Description
Delightful cream cheese empanadas filled with rich creaminess and customizable fillings, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- Empanada Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- Fresh Herbs (cilantro, parsley, or chives)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- Filling Ingredients (sautéed mushrooms, spinach, jalapeños, or cooked chicken)
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: If making from scratch, combine flour, butter, salt, and water. Mix until a soft dough forms, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and your chosen filling until cooked. Mix in cream cheese and herbs until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to create discs around 4 inches in diameter.
- Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc, then fold over and seal with a fork or crimp the edges. Brush with an egg wash.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving, ideally with a tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Notes
For a vegetarian spin, substitute the filling with roasted vegetables or lentils. Freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: empanadas, cream cheese, appetizers, baking, comfort food