Flavorful Cheese Empanadas

Craving a delicious and satisfying snack or meal? Well, you can’t go wrong with these cheese empanadas!

These savory pastries boast a golden, flaky crust filled with a gooey, flavorful cheese filling that will tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you’re a cheese lover or simply seeking a crowd-pleasing dish, I promise you this tasty treat is the answer.

Cheese Empanadas

If you’re seeking even more cheesy recipes, start exploring more tasty dishes that are just as easy and delicious, such as these Beef and Cheese Empanadas and this old-fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Dive into the world of cheese empanadas and experience the irresistible combination of a crispy, flaky crust encasing a warm, gooey cheese filling. This Latin American favorite, made with a mix of flavorful cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar, offers versatility and comfort in every bite.

Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these empanadas are a delightful journey of taste and texture, sure to bring joy to any meal.

Cheese Empanadas bite.

How Do You Freeze Uncooked Empanadas?

Life can get busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy of homemade cheese empanadas. One fantastic feature of this dish is its freezability. To freeze your uncooked empanadas, follow these simple steps:

  1. Prepare the Empanadas: Assemble your empanadas as you normally would, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent leakage during freezing.
  2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching, preventing them from sticking together during freezing.
  3. Freeze Until Solid: Allow the empanadas to freeze on the baking sheet until solid, which usually takes a few hours.
  4. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealable plastic bag or airtight container for storage. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen empanadas directly into the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time and making them a convenient option for parties or quick meals.
Cheese Empanadas unbaked

Cheese Empanadas Ingredients – What You Need

  • All-purpose flour
  • Oil (plus extra for frying, if needed)
  • Milk (plus 2 tbsp extra)
  • Pink food coloring (as needed)
  • Salt
  • Egg
Cheese Empanadas ingredients

Filling:

  • Shredded cheese (as needed)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (as needed)
Cheese for Empanadas

Variations of This Cheese Empanadas Recipe

The beauty of cheese empanadas lies in their adaptability. While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, there’s ample room for creativity.

Consider these alternate versions for inspiration:

Spinach and Feta Empanadas: Add a healthy twist by incorporating sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese into the filling; check out my version of feta spinach empanadas.

Spinach-and-Feta-Empanadas

Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Empanadas: Spice things up with diced jalapeños and creamy cream cheese for a zesty kick.

Caprese Empanadas: Embrace the classic combination of fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella in your empanadas. This timeless duo brings a delightful balance of acidity and richness, perfect for a light yet satisfying treat. Try my Caprese Empanadas recipe.

Sweet Cheese Empanadas: Explore the sweeter side by adding a touch of sugar to the dough and incorporating sweetened cream cheese or a fruit compote into the filling.

How to Serve Empanadas

Once your empanadas are out of the oven and perfectly golden brown, it’s time to serve immediately but in style.

Accompany your empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces. Salsa verde, guacamole, chimichurri, or classic tomato salsa all make excellent choices.

You can also pair your empanadas with sides like a crisp green salad or a refreshing fruit salsa to balance the richness of the cheese filling.

Cheese Empanadas one a white plate with

Tips for Making Cheese Empanadas

To ensure your cheese empanadas turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

  • Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the empanadas with filling, as this can lead to leakage during baking. A moderate amount ensures a perfect balance of crust and filling.
  • Seal the Edges Well: Take the time to seal the edges of the empanadas properly. Use a fork to crimp the edges or employ the traditional folding technique to create a secure seal.
  • Experiment with Cheese: While the classic recipe calls for cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time, especially if you’re making frozen empanadas. Adjust the time accordingly to ensure a golden-brown crust and a melty cheese center.
Cheese Empanadas getting filled with cheese

FAQs on Cheese Empanadas

What type of cheese is best for cheese empanadas?

For cheese empanadas, it’s ideal to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor profile. Common choices include mozzarella cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of these cheeses. You can also experiment with other cheeses like queso fresco or feta for a unique twist.

How do I achieve the perfect Half Moon Shape?

To create the classic half-moon shape, spoon the cheese filling onto one-half of the empanada dough circle, leaving space around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling, press the edges together, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.

Can I use store-bought empanada dough for cheese empanadas?

Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough is a convenient option and works well for cheese empanadas. Alternatively, you can make your own empanada dough at home using a simple recipe for a more personalized touch.

At what temperature should I bake cheese empanadas for a golden brown crust?

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a golden brown crust, which allows the empanadas to bake evenly and develop a beautiful color without overcooking.

Cheese Empanadas from above.

Irresistible Cheese Empanadas

Keesha
Savor the simple yet delightful taste of Cheese Empanadas, a classic snack filled with gooey, melted cheese encased in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for a quick bite or a savory treat, these empanadas are a delicious blend of comfort and flavor.
5 from 30 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 6
Calories 235 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purposeflour
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • ½ cup milk (plus 2 tbsp extra if needed)
  • pink food coloring
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup Shredded cheese (as needed)
  • 3 Tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (as needed)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, salt with 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Then add 1 egg and mix well.
  • Add 1/2 cup of milk with a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve your desired color.
  • Next, knead the mixture into a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add the additional 2 tablespoons of milk gradually until the dough is pliable but not sticky.
  • Then on a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  • Use a heart-shaped roller or cookie cutter to add a decorative pattern to the dough. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
  • Cut the dough into circles using a large cookie cutter or a bowl.
  • Place a small amount of shredded cheese and chopped cilantro in the center of each dough circle.
  • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative effect.

Baking and Frying:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place half of the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
  • For the remaining empanadas, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Serve the empanadas warm. They can be paired with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as salsa or a creamy cilantro sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 464mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 117IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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