Deliciously crispy baked empanadas to devour
As a chef specialized in Brazilian and American cuisine, I am thrilled to share this baked empanadas recipe with all of you, my dear readers. Empanadas are truly a versatile dish, originating from different parts of the world such as Argentina, Colombia, and even the Philippines. They can be savory or sweet, fried or baked, filled with pork, beef or chicken – there are endless possibilities.
In this recipe, I will be sharing with you how to make delicious and crispy beef empanadas using puff pastry sheets. Puff pastry is a flaky and versatile dough that will give your empanadas a really nice texture. With the perfect balance of flavors from fresh garlic, green bell peppers, and chorizo sausage, these baked beef empanadas will be sure to become one of your go-to recipes for an easy and tasty meal.
So whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, let’s begin this journey together on making the perfect baked empanadas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, my dear food enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a dish that will blow your taste buds away, then you’ve come to the right place. Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe for Baked Empanadas.
First off, let’s talk texture – these empanadas are flaky and crispy on the outside but tender and flavorful on the inside. Secondly, the ingredients! These pies are packed full of savory goodness including ground beef, chorizo sausage, tomatoes, fresh garlic, green bell pepper, and so much more.
But that’s not all. This recipe is perfect for almost any occasion – whether it’s a quick dinner or snack for one or something to share with family and friends at a potluck gathering. They’re also perfect for those of us who love Argentine or Colombian cuisine but don’t have access to traditional empanada shops.
Plus, they’re versatile! You can switch it up by using baked chicken instead of beef or even try making them as dessert empanadas by filling them with your favorite fruits.
And last but not least, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of baking your own homemade empanadas instead of buying frozen ones from the store. These little pockets of joy require some effort but trust me when I say that they are well worth it.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and I promise – you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients needed to make this irresistible baked empanadas recipe with a delicious filling that combines chorizo sausage and ground beef with finely diced green bell pepper, onion, fresh garlic, and tomatoes.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
- 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 pound ground beef (or baked chicken for a healthier option)
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the empanada dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this recipe and learn how to make these delicious baked empanadas. Prepare your ingredients and prodigious appetite because we’re about to embark on a journey of sensational flavor.
Preparing the Beef Filling
First, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take out a skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Pour in a little olive oil, wait for it to heat up, and add in the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté both vegetables until they’re softened, then add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute or so.
Next, crumble in 1 pound of ground beef and 4 ounces of chorizo sausage into the skillet with the onions and peppers. Season it with 2 teaspoons of dried oregano leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper as per your preference. Cook until the beef is well done, stirring occasionally.
Add in diced tomatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized) to the skillet and simmer everything together for another 5 minutes so that all the flavors meld together.
Making Empanadas Dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter chopped into small pieces using your fingertips until coarse crumbs are formed. Add ice-cold water by the tablespoonful while stirring until the dough begins to come together. Knead lightly until it forms a ball, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour.
Assembling Empanadas
Take out your chilled empanada dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin sheet approximately about 1/8-inch thickness. Next, using a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles in the dough.
Place 1 tablespoon of beef filling in the center of each empanada circle, then fold over the other side to form a semicircle. Wetting your fingers with water to press and seal the edges firmly. You can either leave it like that or you can create ridged edges by crimping them gently with a fork.
Baking Empanadas to Crispy Golden Brown
Next, grab a small bowl and whisk an egg along with a tablespoon of cold water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of each empanada with the egg wash while avoiding any drips on the sides.
Arrange these uncooked empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it in your preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20-25 minutes till they are crispy and golden brown.
Enjoying Your Freshly-Baked Empanadas
Your freshly
Substitutions and Variations
Every recipe is like a map, guiding you through unexplored lands and inviting creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients and flavors! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try when making your baked empanadas:
– Meat: While the recipe calls for ground beef and chorizo sausage, you can switch them up for pork or chicken to create Filipino-style empanadas, or opt for an Argentine version with shredded beef.
– Vegetarian: If you prefer a meatless option, substitute the ground beef and sausage for a mixture of finely chopped veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
– Dough: Although puff pastry sheets make for a flaky crust, you can also use empanada dough traditionally used in Colombian cuisine. Simply mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until it resembles coarse meal. Add 1/2 cup of ice water gradually until the dough comes together. Flatten the ball of dough slightly and chill in the fridge for 5 minutes before rolling out.
– Dessert: Baked empanadas are not just reserved for savory fillings! Try using sweet ingredients like strawberries, chocolate chips or dulce de leche to make dessert empanadas.
– Spices: For extra depth of flavor, add spices like smoked paprika, cumin or coriander to your filling.
Remember that cooking is an adventure – make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
A baked empanada, crisp and flaky with a savory filling inside, is a perfect appetizer or snack for any time of year. And luckily, this recipe is so versatile that it can be paired with a variety of dishes or offered as an appetizer before the main course.
One way to serve these baked empanadas is to dust them lightly with powdered sugar and serve them as a sweet dessert. In many Filipino and Colombian cultures, dessert empanadas are made with sweet fillings like guava paste, sweetened coconut, or cream cheese. These sweet variations pair nicely with fruit like fresh berries, grapes, or tropical fruit cut into skewers.
If you’re serving these baked empanadas as a main course – maybe even alongside a fresh salad – consider adding some dipping sauces to the table. Some popular savory dipping sauces for empanadas include chimichurri (a tangy herb-based sauce), queso fresco dip (a cheesy dip popular in Argentinean cuisine), or a simple salsa recipe made with chopped tomatoes, onion, and green peppers.
For pairing wine with empanadas, Malbec wines out of Argentina are always a safe bet. The smoky flavors tend to improve the flavor of beef empanadas specifically but also work well with alternative fillings such as pork.
Consider serving bright white wines that complement the citrus-like acidity found in these recipes. Albariño is one option; it has fruity notes and beautiful minerality that pairs perfectly with seafood and chicken empanadas.
Whether served hot immediately after baking or reheated until crispy later on, these delightful baked empanadas are sure to make a sure hit for any occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
In my experience, preparing baked empanadas ahead of time not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delectable. Once you’ve baked these crispy and flaky delights, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
If you’re making a big batch of baked empanadas, I suggest storing them in layers separated by parchment paper in a single layer in a container to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you’ll be able to reheat only what you need without having to thaw the whole lot.
To reheat frozen empanadas preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and heat for 10-12 minutes until they’re heated through. If you’re working with fresh or refrigerated empanadas that were not previously baked, I recommend reheating them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes.
One great thing about baked empanadas is how versatile they are when it comes to filling. You can experiment with different ingredients and bake up a variety of empanadas like Filipino chicken, Argentinian beef or Colombian pork delights. No matter the filling, follow these instructions for make-ahead, storing and reheating for perfect results every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making baked empanadas, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure perfect results. Here are some tips that I suggest:
Firstly, make sure to use quality ingredients. The success of baked empanadas largely depends on the filling, so be sure to use flavorful additions such as chorizo sausage, fresh garlic, and green bell peppers. You can also add some filipino or Argentine spices to give them an authentic taste.
Another tip is to brush the tops of your empanadas with egg wash before baking. This helps them develop a golden brown color and a crispy texture while avoiding the egg wash from sticking.
Additionally, it’s important to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F before baking your empanadas. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy all over.
When baking, be sure to leave enough space between each empanada on the baking sheet. It’s best to use parchment lined baking sheets so that the empanadas do not stick, leaving you with more baked empanadas instead of wasted dough.
If you’re making smaller empanadas, bake for around 25 minutes or until golden brown, and 35-40 minutes for larger ones. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and brush them with egg wash one last time around half-way through baking.
Lastly, allow your baked empanadas cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help them hold their shape and prevent the filling from spilling over.
By following these tips, you’re sure to create perfect baked empanadas. Enjoy!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this recipe article, I wanted to touch on some frequently asked questions about this baked empanadas recipe. As a chef, I understand how important it is to get everything right when it comes to cooking delicious meals. To make things easier for you, I’ve put together some answers to queries that I often receive about this particular dish. So let’s dive in and clear up any doubts you may have so that you can make these scrumptious baked empanadas with confidence!
Can empanadas be baked instead of fried?
Empanadas can definitely be baked instead of fried. To prepare baked beef empanadas, I suggest brushing them with an egg wash (water and egg mixture) and baking them in a preheated 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown in color.
What temperature do you bake empanadas?
Let’s get these empanadas baked to crispy perfection! First, make sure that your oven is preheated to 400 degrees. Now, grab some parchment paper and line up your baking sheets. Arrange the empanadas on the sheets, making sure to leave some space between them. Before you pop them in the oven, give them a nice brushing of egg wash on the tops, but be sure to avoid the crimped edges. We want those edges to be sealed shut for maximum flavor!
Now, we wait while the oven works its magic. Keep an eye on the empanadas and rotate the sheets halfway through their baking time, which should be around 30 to 40 minutes. The goal is for them to come out of the oven with a gorgeous, golden-brown color. And once they do, get ready to dig into those piping hot pockets of deliciousness!
Are baked empanadas crispy?
These baked empanadas filled with ground beef are a quick and tasty snack to enjoy with loved ones. They can be prepared and cooked in under 45 minutes, making them a perfect option for a quick meal.
Can Goya empanada discos be baked?
Looking for an easy way to create homemade empanadas? Look no further than GOYA® Discos – Dough for Turnover Pastries for Baking. These pre-made disks of dough are perfect for filling with your go-to sweet or savory ingredients. Simply fill them up and bake for a mouthwatering treat. You can find them in the freezer section for ultimate convenience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this baked empanadas recipe is a mouthwatering addition to any meal or snack time. From the flaky puff pastry dough to the delicious filling made with beef, chorizo sausage, and vegetables, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. With minimal prep and ingredients, it’s also easy to make and serves as a perfect meal option for a busy weeknight or casual get-together.
Furthermore, the versatility of this empanadas recipe allows for customization according to personal preferences. Whether you opt for chicken or pork as the filling, or switch up the spices and seasonings used, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish. Moreover, baking the empanadas instead of frying provides a lighter and healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
So why not give this delicious baked empanadas recipe a try? It’s an excellent fusion of Brazilian and American cuisine that you’re sure to love. Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills by serving them these crispy golden brown empanadas. You won’t regret trying out this recipe that will satisfy your cravings for those flaky savory pastries!
Baked Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chorizo sausage or 12 ounces spicy sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 small green bell pepper (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 1 (17 1/4 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cook sausage, onion, green pepper and garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is browned and onion is crisply tender (5 to 6 minutes).
- Drain well.
- Stir in tomato and oregano.
- Set aside.
- Roll 1 sheet puff pastry to 12-inch square.
- Cut into 16 (3-inch) squares.
- Place 1 rounded tablespoon filling in center of each square.
- Fold opposite corners of squares together to form triangles.
- Pinch edges of pastry together; crimp with fork to seal.
- Place triangles onto lightly greased baking sheets.
- Repeat with remaining pastry sheet and filling.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.