![Dough Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced - 1/4 cup cold water Cheese Filling Ingredients: - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor: - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for a hint of spice The dough is simple yet essential. It gives the empanadas their crisp, flaky texture. Using cold butter helps keep the dough light. The filling is where the magic happens. The blend of mozzarella and feta creates a creamy, rich taste. The green onions add a fresh crunch. If you like a bit of heat, the chili flakes can spice things up. This recipe is flexible. You can swap cheeses or add veggies to make it your own. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Delight Empanadas. To make the dough, start by mixing the flour and salt in a bowl. Use your hands or a fork to blend well. Next, add cold, diced butter to the mixture. You want to break the butter into small pieces. Keep mixing until the dough looks like coarse crumbs. Now, slowly add cold water, mixing just until the dough sticks together. It should feel soft but not sticky. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough become firm and easier to roll out. In a new bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, and chopped green onions. Mix well to ensure every bite has flavor. If you want some heat, add chili flakes to the mix. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly combined. This step is crucial, as it ensures every empanada is filled with cheesy goodness. Once your dough is chilled, take it out and roll it on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or the edge of a small bowl to cut out circles. Each circle should be around 4 inches in diameter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling onto each circle. Next, fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges tightly to seal. For extra flair, use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them but also adds a nice touch. Before baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Place the filled empanadas on the sheet. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as that’s when they are at their best. To avoid soggy dough, start with cold butter. Keep the butter in the fridge before use. Mix the butter into the flour until it looks like crumbs. This helps to create a flaky texture. For a crispy texture, don’t skip the egg wash. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake them on parchment paper to prevent sticking. This helps the bottoms stay crisp while baking. To ensure even cooking, space your empanadas well on the baking sheet. Leave room for hot air to circulate. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for uniform heat. For dips, I love serving empanadas with salsa or guacamole. The fresh flavors really complement the cheesy filling. You can also try sour cream or a zesty yogurt dip. To present them at gatherings, arrange them on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. This adds color and makes the dish more inviting. When it comes to drinks, pair your empanadas with a light beer or a fruity soda. A crisp white wine also works well. These drinks enhance the flavors of the empanadas nicely. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can change up the cheese in your empanadas. Try using sharp cheddar for a tangy taste. Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture. You can even mix different cheeses for more flavor. Adding vegetables will make your empanadas healthier. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. They add nutrients and color to your dish. You can chop them finely and mix them in with the cheese. For heartier empanadas, consider adding proteins. Cooked chicken or ground beef makes them filling. You can also use beans for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to season the filling well. If you love spice, add chili flakes to your filling. This gives your empanadas a nice kick. You can also use jalapeños for more heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Herbs can enhance the aroma and flavor of your empanadas. Fresh parsley, cilantro, or oregano work wonders. Just chop them finely and mix them with the cheese. For dessert lovers, sweet empanadas are a treat. Use sweetened cream cheese or fruit fillings like berries. Dust them with powdered sugar after baking for a lovely finish. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! You can create endless flavors with your empanadas. For a full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your leftover empanadas fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is the best method. To freeze empanadas, first let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last five minutes to crisp up the crust. Empanadas usually last in the fridge for about three days. Check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or mold. If you see either of these, it’s best to throw them away. To avoid waste, try to only make what you can eat in a few days. If you have extras, freezing is a great option. You’ll still enjoy their delicious taste later. Always remember to label your containers with the date, so you know when to use them. To make empanadas from scratch, you need to prepare both the dough and the filling. 1. Prepare the Dough: Start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix them in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold, diced unsalted butter. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup of cold water until the dough forms. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. 2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta. Add 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. If you like spice, add chili flakes. Mix well. 3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to make circles. 4. Fill the Empanadas: Place 1 tablespoon of filling in each circle. Fold the dough to make a half-moon. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork. 5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the empanadas with an egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Yes, you can use pre-made dough for empanadas. Pros: It saves time and effort. Store-bought dough can be very convenient, especially if you're in a hurry. Cons: The flavor might not be as fresh. Homemade dough often tastes better and allows for customization. You also have control over the thickness and texture. The best cheese for empanadas depends on flavor and texture. - Mozzarella: Mild and stretchy, it melts well. - Feta: Adds a tangy flavor and crumbly texture. - Cheddar: Sharp and flavorful, great for a richer taste. - Queso Blanco: Soft and creamy, perfect for a smooth filling. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor that enhances your empanadas. You can easily prep empanadas in advance for convenience. - Make and Freeze: Assemble the empanadas but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. This way, you can bake them later. - Refrigerate: You can also store unbaked empanadas in the fridge. They will last for about a day or two. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. When you're ready to cook, just bake them from frozen or chilled. Follow the baking instructions from the Full Recipe for the best results. Empanadas with cheese are simple to make and fun to eat. We covered key ingredients for the dough and filling, along with optional flavors to try. I shared step-by-step instructions, from preparing the dough to baking. You learned tips for perfecting your empanadas and how to store leftovers. Explore different cheese options and flavor profiles to elevate your dish. With practice, you’ll create delicious empanadas that wow your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty treat!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/45600e30-694c-4690-8afa-513b31f0ee6a-300x300.webp)
Empanadas with Cheese
Discover the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Delight Empanadas! Packed with a scrumptious mixture of mozzarella and feta, these savory pastries are perfect for any occasion. Follow our step-by-step guide to create flaky, golden empanadas that will impress your friends and family. Ready to indulge in cheesy goodness? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your snack game!