Golden Baked Cheese Empanadas (Cheese Hand Pies)

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These golden, bubbly cheese empanadas are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, soft and melty on the inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, lunchbox treat, or party food, they’re easy to make and always disappear fast. This recipe gives you bakery-style results at home, just like the ones in the photo.

Introduction

Cheese empanadas are popular across Latin America, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, each region adding its own twist. Baked instead of fried, these empanadas are lighter but still incredibly flavorful. The filling is rich, creamy, and stretchy, while the crust turns beautifully golden with irresistible blistered spots.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾–1 cup cold milk or water (as needed)

For the Cheese Filling

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mild white cheese (farmer cheese, ricotta drained, or queso fresco)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar (for depth of flavor)
  • 1 egg (for binding)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional:
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano

For Brushing

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the egg and slowly pour in cold milk/water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead lightly (do not overwork).
  5. Wrap and rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Cheese Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine all cheeses.
  2. Add egg, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
  3. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Shape the Empanadas

  1. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface (about 3 mm thick).
  2. Cut circles (10–12 cm diameter).
  3. Place 1–2 tablespoons of cheese filling in the center.
  4. Fold into a half-moon shape.
  5. Seal edges by pressing with fingers or a fork.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Place empanadas on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush with egg yolk + milk mixture.
  4. Bake for 22–28 minutes, until golden, puffed, and blistered.

Cooking Methods

  • Baked (recommended): Crispy, golden, lighter
  • Air Fryer: 180°C for 12–15 minutes
  • Pan-fried: Richer, more indulgent

Tips for Success

  • Use cold butter for flaky dough
  • Don’t overfill—cheese expands
  • Resting the dough is key
  • Mix cheeses for best flavor

Nutritional Highlights (Approx. per piece)

  • Calories: 220–260
  • Protein: High (from cheese)
  • Calcium-rich
  • Great energy snack

History

Empanadas date back to medieval Spain, inspired by Arabic pastries. The word empanar means “to wrap in bread.” Cheese empanadas became especially popular in regions where dairy was abundant, evolving into the beloved snack we know today.

Why Everyone Loves Them

  • Crispy outside, gooey inside
  • Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
  • Perfect for any occasion
  • Customizable fillings

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: up to 3 days
  • Freeze (unbaked): up to 2 months
  • Bake straight from frozen (+5 minutes)

Conclusion

These baked cheese empanadas are pure comfort—simple ingredients, incredible texture, and unforgettable flavor. Once you make them, they’ll become a permanent favorite in your kitchen.

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