Bake or Fry Your Way Through These 16 Amazing Empanadas Recipes

With their perfectly flaky crust and deliciously seasoned fillings, these hand-held delights are easier to make than you think. Whether you prefer classic beef, cheesy chicken, or sweet dessert empanadas, this collection of recipes has something for everyone. Bake or fry them to golden perfection and enjoy a warm, flavorful bite that’s miles better than anything pre-packaged. 

Potato And Chorizo Empanadas

Image Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

Filled with a flavorful spicy chorizo and potato mixture and encased in a rich, golden, flaky pastry, these Potato and Chorizo Empanadas are perfect as delicious Mexican appetizers or a satisfying main course. Get the recipe.

Vegetarian Empanadas

Close-up of vegetarian empanadas.
Image Credit: Handle The Heat.

The crispy and flaky dough is filled with a satisfying mixture of black beans, corn, potatoes, and flavorful spices. These empanadas are a perfect snack or side dish that’s sure to please a crowd. Enjoy the convenience of baking instead of frying for a healthier and just-as-delicious option. Get the recipe.

Caramel Apple Empanadas

Caramel apple empanadas close-up.
Image Credit: Mom On Timeout.

Satisfy your caramel apple cravings with these quick and easy Caramel Apple Empanadas. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for after-school snacks or speedy desserts. Get the recipe.

Spanish Tuna Empanadillas

Spanish Tuna Empanadillas cooked until golden served on a plate.
Photo Credit: The Mediterranean Dish

Packed with tuna, tomato, and seasonings, Spanish Tuna Empanadillas are a tasty handheld meal. Their crispy crust holds a savory filling that’s full of flavor. They’re great for quick snacks, picnics, or a simple lunch idea the whole family will love. Get the recipe.

Smoky Turkey Empanadas

Close up of smoky turkey empanadas.
Image Credit: Garlic & Zest.

These flaky empanadas, filled with savory smoked turkey and a variety of other ingredients, are the perfect choice. The buttery crust provides the perfect vessel for the flavorful filling, making it a truly enjoyable experience. If you don’t have time to make your own pastry, you can easily find pre-made options in the freezer section. Get the recipe.

Pizza Empanadas

Empanadas de pizza, or pizza empanadillas, on a baking tray.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility.

Enjoy the crunch of Puerto Rican Pizza Empanadas, packed with classic pizza flavors. These easy, crowd-pleasing handheld bites come together with just a handful of simple ingredients and are perfect for all ages. Get the recipe.

Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas

Ham and cheese empanadas on a white platter.
Image Credit: Little Black Skillet.

These classic ham and cheese empanadas are a quick and easy snack. Using store-bought pie crust is a time-saver, and baking them instead of frying makes for a healthier treat. Get the recipe: Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas.

Patatas Bravas Empanadas

Papas bravas empanadas on a wooden board.
Image Credit: Three Olives Branch.

Traditional tastes reminiscent of patatas bravas (or papas bravas), a beloved Spanish tapas dish, encased within a flaky empanada pastry. Get the recipe: Patatas Bravas Empanadas.

Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas

Various pumpkin empanadas on a cooling rack.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores

These pumpkin empanadas (empanadas de calabaza) provide a comforting embrace for your taste buds during the autumn season! As you catch a whiff of these delectable treats fresh from the oven, you’ll be met with the inviting aroma of pumpkin spice and a touch of sweet delight. Get the recipe: Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas.

Savory Fried Empanadas

Quesadillas fritas (empanadas) on a tray with bowls with various sides and toppings.
Image credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This recipe is a popular Mexican street food treat consisting of a raw masa tortilla stuffed with assorted ingredients and fried until perfectly crispy. They are known in Mexico as empanadas fritas or quesadillas fritas. Get the recipe: Savory Fried Empanadas.

Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas

Apple caramel empanadas on a long white platter and some apples on the side.
Image Credit: Simply Stacie.

These pocket pastries are simple to make at home and turn out just as rich and satisfying. Air-fried to a crispy golden brown, they are filled with a gooey apple caramel filling. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Caramel Apple Empanadas.

Fried Potato Empanadas

Fried potato empanadas/quesadillas on a clay platter topped with lettuce, cream, cheese, and sauce.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Every bite of these cheesy quesadillas de papas, called also empanadas, transforms an ordinary meal into something comforting and delicious! Elevate your traditional quesadillas by filling them with potato chunks, gooey cheese, Mexican crema, and a hint of chili for an extra kick. Get the recipe: Fried Potato Empanadas.

Blueberry Empanadas

Close up of blueberry empanadas.
Image Credit: In Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

These Blueberry Empanadas are absolutely delightful. Showcasing a flaky crust and a juicy blueberry filling, they make for an ideal snack or a sweet summer indulgence. Get the recipe: Blueberry Empanadas.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Empanadas

Pumpkin cheese cake empanadas on a platter and a cup of coffee on the side.
Image Credit: Sense and Edibility.

These crispy and flaky pastry pockets are filled with a creamy and satisfying pumpkin filling, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and savory flavors. The buttery crust and spiced sugar topping add a delightful touch, making these empanadas a must-try for any pumpkin lover. Get the recipe.

Ground Beef Empanada

Ground beef empanadas with one opened to show the filling.
Image Credit: Krystel’s Cooking.

Homemade ground beef empanadas are surprisingly simple to make. Often perceived as a complex dish, these savory pastries can be easily crafted at home. Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating delicious empanadas from scratch. Get the recipe: Ground Beef Empanada.

Baked Vegetarian Empanadas

An opened empanada showing the veggies filling.
Image Credit: Midwestern Homelife.

A simple recipe with mushrooms, wild rice, cranberries, pecans, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, all tucked within pie crusts, make for a savory appetizer, snack, or meal. Get the recipe: Baked Vegetarian Empanadas.

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