Our full guide on the Best Empanadas to try from beef, vegetarian to chicken and sweet taste.
Empanadas are a beloved dish in many cultures, featuring a variety of fillings wrapped in a flaky pastry. Here are some of the best empanadas to try, along with recipe guides, tips, and approximate calorie counts.
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Best Empanadas To Try
1. Beef Empanadas (Empanadas de Carne)
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. Stir in the olives and hard-boiled eggs. Let the filling cool.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the filling cool completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Use a fork to crimp the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per empanada.
2. Chicken Empanadas
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Empanada dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through. Let the filling cool.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Add a bit of shredded cheese to the filling for extra flavor. Make sure the filling is not too wet to prevent soggy empanadas.
Calories: Approximately 220-270 per empanada.
3. Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Queso)
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Empanada dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for varied flavors. Serve with a side of marinara or salsa for dipping.
Calories: Approximately 200-250 per empanada.
4. Vegetarian Empanadas
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Empanada dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft. Add the corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through. Let the filling cool.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Add some shredded cheese to the filling for extra flavor. Use a variety of vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Calories: Approximately 200-250 per empanada.
5. Sweet Empanadas (Empanadas Dulces)
Ingredients:
1 cup fruit preserves (apricot, apple, or your favorite)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Empanada dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: Mix the fruit preserves with cinnamon. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of fruit mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. Experiment with different fruit fillings like peach, cherry, or pineapple.
Calories: Approximately 180-220 per empanada.
Origin and History
Empanadas have a long, globe-spanning history, and their story begins far earlier than many people realize. Their origins trace back to the Middle East, where meat-filled pastries were popular long before they reached Iberia. When these culinary traditions made their way to Spain through centuries of cultural exchange, they evolved into the early versions of the empanada we recognize today.
As Spanish explorers traveled to the Americas, they brought the concept of the empanada with them. Every region adapted the recipe to local ingredients, shaping a diverse landscape of fillings, dough styles, and cooking methods. Across Latin America, empanadas became a staple: fried in some areas, baked in others, and filled with everything from beef to cheese to sweetened fruit.
Over time, empanadas became more than just food they became a symbol of cultural identity. Families passed down recipes through generations, and each country developed its own defining style. Today, empanadas are celebrated for their variety and versatility, offering endless combinations while maintaining a shared heritage.
One of the biggest debates surrounding empanadas is which country makes “the best” version. Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic all claim their styles as superior. These disagreements usually come down to personal taste and cultural pride, making it difficult if not impossible to declare a single winner.
Another hot topic is whether empanadas should be fried or baked. Purists on both sides swear their method is the only authentic option. Fried empanadas deliver crisp texture and bold flavor, while baked versions are celebrated for their flakiness and lighter feel. The truth is that each method offers something unique, and neither holds exclusive rights to authenticity.
There’s also debate about what qualifies as a “true” empanada filling. Some say only traditional fillings like beef, chicken, cheese, or tuna belong in an empanada. Others embrace modern twists such as spinach, plantains, seafood, or even dessert fillings. These evolving preferences illustrate the tension between preserving tradition and embracing creativity.
How Long You Take to Prepare
Preparing empanadas takes anywhere from forty minutes to two hours, depending on whether you make the dough from scratch. Homemade dough requires mixing, resting, rolling, and cutting but offers superior texture and flavor. Many home cooks rely on pre-made dough discs to shorten prep time without sacrificing too much quality.
The fillings usually take twenty to thirty minutes to prepare. Beef mixtures need time to sauté and season, while cheese or vegetable fillings come together quickly. Because empanadas are highly customizable, you can prepare several fillings at once, making them ideal for gatherings and meal prep.
Cooking time varies depending on method. Baked empanadas generally need fifteen to twenty minutes in the oven, while fried versions cook in just a few minutes. No matter which route you choose, empanadas remain relatively simple to prepare and perfect for both weeknight meals and weekend cooking projects.
Serving Suggestions
Empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair beautifully with fresh salsas like chimichurri, pico de gallo, or ají, which cut through the richness and add vibrant acidity. A simple green salad or slaw also balances the meal without overshadowing the empanadas’ flavor.
If you’re serving them as part of a larger spread, consider offering a mix of fillings so everyone can try something different. Meat, cheese, and veggie varieties complement each other well. For a heartier meal, serve empanadas alongside rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
To enhance the experience, serve empanadas warm, allowing the fillings to stay juicy and the crust to retain its texture. Dessert empanadas pair well with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey. Whether eaten as snacks, dinner, or party appetizers, empanadas fit naturally into any dining occasion.
Final Thoughts
Empanadas stand out as one of the most beloved foods across Latin America, and it’s easy to see why. They are comforting, flexible, and endlessly customizable, making them a culinary canvas for creativity. Whether you prefer them fried, baked, savory, or sweet, there’s an empanada style for every palate.
Learning to make empanadas at home opens the door to exploring different cultures through food. Each version tells a story, reflecting history, migration, and local tradition. Preparing them yourself gives you the chance to appreciate the craftsmanship behind these deceptively simple pockets of flavor.
In the end, the best empanadas are the ones that bring people together. They encourage sharing, experimenting, and celebrating cultural diversity. Once you master a few techniques, you’ll find yourself returning to these recipes often—they’re satisfying to make, fun to eat, and impossible not to crave.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.