Best Empanadas Recipes and Empanadas Cooking Ideas

Delicious, indulgent, perfect appetizers for any post holiday party!

For me, dinner isn't over until I've had something sweet. Dessert is not an option, but a requirement. Combine that desire with a super-easy recipe and I'm a happy man! If you're human (and not allergic to any of the ingredients), you're going to like these!

View Recipe

Pumpkin Empanadas

For these festive empanadas, pumpkin is cooked with onion, oregano, paprika and red bell pepper before being used as a filling with black pepper ricotta. This recipe makes extra filling, so use it in salads, as a side dish or in a quesadilla (it also freezes quite well).This recipe is by Joseph Hernandez and was originally published in the Chicago Tribune.

View Recipe

Spicy Crab and Tomato Empanadas

There's much food to love in Mexico's state of Veracruz, especially the seafood from the Gulf. In the morning, stroll along the waterfront on the lookout for the bicycle vendors selling warm fish empanadas from baskets. Flaky pastry stuffed with shredded fish, tomatoes, olives, capers and sometimes hot chile, these empanadas will fill your dreams.This recipe is by JeanMarie Brownson and was originally published in the Chicago Tribune.

View Recipe

Pork and Pumpkin Empanadas With Black Beans and Queso Anejo

Do not let these small hand-held empanadas fool you. They will require some work. But their rich flavor will be well worth the wait. Courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America for BeanInstitute.com

View Recipe

The Only Empanada Recipe You Will Ever Need

Empanadas are traced back to the northwest region of Spain, but what is fascinating about this delicious snack is that every region has their own rendition that came about centuries ago — Italy, France, Argentina, Chile, Mexico. The actual word empanada comes from the Spanish verb empañar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread using meat and cheese. In Latin America, empanadas are considered to be a very classic comfort food and the flavors, spices andvary depending on where you travel. This recipe is courtesy of Chef Anthony Lamas executive chef of Seviche.

View Recipe

Simple Hearty Ground Beef Empanadas

This is a super simple empanada recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights.

View Recipe

Pumpkin Empanadas

You really can’t go wrong with stuffing fresh, fall pumpkin into a crisped pastry shell, which is probably why people in the Southwest are likely to serve pumpkin empanadas at their Thanksgiving feast.

View Recipe

Beef Empanadas

Turn extra pizza dough into something more south-of-the-border. Baking (instead of frying) cuts calories and fat — and doesn't take too much extra time. This flaky and flavorful treat spends only 10 minutes in the oven.

View Recipe