There’s something magical about biting into a golden, crispy empanada and discovering a gooey, cheesy, pepperoni-packed center. It’s like the best parts of pizza wrapped in a handheld, flaky crust. Whether you’re making these for a snack, party appetizer, or a fun dinner, trust me—these little pockets of deliciousness will disappear faster than you can make them! They’re easy, customizable, and totally addicting. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun weeknight dinner. These empanadas are great for kids, game nights, or just treating yourself to something delicious.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and store-bought dough, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a homemade treat.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a simple assembly process, you can have these empanadas ready in no time.
Customizable: Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, veggies, or even a spicy kick with jalapeños. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas
Here’s the magic of these empanadas—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is out-of-this-world delicious. Let’s break it down:
Pizza Dough: The base that holds everything together. You can use store-bought or homemade for that perfect crispy, flaky texture.
Pepperoni: The classic pizza topping that adds a delicious, slightly spicy, and smoky flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, stretchy goodness that makes every bite irresistible. For extra cheesiness, mix in some Parmesan or provolone.
Pizza Sauce: A tangy, flavorful base that brings everything together. Go for store-bought or homemade for a fresher taste.
Egg Wash: A simple egg and water mixture brushed on top to give these empanadas that gorgeous golden brown color.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and a crispy, golden crust.
Prepare Your Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
Assemble the Filling: In the center of each dough circle, place a spoonful of pizza sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a few slices of pepperoni.
Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. Make sure they’re tightly closed to keep all that melty goodness inside.
Egg Wash: Brush the tops with the egg wash for a perfectly golden, crispy finish.
Bake to Perfection: Place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (trust me, that molten cheese is hot!). Enjoy them on their own or with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 empanadas
Calories per serving: 180
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas
These empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can take them up a notch with these fun serving ideas:
- Serve with a side of warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Add some garlic butter on top for an extra indulgent flavor boost.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh basil for a gourmet touch.
Additional Tips
- If you prefer frying over baking, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
- Make a big batch and freeze them! Just reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of ricotta for a creamier filling.
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- If the dough is sticking, lightly flour your work surface to prevent it from tearing.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use pre-made empanada dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought empanada dough works perfectly and gives a more traditional texture.
2. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
4. Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes! Assemble the empanadas, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. What other fillings can I use?
Try ham and cheese, buffalo chicken, spinach and ricotta, or even Nutella and bananas for a sweet twist!
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! Provolone, Parmesan, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar work great.
7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill and make sure to seal the edges well with a fork. You can also chill the empanadas before baking to help them hold their shape.
8. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes! A simple mix of flour, butter, salt, and water will give you a homemade empanada dough with amazing texture.
9. Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prep them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
10. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all fantastic options.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them an instant favorite. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and ridiculously delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just to satisfy a pizza craving, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and let the deliciousness begin!
Print
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion, American, Latin
Description
A delicious fusion of crispy empanadas and classic pepperoni pizza, filled with gooey cheese and flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or game-day treat!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Oil for frying (or baking alternative)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, kneading until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
5. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on each dough round.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni on top.
7. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
8. Brush empanadas with egg wash.
9. Fry in hot oil until golden brown (or bake for 18-20 minutes until crispy).
10. Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra crispiness, bake at 400°F (200°C) instead of frying.
– Substitute pepperoni with mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
– Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg