Empanadas are a Spanish dish of thin, flaky pastry filled with meat, vegetables and other ingredients. In some cases, they can be served as a main course as well.
“The name comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” and translates as “enbreaded,” that is, wrapped or coated in bread.
They are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is a great way to use leftover meat, poultry or seafood. Traditionally, empanadas are made with meat; however, you can use chicken or fish instead. You can make your own empanada dough as well!
Since I have tried Empanadas, I have become a lover of them. Empanadas are a great gift to humanity- no, I’m not kidding. They can save you anytime. Be it an after-school snack for your fussy kid or a last-minute appetizer; they are the saviours.
30+ Best Empanadas Recipes That You’ll Love
Empanadas are Spanish cuisine, but are also common in Southern European and Latin American countries. There are many delicious empanadas recipes available over the internet, but most of them are not easy to make. It’s also hard to find the ones that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a handful of some of the easiest empanada recipes that will please both your family and friends. You don’t need to worry about making empanadas ahead of time because they freeze well and bake in minutes!
1. Easy Vegan Empanada Dough
Image and recipe by Our Plant Based World.
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 5
To make a delicious empanada, you knead the dough. Pun entirely intended. To crack the code of an empanada-friendly dough, use plenty of butter and add minced guanciale for a salty kick. Don’t be afraid to roll and stretch your dough. For a pork and cabbage filling, blanch the cabbage to decrease overall cooking time and increase flavor.
2. Empanada De Pollo (Chicken Empanada)
Image and recipe by Flavour Mosaic
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Number of Ingredients: 11
Mexican chicken hand pies, or empanadas de Pollo, are a delicious weeknight dinner that will please the entire family! Dig into these tasty, hand-held treats filled with Mexican seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and corn. They will also make an excellent appetizer for your next dinner party or potluck.
3. Cheesy Beef Empanada
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 15
Number of Ingredients: 23
Cheesy Beef empanada has a simple ingredient with a yummy flavour while satisfying your hunger. This oven-baked Empanada is the perfect combination that you will love to enjoy with your family.
4. Vegetarian Empanada
Image and recipe by Chisel and Fork
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 9
Number of Ingredients: 28
This vegetarian Empanada is a saucy snack for everyone, especially vegetarian people. Perfect for your next potluck or picnic with friends, these tasty little bites can be baked or fried to crispy perfection. You can make the vegetarian filling in advance and prepare the dough ahead of time. Then, bake or fry the stuffed pockets before serving for the ultimate comfort food experience.
5. Baked Chicken Empanada
Image and recipe by Woman Scribbles
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 21
Enjoy a twist on the classic with this chicken empanada recipe. These empanadas fill tender chicken and mildly sweet vegetables, covered in a cheddar cheese crust. Easy to make and the perfect dish for entertaining family and friends. Chicken empanadas are always a hit at parties, or bake them during the weekend and enjoy them as lunch throughout the week.
6. Pumpkin Empanada
Image and recipe by Sweet Life Bake
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 14-16
Number of Ingredients: 14
The crisp, flaky Empanada layer and the pumpkin filling are, without a doubt, the best flavor combination in Fall! These pumpkin empanadas are incredibly easy to make and are perfect for the kids as an after-school snack or Thanksgiving or Easter for a quick dessert option. You can have them all ready to pop in the oven in under 15 minutes!
7. Cheese Empanada
Image and recipe by Easy Recipe Depot
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 9
This Cheese Empanada is super yummy and easy to make. You only need essential ingredients from your pantry to make them. They melt in your mouth at the instant.
The cheese’s deliciousness and the burst of lava oozing out of the center will be a big hit among everyone.
8. Caramel Apple Empanada
Image and recipe by Jamison Joy
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24
Number of Ingredients: 20
You will love the fall flavors in these apple empanadas. These little pastries are made with fresh apples and dusted with cinnamon sugar for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. The rope designs on its edges make it even more eye-pleasing.
9. Spanish Potato Empanada
Image and recipe by Spain On A Fork
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 13
If you have never had authentic Spanish Potato Empanadas, then all I can say is, “what’s the matter with you?” Just kidding, but the truth is I think the best tasting empanadas come from Spain. These are not fancy by any means but relatively simple and delicious. Made with just potatoes, eggs, and salt, these are possibly one of my favorite foods ever.
10. Air Fryer Empanada
Image and recipe by Amanda’s cookin
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6
Number of Ingredients: 9
Oil-free empanadas are here! Try this air-fried Empanada. With the same delicious flavor of traditional ground beef empanadas and no oil, you will enjoy a healthier option when it comes to your favorite evening snacks.
Click here for Picnic Table ideas.
11. Keto Empanadas
Image and recipe by Stylish Cravings
Total Time: 45
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 14
Enjoy these keto empanadas without the guilt. Made with almond flour, they will keep you full and satisfied while allowing you to enjoy the delicious taste and flavor of the South American dish. These are crunchy, flaky, and the buttery goodness will make Keto empanadas your go-to snack after a long day.
12. Beef Empanada
Image and recipe by Table for Two
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 25
Number of Ingredients: 16
You are not far from the most delicious empanadas you’ve ever had! This simple recipe only takes half an hour to make and is inexpensive yet yields fantastic results. The minimal effort required is worth it, and you’ll end up with aromatic and flavorful food.
13. Cheesy Ground Beef Empanada
Image and recipe by Great Grubs, Delicious Treats
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16
Number of Ingredients: 16
These delicious cheesy beef Empanadas are so flavourful that you will never get over them.
The filling for these cheesy ground beef empanadas is seasoned ground beef, two types of cheese, black olives, and raisins. Simple beef empanada filling is easy to make ahead for recipe prep. These are a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion.
14. Sweet Potato Empanadas
Image and recipe by Dora’s Table
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 16
Number of Ingredients: 13
What’s not to love about our homemade empanadas?
Each one has a filling of a flavorful sweet potato
in cinnamon and anise. These empanadas make a sweet yet savory treat with a freshly baked pastry shell. We suggest heating them and serving them with a warm cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate dessert.
15. Vegan Empanada
Image and recipe by Began In The Freezer
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 17
Try this Flavorful Vegan Empanada recipe with two components, the filling, and the dough. This pastry is an easy delectable dough filled with sautéd mushrooms, sofrito, and; more. Just in case you’re wondering, sofrito is a mix of bell peppers, onion, and tomato.
You’ll love these empanadas, I promise! It’s also a dish with a rich Mexican cultural history.
16. Mexican Chicken Empanada
Image and recipe by The Tortilla Channel
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 7
These chicken empanadas combine simple Ingredients like chicken breast and Mexican
seasoning. These empanadas taste heavenly when taken out of the oven. You can also use an egg yolk wash to turn them golden brown.
PS: Serve them at your kid’s birthday party. They are going to love it.
17. S’mores Empanadas A Sweet Dessert
Image and recipe by 2 Cookin Mamas
Total Time: 57 minutes
Servings: 10
Number of Ingredients: 10
These S’mores Empanadas are a sweet and dessert version of empanadas. They look yummy and adorable. Kids will fall in love with the first sight of it as it has chocolate and marshmallows inside it. You can also add some raisins to it and dash it with coconut powder. The best part is they can be served as a dessert also.
18. Pineapple Empanada
Image and recipe by Sweet Life Bake
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 12
These pineapple empanadas are easy to make and are perfect for a dinner bite. Each Empanada is baked to perfection and stuffed with a satisfying blend of pineapples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Serve immediately for a deliciously warm pastry with a tropical twist.
19. Beef and Chorizo Empanada
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 19
Delivering a taste of Argentina to your dinner table, these Chorizo and Beef Empanadas are baked and not fried. These Empanadas are crispy and tender and perfectly ready to eat a snack. The perfect appetizer or party dish, each Empanada, is made with fresh ingredients and perfectly baked in the oven.
20. Baked Wonton Beef Empanadas
Image and recipe by Busy In Brooklyn
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Number of Ingredients: 13
Be the star at your next party with this unique empanada recipe. With spicy steak support, these empanadas are flavored with paprika and garlic onion powder to add a bit of kick. The presence of garlic, onion, and paprika brings out the Asian flavor. These empanadas are a versatile and tasty treat that you can enjoy as an appetizer, main dish, or even aside.
21. Easy Healthy Vegetarian Empanadas
Image and recipe by Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 20
Number of Ingredients: 8
Have you tried these healthy empanadas yet?
Don’t worry about your vegetarian guests, as they can enjoy these tasty empanadas that have a filling of black beans, white cheddar cubes and corn, and diced zucchini. These empanadas are perfect for go-to options for your vegetarian guests who can enjoy them without any questions.
22. Baked Apple Cheesecake Empanada (Dairy-free)
Image and recipe by Healthy Delicious.com
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Number of Ingredients: 13
This Empanada is a twist on the classic hand pie. Homemade apple pie filling and sweetened cream cheese inside a tender-crisp empanada dough that is baked instead of fried to help save calories. One might think this recipe would be complicated, but it’s super easy. So, gather your friends and family for game night and make sure to serve these Apple Cheesecake Empanadas!
23. Air Fryer Empanada
Image and recipe by Healthy Delicious
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 10
Number of Ingredients: 4
Do you have friends coming over in the next 30 minutes, and you don’t know what to serve them? Well, don’t worry. I have a super easy and quick recipe for you. Try these Ary fried empanadas. They are ready to serve on the table in less than half an hour with only four ingredients. Don’t let the fact that there are only four ingredients fool you. These little fried ready-to-eat parcels are packed to the brim with flavor and are great as appetizers too.
24. Taco Bell Caramel Empanada Recipe
Image and recipe by Something’s Wanky
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 10
Do you love empanadas? Do you have a sweet tooth? Then try these Taco bell caramel empanadas. They are highly delicious and will not disappoint your tastebuds. The presence of apple and butter makes it even more drool-worthy. It is time for you to throw away all your old dessert ideas and replace them with something new and exciting.
25. Delectable Mojo Pork Empanadas
Image and recipe by Walking on Travels
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 8
Put down those bland recipes; it’s time to spice your life up. Treat yourself to these pork sofrito and vegetable-filled empanadas. In a crispy pastry, you’ll find seasoned pork, sofrito, and vegetables to satisfy the most discerning palate. These Pork Empanadas go very well with a glass of red wine.
26. Ground Beef Empanadas
Image and recipe by Mi Dario De Cocina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 15
This Ground beef Empanadas recipe is perfect for Chile’s Independence Day. This delicious filling will surprise everyone with its rich flavors! Chili powder, olives, and garlic are always a great combination, and they also make an excellent marinade. Serve it with Pebre sauce, and your guests will go Gaga over it.
27. Chicken Empanadas
Image and recipe by The Modern Proper
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Number of Ingredients: 10
The sweet chicken-and-veggie filling of these empanadas is delicious and has a filling of the zesty, cheesy sauce. It’s a marriage you’ll want to spend a lot of time in for life. The ultimate weeknight dinner food is buttery-baked crust filled with garlic and onion-flavored shredded chicken. The whole family will love it!
28. Shrimp Empanadas
Image and recipe by Chisel and Fork
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Number of Ingredients: 22
Empanadas are an excellent addition to any party. These Empanadas are an easy option for any themed party; these bite-sized shrimp empanadas are a simple blend of chorizo, onion, and cilantro.
Serve them hot for an unforgettable appetizer.
If you love seafood, then you should try this.
29. Baked Gluten-free Empanadas
Image and recipe by MI Gluten-free Gal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Number of Ingredients: 10
These Gluten-free empanadas are a party favorite and disappear every time. The shredded cheese melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting even more.
Whether you’re celebrating your 35th birthday or are just looking for a recipe to serve at your next gathering, these delicious bite-sized appetizers will please any crowd. So bake it, and you can enjoy it on any day of the year!
30. Dessert Empanada with Blueberry
Image and recipe by The Tortilla Channel
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 14
Number of Ingredients: 4
Do you love Blueberry cheesecakes? Yes?
Then, try these blueberry empanadas.
These empanadas are both irresistible and delicious. This blueberry dessert recipe skips the baking and opts to deep-fry the fruit filling instead. They’re budget and time-friendly, making them a great snack or dinner party dessert.
31. Keto Beef Empanadas
Image and recipe by Mess for Less
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10
Number of Ingredients: 17
Stay on your Keto diet and eat your favorite Mexican food too! This Keto Beef Empanadas Recipe makes a great lunch or dinner for the whole family to enjoy! These empanadas have a lot of protein and low sugar; this healthy meal is ready for under an hour for any day of the week.
32. Fried Cheese Empanada
Image and recipe by The Tortilla Channel
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 15
Number of Ingredients: 3
Three ingredients are all you need for this fried cheese empanada recipe! These are the easiest back-to-school snack, and with melty, stringy cheese inside, they’re a kid favorite. First, you need to cut out your circles with a glass, then fill them with a cheese mix. Next, brush one side with an egg wash, fold over the dough circle, then fry! You can also add garlic powder to it to enhance the taste.
33. Vegetarian Empanada ( with Puff Pastry)
Image and recipe by Jernej Kitchen
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Number of Ingredients: 10
These vegetarian empanadas made with puff pastry make a delightful snack for any occasion. These empanadas have flavors of delicious onion, Red Kuri Squash. But you can also add portobello mushrooms, sweet corn, and refried beans to it.
Some appetizers are more complex to master than others, but empanadas are relatively straightforward. One of the best things to do with puff pastry or pie dough is to wrap egg and cheese in it, bake it and serve it warm out of the oven.
These recipes create elegant but straightforward pastries that satisfy expectant appetites until dinner arrives. They can also become the dinner itself and sometimes a dessert. They’re also great for kids if you can get them to help.
