Empanadas are a delightful treat, filled with endless possibilities that can transport your taste buds to different corners of the world. Whether you’re a fan of savory, spicy, or sweet, there’s an empanada recipe that’s perfect for you.
Classic Argentine Beef Empanadas
The Classic Argentine Beef Empanada is a staple of Argentine cuisine, known for its rich and savory flavor. The tender beef is mixed with onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and a blend of spices that creates a mouth-watering filling.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of traditional Argentine spices like cumin and paprika, which infuse the beef with an unforgettable taste. The dough is often homemade, giving it a flaky and tender texture that perfectly complements the hearty filling. This empanada is perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, cumin, paprika, salt, dough.
Recipe: Sauté the onions until translucent. Add the ground beef and spices, cooking until the beef is browned. Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs and olives. Spoon the mixture onto dough circles, fold, and seal. Bake until golden brown.
Spicy Chicken Empanadas

Spicy Chicken and Pickled Jalapeno Empanadas from Mexican Please
Rating: 5. Total Time: 2 hr 55 min.
For those who love a bit of heat, Spicy Chicken Empanadas are the way to go. These empanadas are packed with shredded chicken, jalapeños, and spices, offering a spicy kick that will leave you craving more.
This recipe stands out because of its bold flavors and the use of jalapeños, which add a fiery twist. The chicken is cooked with a mix of spices that enhance its natural flavors, while the dough provides a crispy exterior to balance the spicy filling. It’s an exciting dish that brings a little heat to your meal.
Ingredients: Shredded chicken, jalapeños, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, dough.
Recipe: Cook onions and garlic until soft, then add shredded chicken and spices. Mix in chopped jalapeños and cook until everything is well blended. Fill dough circles with the mixture, seal, and bake to perfection.
Cheesy Spinach and Feta Empanadas

Spinach and Feta Empanadas Recipe: A Super Easy Appetizer from Keesha's Kitchen
Rating: 5. Total Time: 50 min.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, Cheesy Spinach and Feta Empanadas are a delicious choice. The creamy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh spinach, creating a filling that’s both rich and satisfying.
The highlight of this recipe is the combination of spinach and feta, which offers a fresh and tangy flavor profile. The cheese melts beautifully, blending with the spinach to create a creamy interior. These empanadas are not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate more greens into your meal.
Ingredients: Spinach, feta cheese, onions, garlic, nutmeg, dough.
Recipe: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, add spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in crumbled feta and a pinch of nutmeg. Fill dough rounds with the mixture, fold, and bake until golden.
Sweet Apple and Cinnamon Empanadas

Apple Empanadas from Sweet Life Bake
For dessert lovers, Sweet Apple and Cinnamon Empanadas are a heavenly treat. The sweet apples combined with cinnamon and sugar create a filling that’s reminiscent of a warm apple pie.
The magic of this recipe lies in the aromatic cinnamon and sugar that caramelize with the apples as they bake, creating a gooey, sweet center. The dough encases the filling with a light, crispy texture, making it the perfect end to any meal. It’s like having a slice of apple pie in a convenient, hand-held form.
Ingredients: Apples, cinnamon, sugar, butter, dough.
Recipe: Cook apples with butter, cinnamon, and sugar until soft. Spoon the mixture onto dough circles, fold, seal, and bake until the dough is crisp and golden.
Black Bean and Cheese Empanadas

Venezuelan Black Bean and Cheese Domino Empanadas from Mission Food Adventure
Rating: 5. Total Time: 2 hr 10 min.

Black Bean and Queso Blanco Empanadas from For The Love Of Sazón – A Cuban Misplaced
Total Time: 35 min.
Black Bean and Cheese Empanadas offer a savory and satisfying option that’s both filling and flavorful. The creamy cheese blends with the black beans to create a delicious filling.
This recipe is special because it combines the earthy flavor of black beans with the creaminess of cheese, resulting in a hearty and tasty dish. The dough provides the perfect balance with its crispy exterior, while the filling offers a comforting and satisfying bite. These empanadas are perfect for a quick lunch or a snack on the go.
Ingredients: Black beans, cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar), onions, garlic, cumin, dough.
Recipe: Sauté onions and garlic, add black beans and cumin, cooking until heated through. Mash slightly and mix with cheese. Fill dough circles with the mixture, seal, and bake until the cheese is melted and the dough is golden.
Pro Tricks for Amazing Empanadas
Choosing the Right Dough
The dough is crucial for a perfect empanada. Use a dough that’s not too thin or thick for the right texture. If homemade, ensure it’s well-rested before rolling it out for an even bake.
Sealing Techniques
Properly sealing your empanadas ensures the filling stays intact. Use a fork to crimp the edges or try the traditional “repulgue” technique for a decorative finish.
Experiment with Fillings
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Mix different meats, vegetables, and cheeses to discover unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.