get the Recipe @ pickyeaterblog
23. Air Fryer Empanadas
The air fryer makes anything and everything easy, quick, and healthy, and these Air Fryer Empanadas are no different.
The delicious Mexican ground beef picadillo filling is easy to make and is ready in just eight minutes. Plus, they do not require any oil, making it a healthy alternative.
This great weeknight dinner option will surely find a permanent place on your menu.
24. Spinach and Feta Empanadas
We are sure you are going to make these Spinach and Feta Empanadas again and again.
The mind-blowing combination is so good, and the flaky crust makes this snack a star. You can easily cook these empanadas any way you prefer. Just be sure to try these amazing empanadas!
Get the Recipe @ goodiegodmother
25. Carnitas Empanadas with Avocado Crema
These Carnitas Empanadas combine two amazing dishes together and create the best handheld Spanish delight.
This easy recipe shows you how to make the perfect dough simply, and you can easily use your leftover carnitas as filling. Serve these amazing pockets with fresh avocado crema, and savor every bite!
26. Chicken Enchilada Empanadas
These Chicken Enchilada Empanadas are another dish that delivers beautifully combined flavors.
This wonderful dish makes a flavorful appetizer option to serve for get-togethers, or you can savor it as a simple, delicious dinner. Serve with extra enchilada sauce, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe @ cookingforkeeps
27. Shepherd’s Pie Empanadas
Are you a fan of Shepherd’s Pie? Then this easy recipe will give you those familiar flavors in a unique package.
These empanadas are loaded with mashed potatoes, beef, veggies, and gravy, making delicious comfort food. Try this variation whenever you crave Shepherd’s Pie, and we guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Get the Recipe @ foodiewithfamily
28. Tuna Empanadas
These easy Tuna Empanada are going to be your new go-to recipe.
They are absolutely tasty and made from easy homemade dough and everyone’s staple panty ingredient, tuna. They are enhanced with other seasonings to make the filling delicious.
These empanadas are comparatively small in size, so you can easily enjoy three, four, or even five!
Get the Recipe @ thetortillachannel
29. Colombian Empanadas
Have you tried Colombian Empanadas yet? If not, then you are missing out on some major flavors.
This amazing dish is very popular in Colombia and is only made with cornmeal flour. Try this version with aromatic and well-spiced ground beef and potato filling fried until golden and crispy.
Everyone will devour these empanadas for sure!
Get the Recipe @ keeshaskitchen
30. Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Last but not least is a classic flavor combination, Ham and Cheese Empanadas. They make perfect game day or party appetizers that will disappear right before your eyes!
You can make these ahead of time for big nights, and they are freezer friendly, too.
Be sure to try all these different types of empanadas, and make your loved ones a new variety each time!
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Empanadas
- The Dough: The dough is a crucial part of an empanada. Make sure to handle it gently to keep it tender. When rolling out, try to achieve a consistent thickness, which helps in even cooking.
- Cold Ingredients: When making your dough, try to use cold ingredients. This helps the dough to be more manageable and results in a better texture when cooked.
- Rest the Dough: After kneading the dough, let it rest for at least an hour in the fridge before you start working with it again. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and resulting in a more tender crust.
- Moisture Control: The filling should not be too moist, as it can make the dough soggy. Cook off extra moisture from your filling.
- Avoid Overfilling: While it might be tempting to load up your empanadas with filling, too much can lead to leaks or breakages. A spoonful is typically sufficient.
- Sealing the Edges: After adding the filling, moisten the edges of the dough with a little water before sealing. This will help to create a better seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a nice pattern.
- Chilling before Baking: Pop your filled, uncooked empanadas into the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help them to hold their shape while cooking.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the tops of the empanadas with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking will give them a beautiful, golden brown color.
- Even Spacing: When baking, make sure to leave some space between each empanada on the baking sheet. They can expand a bit and you don’t want them sticking together.
Conclusion
So there you go, thirty amazing empanada recipes for you to try. They’re all so delicious! Which one will you try first?
30 BEST Empanada Recipes
This collection of easy Empanada Recipes will have you enjoying your favorite Latin handheld snack in thirty different variations!
Ingredients
- empanada dough
- your preferred filling
Instructions
- pick a recipe that looks good
- gather ingredients
- make your new favorite empanada recipe!
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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I am so thrilled to find your recipes! I am going to try them all! Do you have a book out by chance?
Hi Michelle I’m glad you found us! We don’t have a cookbook yet, but I could see doing one at some point in the future.