12+ Simple Cheese Empanadas Recipes You’ll Love to Make!

Imagine pulling a golden-brown pastry from the oven, the aroma of melted cheese wafting through the kitchen. Empanadas are little pockets of joy, perfect for any occasion. If you love cheese, you’re in for a treat with these delicious recipes that are easy to whip up and absolutely delightful!

The Heartwarming Joy of Cheese Empanadas

Every time I make Cheese Empanadas, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my family would gather around the table, laughter filling the air as we enjoyed these delightful treats together. The simple act of folding that dough over gooey, melted cheese always felt like a little piece of magic, and it became a cherished tradition in our home.

This recipe has found its way into my rotation because it’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Whenever I have a few extra minutes, I whip up a batch, knowing that they will be devoured in no time, whether it’s for a casual snack or a cozy dinner.

People love Cheese Empanadas for their versatility and comforting flavors. From classic cheese blends to adventurous fillings like spinach or jalapeños, there’s a version to suit every palate, making them a hit at parties and family gatherings alike.

Quick Highlights

  • ⏱ Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • 🔥 Difficulty level: Easy
  • 💰 Estimated cost:
  • 🍽 Servings: 4
  • 🎯 Best for: Snack or appetizer

Essential Ingredients That Shine

  • Dough – The foundation of your empanadas, providing that perfect flaky texture.
  • Cheese – The star of the show, offering rich, gooey goodness that melts beautifully.
  • Seasonings – A blend of spices that enhance the flavor, making each bite unforgettable.

Customizable Options to Consider

  • Try adding different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a unique twist.
  • Incorporate vegetables such as sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
  • For a meatier option, mix in cooked chorizo or shredded chicken along with the cheese.
  • Experiment with sauces on the side, such as salsa or a creamy dipping sauce, to elevate your empanadas.

Helpful Hints for Success

  • Make sure your dough is chilled before rolling it out to achieve a better texture.
  • Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent them from bursting during baking.
  • Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden color when baked.
  • Experiment with different baking times for a variety of textures, from soft to crispy.

These recipes are curated from a variety of inspirations around the world, helping you save time and make better choices in the kitchen while sparking your creativity for delicious meals. Enjoy cooking!

Classic Cheese Empanadas

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas)

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas) from Serious Eats

Ingredients: Goat cheese, pickle juice, scotch bonnet peppers, fontina cheese, hot sauce Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas from Pura Vida Moms

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Cast iron skillet, masa harina, mozzarella cheese, chicken bouillon, tortilla press Total Time: 25 min.

Empanadas con Queso (Gluten-free)

Empanadas con Queso (Gluten-free) from Kitchen Frau

Ingredients: Salsa lizano, masa harina, mozzarella cheese, sea salt, vegetable oil Total Time: 30 min.

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This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Using just a few ingredients, you can create empanadas that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The blend of cheese gives these pastries a wonderful savory note that will have everyone asking for more.

For this recipe, you’ll need: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar), and some milk. What makes these empanadas special is the flaky dough that holds in all that cheesy goodness. They’re perfect as a snack or a party appetizer!

Spicy Cheese Empanadas

Pukacapas - Spicy Cheese Empanadas (Bolivia)

Pukacapas – Spicy Cheese Empanadas (Bolivia) from Food.com

Ingredients: 50 мин

Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas from Mexican Please

Rating: 4.1. Ingredients: 2 ч 55 мин

Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Spicy Beef and Cheese Empanadas from Cooked by Julie

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 ч 5 мин

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If you’re looking to add a kick to your cheese empanadas, this spicy version is for you! Infused with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, these empanadas pack a flavorful punch that’s both exciting and satisfying. They’re a great way to spice up any gathering.

To make them, gather your ingredients: flour, salt, butter, shredded pepper jack cheese, jalapeños (fresh or pickled), and a touch of cumin for depth. The heat from the jalapeños contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve these with a creamy dipping sauce for an extra treat!

Herbed Cheese Empanadas

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas from Pura Vida Moms

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Cast iron skillet, masa harina, mozzarella cheese, chicken bouillon, tortilla press Total Time: 25 min.

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas)

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas) from Serious Eats

Ingredients: Goat cheese, pickle juice, scotch bonnet peppers, fontina cheese, hot sauce Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Empanada | Argentinian Onion and Cheese Empanada

Empanada | Argentinian Onion and Cheese Empanada from My Cooking Journey

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Gouda cheese, heavy cream, sesame seeds, red pepper, butter Total Time: 4 hr 20 min.

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Looking for something fresh and aromatic? These herbed cheese empanadas are bursting with flavor thanks to the addition of fresh herbs like basil and oregano. The combination of cheeses along with the herbs creates a fragrant and rich filling that’s simply irresistible.

For this recipe, gather flour, butter, salt, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and your favorite fresh herbs. The special touch here is how the herbs elevate the cheese, giving it a garden-fresh taste. These empanadas are great for a light lunch or as a fancy appetizer at your next dinner party!

Cheese and Spinach Empanadas

Vegetarian Empanadas

Vegetarian Empanadas from The Kitchn

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 ч 25 мин

Spinach and Cheese Empanadas

Spinach and Cheese Empanadas from Goya Foods

Ingredients: Нет отзывов

Spinach and Three Cheese Empanadas

Spinach and Three Cheese Empanadas from sel et sucre

Ingredients: Нет отзывов

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These empanadas are a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while enjoying delicious cheese! The combination of creamy cheese and tender spinach creates a filling that’s both nutritious and tasty. Plus, they look vibrant and colorful, making them a hit on any plate.

To prepare, you’ll need flour, butter, salt, ricotta cheese, spinach, and a bit of garlic for flavor. The special twist is sautéing the spinach with garlic before mixing it with the cheese, which brings out an incredible depth of flavor. These empanadas are perfect for lunchboxes or as a healthy snack!

Sweet Cheese Empanadas

Cheese Empanadas

Cheese Empanadas from Bakerita

Ingredients: Empanada dough, jack cheese, egg, deep frying Total Time: 40 mins.

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas)

Empanadas de Queso (Argentine Cheese Empanadas) from Serious Eats

Ingredients: Goat cheese, pickle juice, scotch bonnet peppers, fontina cheese, hot sauce Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins.

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas

Costa Rican Cheese Empanadas from Pura Vida Moms

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Cast iron skillet, masa harina, mozzarella cheese, chicken bouillon, tortilla press Total Time: 25 mins.

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Yes, you read it right! These sweet cheese empanadas are a delightful dessert that everyone will love. The filling is made with sweetened cream cheese, and the dough is lightly sweetened too, creating a treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

For this indulgent recipe, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, cream cheese, and a bit of vanilla extract. What makes these empanadas special is that they can be dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate sauce for an extra touch. Serve them warm, and watch as your friends and family devour them!