You’re Not Doing It Right: The Homemade Empanadas Latin Grandmas Actually Approve Of

Empanadas are the ultimate handheld comfort food, beloved across Latin America and Spain for their flaky crusts and flavorful fillings. From Argentina’s beef-filled versions with olives and boiled eggs to Spain’s tuna-stuffed empanada gallega and Colombia’s golden fried cornmeal empanadas, each country has its own delicious interpretation of this versatile dish. At their core, empanadas are about practicality, tradition, and flavor—easy to carry, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Making homemade empanadas might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly approachable with the right dough recipe and a filling that suits your tastes. Whether you’re preparing them as a snack, appetizer, main dish, or party food, empanadas deliver a warm, flavorful bite every time. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—stuff them with spiced ground meat, chicken and cheese, vegetarian fillings, or even sweet fruit for dessert empanadas.

In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make empanada dough from scratch, tips for creating flavorful fillings, and how to bake or fry them to golden perfection. Once you master the technique, these pastries will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for easy meal prep or festive gatherings.

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How to Eat

Empanadas are best enjoyed hot, straight out of the oven or fryer when the crust is at its crispiest and the filling is steaming. Traditionally, they are handheld foods, meant to be eaten without utensils, making them perfect for casual meals, street food, or festive gatherings.

Many families serve empanadas alongside dipping sauces that elevate the flavor. In Argentina, chimichurri is common; in Colombia, you’ll often find a spicy ají sauce; and in the Caribbean, a simple tomato-based salsa rounds things out. Each bite is meant to be savored slowly, combining the crunch of the pastry with the richness of the filling.

Empanadas are also often part of a larger meal. They can be eaten as appetizers, snacks, or even as a main course when served with sides like salads, rice, or beans. Their flexibility is one reason they remain such a beloved staple across Latin America.

How to Partner

Pairing empanadas with the right side dishes makes the experience even more memorable. A fresh salad with avocado and lime helps cut through the richness, while black beans or yucca fries add heartiness without overpowering the flavors.

When it comes to drinks, Latin grandmas might recommend classics like a glass of red wine, a refreshing beer, or fruit juices such as maracuyá or tamarind. These beverages balance the savory fillings and flaky crust beautifully.

For dessert, a simple flan or tres leches cake provides a sweet finish. The contrast between the savory empanadas and a creamy, comforting dessert is a hallmark of how meals are rounded out in many Latin households.

One ongoing debate is about fillings. In Argentina, beef with onions and spices is king, while in Chile, empanadas may feature seafood, and in the Dominican Republic, chicken or cheese is common. Each country believes their version is the “authentic” one, sparking passionate arguments across borders.

Another controversy surrounds the dough. Some swear by a baked version for a lighter, crispier texture, while others argue fried empanadas are the only true way to honor tradition. The divide often comes down to regional and family preferences, but it remains a heated culinary debate.

Even the shape and size can cause disagreements. Should empanadas be small and bite-sized, or larger and meal-worthy? Latin grandmas have strong opinions, and their answers often differ by region, highlighting how diverse and deeply personal this dish is.

How to Make Empanadas

Empanadas Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

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Step By Step How to Make Empanadas

Step 1 – Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with water and vinegar. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until combined and the dough begins to hold together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Pour in beef broth and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the chopped olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3 – Assemble Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out round disc shapes using a large cookie cutter or a bowl as a guide.

Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them with a fork or folding them over decoratively.

Step 4 – Bake

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, brush the tops with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips To Make Empanadas

You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even make a vegetarian version using cheese and vegetables. Empanadas can be served hot or at room temperature. They’re great for parties or as a snack.

How Many Calories Has An Empanada

Each empanada dough typically made with flour, butter, and water can contain about 150-200 calories,
Ground Beef is around 150 calories, Onion and Olive Oil can add about 20-30 calories, Hard-Boiled Eggs are about 50-70 calories per empanada.

A typical meat-filled empanada would be 370 to 450 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve empanadas on a large platter, arranged in a way that highlights their golden, flaky crusts. Provide a variety of dipping sauces on the side so guests can experiment with different flavor combinations.

For gatherings, consider offering a mix of fillings—beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetable—so there’s something for everyone. Labeling them makes it easier for guests to pick their favorites.

Keep the atmosphere casual and warm. Empanadas are rooted in tradition and comfort, so they shine best in family-style settings where everyone can grab one, dip, and enjoy together.

Final Thoughts

Empanadas are more than just a recipe—they’re a cultural expression that carries history, pride, and family tradition in every bite. To make them the way Latin grandmas approve means respecting both the technique and the love that goes into the process.

The controversies around fillings, dough, and cooking methods remind us that food is never static. Each version tells the story of a specific region or family, and that diversity is part of what makes empanadas so special.

Ultimately, the best empanadas are the ones made with care and shared with others. Whether baked or fried, filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables, they bring people together and keep traditions alive. And if Latin grandmas nod in approval, you know you’ve done it right.