Easy Sausage Empanadas Recipe for a Delicious Meal
Dear food lovers,
I hope you’re as excited as I am about today’s recipe for sausage empanadas. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by both Brazilian and American cuisine. The combination of savory and sweet creates a perfect harmony, bursting with the rich aroma of spices like dried oregano, ground cumin, and garlic powder.
As a chef specializing in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I have always enjoyed experimenting with new recipes that are unique yet evoke nostalgic memories. This recipe for sausage empanadas is no exception. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for breakfast or an evening snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
Empanadas have become increasingly popular worldwide since their origin in Spain. They are versatile and can be filled with meat, vegetables, or fruit. In Brazil, savory empanadas are typically deep-fried, while in America, they are either baked or fried. However you choose to prepare them, one thing is certain: they never disappoint.
For this recipe, I’ll show you how to make savory sausage empanadas using store-bought pie crusts filled with mouth-watering sausage and cheese. But don’t worry; if you prefer a vegetarian option, I’ve got you covered with suggestions for substitutions and variations.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a masterpiece that will satisfy any craving for something deliciously satisfying! Trust me; once you’ve tried these sausage empanadas, they will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Embark on a new gastronomic adventure with this mouth-watering sausage empanadas recipe. Imagine cooking bulk pork sausage crumbled in a medium skillet with onions and garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. If that doesn’t already make your taste buds tingle, wait until you wrap them in empanada dough filled with sausage and cheese, baked or fried until golden brown.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility – from Italian to andouille sausage options to baked turkey or spicy breakfast versions. If savory isn’t your style, consider swapping the meat out for sweet apple sausage or dried raisins.
But it’s not just the recipe ingredients that will make you fall in love with this dish; it’s also easy to prepare and store ahead of time. Plus, empanadas are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re watching the big game with friends or craving a quick snack on-the-go, this is a recipe that will hit the spot every time.
So come join me in exploring the culinary traditions of Brazil and America with these deliciously savory sausage empanadas. Indulge your senses with a fusion of spices and textures and let yourself be transported to exotic lands without ever leaving the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredient List
Let’s now review all the ingredients you will need to cook this delicious Sausage Empanadas recipe that blends the best of the Brazilian and American cuisine in one dish. Be sure to have everything ready before starting to cook, as the recipe contains a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage (Italian, breakfast or spicy)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 store-bought pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten
- Variations: raisins, shredded cheese (cheddar, goat or cream cheese), eggs, squash or apple
Note that you can choose different types of sausage depending on your taste preference. The recipes work well with Italian sausage or breakfast sausage. If you desire a spicier flavour, I recommend using spicy sausage or andouille sausage.
The recipe includes chopped onions, garlic powder, ground cumin and dried oregano which are crucial for creating a vibrant and flavoursome seasoning. You can also enhance flavour by adding optional ingredients like raisins or shredded cheese such as cheddar for a tangy twist or cream cheese for a smoother texture.
Finally, you will need two store-bought pie crusts, which will give the dough-filled empanadas a crunchy texture after baking them at home either baked/fried or deep fried.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients measured and prepped, it’s time to get started. In this recipe you can choose between a baked or fried empanada, depending on your preference – both methods yield delicious results, so don’t be afraid to try both!
Recipe Directions
- Begin by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is warm, add the sausage and begin to break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon until it begins to brown (approx. 5-7 minutes).
- Next, add the onion and cook for another 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Then add in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, and ½ tsp dried oregano, stir well.
- If you prefer a bit of sweetness in your empanadas, you can also include some raisins at this stage – this is optional but I highly recommend it!
- Continue cooking everything together for another minute and then turn off the heat.
- Allow the filling to cool down while you prepare the crusts.
For BAKED Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Either make homemade empanada dough using your favorite recipe or use store-bought pie crusts.
- Roll out the pie crusts with a rolling pin to create smooth surfaces.
- Using a large cookie cutter, round biscuit cutter, or glass – cut individual circles out of each crust.
- Add a dollop of filling into each circle.
- Top with some shredded cheese (optional) and then fold one end of the dough over the filling so that it meets the opposite end essentially creating a pocket filled with sausage goodness!
- Press the edges together with your fingers or a fork to seal.
- In a small bowl, beat 1 egg and brush each empanada gently with the mixture (this will give them a gorgeous golden hue when baked).
- Finally, place all empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 min or until they turn golden brown.
For FRIED Empanadas:
- In a medium-size pot, fill it just shy of half way with neutral oil or alternative oil options – such as avocado, vegetable or coconut (each offer unique flavors!)
- Heat the oil at medium heat.
- Roll out the dough as before and cut into circles.
- Fill with your sausage mixture and cheese.
- Now, fold one end of the dough over the filling so that it meets the opposite end essentially creating a pocket filled with sausage goodness!
- Press the edges together tightly to prevent any leaks while frying.
- Add your empanadas to the oil in small batches so that they do not overcrowd in the pot causing unbalanced cooking
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put your own spin on this recipe? There are many delicious variations and substitutions you can make to create your very own empanada masterpiece.
First, let’s talk about the filling. While the recipe calls for bulk pork sausage, you can easily use other types of sausage such as italian or andouille sausage. Vegetarians can nix the meat entirely and fill the empanadas with squash or a spicy veggie mixture. Want a breakfast twist? Try using breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheese for a savory morning treat.
If you’re looking to switch up the cheese, try goat cheese instead of shredded cheddar or experiment with cream cheese for a tangy kick.
For those who prefer baked empanadas over deep-fried ones, switch out the pie crusts for empanada dough and bake in the oven until golden brown.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to add your own unique ingredients to spice things up. Raisins or chopped apples make for a sweet addition while garlic powder, cumin and dried oregano add bold flavors for those who enjoy something spicier.
With these substitutions and variations, the possibilities are endless! Remember that cooking is all about experimentation, so get creative and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
As a chef with a passion for flavor and culinary artistry, I know that the right pairing can elevate a dish from “good” to “absolutely sublime.” So, what can you serve with these scrumptious sausage empanadas?
Firstly, you’ll want to consider the time of day. For breakfast or brunch, pair your sausage empanadas with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea. The savory flavors of the sausage blend beautifully with the sweetness of berries, grapes or sliced bananas. This combination is sure to awaken your taste buds and start your day off on the right foot.
For lunch or dinner, these empanadas are versatile enough to be served as a main dish or as part of an appetizer spread. If you’re serving them as a main dish, you might consider pairing them with roasted vegetables like squash or sweet potato. For something on the spicier side, try pairing with andouille sausage or beef empanadas.
No matter how you choose to serve them, I recommend pairing these sausage empanadas with a refreshing cocktail like a pineapple margarita shaken with cilantro leaves or maybe even a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer wine. The acidity will balance out the richness of the meat and add a layer of complexity to your meal.
In conclusion, there is no wrong way to serve these delicious empanadas. Whether as part of breakfast feast or as an appetizer at your next dinner party, these savory hand pies are sure to delight everyone at table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these scrumptious sausage empanadas, you might want to save a few of them for later. Fortunately, there are several ways to store and reheat them without compromising their flavor and texture.
If you plan on making the empanadas ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and filling separately, then assemble and bake or fry them right before serving. Alternatively, you can shape and fill the empanadas, then freeze them for up to one month.
To freeze the empanadas, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply bake or fry them straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
If you have leftover cooked empanadas, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a frying pan over medium heat for a quick and easy snack.
No matter how you choose to store and reheat your sausage empanadas, be sure to enjoy every bite of their savory filling wrapped in flaky pastry. These little pockets of flavor are versatile enough to serve as breakfast, lunch, or dinner fare!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your sausage empanadas come out delectably crisp, golden and bursting with flavor, here are some expert tips that will help you perfect your recipe:
Firstly, be careful when frying the empanadas, as overheating the oil can cause them to burn. So, heat your oil over low to medium heat in case you have to deep fry them or brush with egg wash and bake them until they are golden brown.
Secondly, although this recipe calls for bulk pork sausage, you can use other types of sausages such as Italian sausage, spicy sausage or andouille sausage. Just make sure to remove the casing before using it in your empanada filling.
Moreover, for egg sausage empanadas filling variation- scramble a couple of eggs and mix them with the cooked sausage mixture for a satisfying breakfast empanada.
Additionally, when cooking the sausage filling, crumble it into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly throughout. Adding onions will also add moisture to your filling while providing additional flavor.
Another crucial tip is to chill your dough before filling and baking or frying it. This allows the dough time to rest and relax, preventing shrinking during baking or frying.
Furthermore, if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting by adding some fruits such as raisins or apple to complement the savory taste of the sausage cheese empanadas filling. Similarly try changing up the cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese for an exciting twist.
In addition, if you have any leftover dough or filling, you can use it for creating beef empanadas or squash empanadas as these are great variations too.
Finally, don’t forget to serve your hard work of art hot with a side dish like salad or roasted vegetables. These tips will definitely elevate your sausage empanada recipe while making them mouth-watering and unforgettable!
FAQ
As you embark on your culinary journey to prepare these scrumptious Sausage Empanadas, you may encounter some questions along the way. To assist in troubleshooting any possible issues, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help achieve perfect results every time.
Should empanadas be baked or fried?
There are two ways to prepare scrumptious empanadas. Opt for baking in the oven if you prefer a healthier snack, or choose to fry them if time is of the essence.
What are 3 types of empanadas?
If you ever find yourself in Tucumán, you must try their tasty empanadas whose fillings include beef, tripe, and chicken. These delicious fillings are wrapped in dough and cooked in beef fat in a clay oven, producing a unique flavor that is exclusive to the region.
Are empanadas usually corn or flour?
A popular Colombian snack enjoyed on the go are empanadas, which consist of crispy deep-fried corn dough filled with seasoned meat and potatoes.
Are empanadas always deep fried?
Empanadas are a popular dish in Latin cuisine that are typically prepared through baking or deep frying methods. Nevertheless, they can also be cooked on a griddle or a grill. While you can conveniently buy pre-made empanada dough discs at Latin grocery stores, making your own dough at home is a simple process.
What is empanada filling made of?
Filled with tasty and diverse ingredients, empanadas are mouth-watering, crescent-shaped pastries that can be baked or fried to perfection. These savory treats come stuffed with variations such as beef, chicken, pork, seafood, cheese, and/or vegetables, each infused with vibrant seasonings to enhance their flavors.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of Brazilian or American cuisine, these sausage empanadas are sure to please your taste buds. This recipe allows for endless variations so you can customize the filling to your liking. From breakfast sausage to spicy Italian or Andouille sausage, the possibilities are endless.
With easy-to-follow steps and a list of substitutions for various dietary restrictions, this recipe is perfect for any home cook. Whether you prefer baked or fried empanadas, you can easily adjust the cooking method to suit your preference.
So next time you’re in the mood for a savory snack or a portable lunch option, give these sausage empanadas a try. They are not only delicious but also a great way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your guests. So why not bring Brazil and America together by making some sausage empanadas? Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Sausage Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) package pillsbury pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1/4 lb bulk pork sausage
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 1 tablespoon chopped pimento stuffed olive
- 1 tablespoon chopped raisins
- 1 egg, separated
Instructions
- Let pie crusts stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Crumble sausage into a medium skillet.
- Add onion, garlic powder, cumin and oregano.
- Cook over medium-high heat until sausage is no longer pink.
- Drain drippings.
- Stir in olives and raisins.
- Beat the egg yolk slightly; stir into sausage mixture, mixing well.
- Carefully unfold crusts.
- Cut 6 circles using a 3" cookie cutter.
- I use the Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal(See NOTE below).
- Place about 2 tsps of the sausage filling on the cutouts.
- Top with 6 more cutouts.
- Be sure the edges are sealed.
- Moisten fingers with water and pinch dough to seal edges.
- Slightly beat the egg white; gently brush over tops of empanadas.
- Bake in a 425* oven 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- NOTE: I make 6 cutouts using the Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal.
- Add the filling.
- Make the toppers one at a time.
- As you cut one place it over the top of your filled one and push down on the Cut-N-Seal.
- Check the edges for sealing.
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.