Delicious Cream Cheese Empanadas: Easy Recipe to Try at Home
Are you looking for a delicious and simple recipe that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further! I’ve got just the recipe for you: Cream Cheese Empanadas. This delightful recipe is the perfect combination of flaky dough with a rich cream cheese filling, making it the perfect snack or dessert.
Empanadas are a popular food in South and Central America, and can be found in many different variations. These hand pies are easy to eat on-the-go or as a sweet treat after a meal. The great thing about this Cream Cheese Empanadas recipe is its versatility – you can easily swap out the filling to include combinations like guava cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, or even savory options like shrimp and poblano cream cheese.
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. With just a few ingredients – flour, butter, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks – you’ll have freshly baked empanadas in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for those new to baking and experienced bakers alike!
So why wait? Join me in making these incredible Cream Cheese Empanadas today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring snacks? Want to try something new and exciting that leaves your taste buds begging for more? Look no further than this Cream Cheese Empanadas recipe!
One bite of these flaky, buttery hand pies filled with a creamy, sweet cream cheese mixture and you’ll understand why they’re so addictive. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a late-night snack.
But what sets these empanadas apart is their versatility. You can switch up the fillings with different types of cream cheese, like guava or strawberry, or even add in some spice with a poblano cream cheese filling.
Plus, these empanadas are super easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cream cheese, and margarine, you can have a batch of these delicious hand pies cooked up in no time.
And if you happen to have leftovers (although we highly doubt it), they store well in the fridge or freezer and can be reheated to perfection whenever you want.
So satisfy your sweet (or spicy) cravings with this one-of-a-kind Cream Cheese Empanadas recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
For the Empanada Dough:
– 2 cups of flour
– 1/4 tsp of salt
– 1/4 cup of margarine
– 3 oz of cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup of cold water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup of sugar
– 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
– 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Optional Fillings:
– Guava cream cheese – whisk together guava jam with cream cheese mixture (use poblano cream cheese for a spicy touch)
– Pineapple cream cheese – whisk together mixture of crushed pineapple and cream cheese
– Sweet empanadas – fill with guava paste, strawberries or raspberries (mix with a bit of sugar)
– Savory empanadas – try adding cooked shrimp, jalapenos or any other favorite ingredients!
Make sure to use the best cream cheese possible for a creamy and smooth result!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Make the Empanada Dough
To begin, let’s prepare the empanada dough. In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of flour and 1/4 tsp of salt. Using a pastry blender or your hands, cut or mix in 4 oz of margarine until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Next, add in 4 oz of cream cheese, and mix until everything comes together as a smooth dough. It will be soft but not sticky. Knead the dough into a ball and wrap it with a plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour to let it rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While waiting for the dough to rest, let’s prepare the cream cheese mixture filling. Combine in a bowl 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of sugar, 2 large egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat using an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until well combined, creamy and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Empanadas
Take out the dough from the fridge, and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough thinly using a rolling pin or you can divide it into small balls and use a tortilla press to create even size circles. Cut out rounds that are around 5 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful (around 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture at the center of each dough round. Top with your choice of flavor filling such as guava jam, jalapeno, pineapple jam, among others. Fold up one side making sure it covers slightly past the center point then crimp edges tightly to seal
Place on lined baking sheets or silicone mats; brush the tops with a mixture of water and egg. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the empanadas turn golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delicious, warm cream cheese hand pies on their own or with a dip of your choice such as poblano cream, raspberry jam or even strawberry cream. These empanadas are great for any day of the week, but especially for potlucks, parties, game nights, and other gatherings. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to add a unique twist to the classic cream cheese empanadas recipe? Luckily, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to customize this dish to fit your taste preferences.
For a little sweetness, swap out the plain cream cheese with guava cream cheese or strawberry cream cheese. You can also fold a slice of cheese with guava paste onto the cheese mixture center before sealing the empanada for a delicious and satisfying guava empanada.
If you want a spicy kick, substitute the regular cream cheese with poblano cream cheese or add diced jalapenos into the cheese mixture. You can even create savory shrimp empanadas or use puff pastry instead of empanada dough for a flakier texture.
For dessert lovers, try using puff pastry crusts filled with raspberry jam and cream cheese for sweet empanadas or pineapple cream cheese for a tropical twist. Cheesecake empanadas using pie crusts and pineapple hand pies are also great options.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with various empanadas ingredients and fillings that match your mood and cravings. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about these creamy empanadas is how versatile they are when it comes to pairing them with other dishes. These cheese empanadas make an excellent appetizer or snack, but they can also take center stage as a main course when served with a side of salad or vegetables.
Because of their rich, creamy filling, I recommend serving these empanadas alongside light and refreshing sides to balance out the flavors. A crisp green salad or a side of lightly grilled vegetables would be the perfect complement to these indulgent hand pies.
If you’re serving these empanadas as an appetizer at a party or gathering, consider pairing them with a dip to bring out their savory and sweet flavors. A poblano cream cheese dip or guava jam spread would make fantastic dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
For those with a sweet tooth, try experimenting with different fruit jams and pastes inside the pastries. Guava paste or strawberry cream cheese would make an excellent choice for a dessert-style empanada. You could also try other exotic fillings like pineapple or raspberry to make for a more unique taste.
Overall, whether you decide to serve these cream cheese empanadas on their own or with accompanying sides, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for something both savory and sweet in just one bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this cream cheese empanadas recipe is that you can make them ahead of time! Once you’ve baked or fried them, let them cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. These empanadas will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you’re planning to reheat your empanadas later, there are a few methods you can use. To keep your empanadas crisp, we recommend reheating them in the oven or toaster oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the empanadas on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat your empanadas in the microwave. Place one or two empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until they’re hot. Be aware that this method might make your empanadas a bit soggy.
These cream cheese empanadas also freeze well if you have any leftovers you want to save for later. After baking or frying them, let them fully cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. You can store these empanadas in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When you’re ready to eat them again, thaw the frozen empanadas in the fridge overnight before reheating them by following one of the methods above. These delicious little hand pies can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer or dessert anytime of day so be sure to make extras!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying a new recipe or a new kind of dough. I’ve been there, and that’s why I want to share with you some tips for making perfect cream cheese empanadas every time.
1. Use cold ingredients –
It’s essential to start with cold butter, cream cheese and water when making the dough. Working with cold ingredients will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the butter from melting, resulting in a flaky pastry.
2. Don’t overfill the empanadas –
When filling your empanadas, make sure not to overfill them, as they could burst during baking. Spoon one to two tablespoons of filling into the center of each round and fold it in half, making sure to seal the edges well.
3. Egg wash is your friend –
Brushing your empanadas with egg wash before baking helps create a beautifully golden brown crust. To make an egg wash, beat one egg with a teaspoon of cream, milk or water.
4. Chill before baking –
After shaping the empanadas, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps the dough firm up, so the empanadas won’t lose their shape during baking.
5. Experiment with different fillings –
While cream cheese empanadas are delicious on their own, don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings such as guava cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese or even savory fillings like shrimp or jalapeno.
By following these simple tips, you can make perfect cream cheese empanadas every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with different fillings – who knows what delicious combinations you’ll come up with!
FAQ
As with any recipe, it’s natural to have questions about how to make cream cheese empanadas. Here are some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers to help you out!
What are 3 types of empanadas?
Tucumán is renowned for its National Empanada Festival, where the three standout fillings in the area – beef, tripe, and chicken – are enveloped in dough and cooked in a clay oven with beef fat.
Is it better to fry or bake empanadas?
When it comes to making empanadas, both baking and frying are valid options for achieving delicious results. For a lighter snack, baking them is a great choice. However, if time is of the essence, frying them might be more convenient.
What are empanadas usually filled with?
If you are a fan of savory snacks, then you might want to try Empanadas. These crescent-shaped pastries are made from dough and filled with a variety of ingredients. The filling can range from beef, chicken, pork, tuna, shellfish, cheese, and vegetables that are seasoned with vibrant spices before they are cooked either by baking or frying.
What is the difference between Columbian and Cuban empanadas?
Compared to other types of empanadas, those from Colombia boast a unique and crispy outer layer due to the use of yellow cornmeal in the dough. This results in a more distinct and enjoyable texture, as well as enhanced flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Cream Cheese Empanadas are a must-try for anyone who appreciates the heavenly combination of sweet and savory, and the rich and creamy goodness of cream cheese. The recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to your liking by swapping out the filling with your favorite flavors such as guava, pineapple, or chicken.
These empanadas are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, on-the-go snack or simply indulging in comfort food. The quick prep time and minimal ingredients make it a great choice for busy weeknights as well.
With these Cream Cheese Empanadas, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with an irresistible treat that’s both delicious and easy to make. So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, grab those empanadas ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Cream Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup flour, sifted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 (22 ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Cream margarine and cream cheese in bowl.
- Blend in flour and salt.
- Chill for 2 hours to overnight.
- Roll dough on floured surface. Cut with biscuit cutter.
- Spoon apple filling; seal edges with fork.
- Place on baking sheet.
- Mix egg white and 1 T. water. Brush over empanadas.
- Sprinkle with mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
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.