11 Flaky Empanadas Recipes for Handheld Treats

I still remember the aroma of my abuela’s kitchen in Buenos Aires during family gatherings—golden empanadas fresh from the oven, their flaky dough shattering with every bite to reveal savory fillings that brought everyone together. Those childhood memories fueled my love for these handheld delights, portable pockets of joy that made picnics and road trips magical.

Recently, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking dough recipes with extra butter for ultimate flakiness and testing global twists on fillings. In our fast-paced world, empanadas are a game-changer: easy to grab on the go, customizable for any diet, and endlessly versatile from street food to party appetizers.

Classic Beef Empanadas

These timeless empanadas feature tender ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, cumin, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, encased in a buttery, flaky dough. Ingredients (makes 12): 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 cup olives, 2 eggs, salt/pepper. Mix dough with flour, butter, and water; chill. Brown beef with aromatics, add seasonings, cool. Roll dough, fill, seal, bake at 400°F for 20 mins.
Perfect for parties, they’re protein-packed, freezer-friendly, and evoke authentic Latin flavors with minimal effort.

Cheesy Chicken and Corn Empanadas

A creamy filling of shredded chicken, sweet corn, Monterey Jack cheese, and a hint of chili powder makes these crowd-pleasers. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough as above; 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup corn, 1 cup cheese, 1 tsp chili powder, green onions. Sauté corn and onions, mix with chicken and cheese. Portion into dough circles, fold, crimp, brush with egg, bake 20 mins at 400°F.
High in protein and veggies, they’re kid-friendly, gluten-free adaptable, and ideal for meal prep lunches.

Spinach and Feta Empanadas

Mediterranean-inspired with wilted spinach, tangy feta, ricotta, and nutmeg for a veggie boost. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 10 oz spinach, 1 cup feta, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, garlic. Sauté spinach and garlic, drain, mix cheeses. Fill dough, bake as above.
Vegetarian, nutrient-dense with iron and calcium, these are light yet satisfying for health-conscious snacks.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

Vegan-friendly with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, cilantro, lime, and smoked paprika. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough (vegan butter); 2 sweet potatoes, 1 can black beans, lime juice, spices. Roast potatoes, mash with beans and seasonings. Assemble and bake.
Plant-based protein powerhouses, fiber-rich for gut health, and a hearty option for vegan gatherings.

Spicy Shrimp Empanadas

Succulent shrimp with tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and adobo sauce for a coastal kick. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 1 lb shrimp, 1 tomato, 1 pepper, 2 garlic cloves, adobo. Sauté filling, chop shrimp in. Fill, bake golden.
Seafood lovers rejoice—omega-3 rich, low-carb when portioned, perfect for elegant appetizers.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas

Earthy mushrooms sautéed with caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, and thyme. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 2 cups mushrooms, 1 onion, 4 oz goat cheese, thyme. Cook down filling, blend cheese. Crimp and bake.
Umami-packed, low-calorie veggie option, supports immunity with mushrooms’ antioxidants.

Chorizo and Potato Empanadas

Hearty with spicy chorizo, diced potatoes, onions, and smoked paprika. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 1/2 lb chorizo, 2 potatoes, onion, paprika. Boil potatoes, crumble in chorizo, mix. Bake till crisp.
Filling and flavorful, great for using leftovers, with potatoes for sustained energy.

Buffalo Chicken Empanadas

Game-day hit with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, celery, and ranch vibes. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 2 cups chicken, buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup blue cheese, celery. Toss ingredients, fill dough, bake.
Spicy, shareable protein bombs, lower mess than wings for tailgates.

Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas

Sweet twist: cinnamon-spiced apples, raisins, and a brown sugar glaze. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 4 apples, cinnamon, 1/4 cup raisins, sugar. Cook apple compote, fill, bake, dust with sugar.
Naturally sweet treat, fruit-based indulgence for guilt-free desserts or breakfast.

Pumpkin and Sage Empanadas

Fall favorite with pureed pumpkin, sage, ricotta, and nutmeg. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 2 cups pumpkin puree, sage, 1/2 cup ricotta, nutmeg. Mix filling, season, bake autumnal.
Beta-carotene boost, cozy seasonal snack, vegetarian and make-ahead friendly.

Ham and Swiss Empanadas

Breakfast-style with diced ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and scallions. Ingredients (makes 12): Dough; 1 cup ham, 1 cup Swiss, mustard, scallions. Combine cold, fill, bake hot.
Quick protein punch, portable brunch item, customizable for holidays.

Whether you’re channeling family traditions or jazzing up weeknight dinners, these 11 flaky empanada recipes prove handheld treats can be endlessly delicious and simple to make. Grab your apron, experiment with fillings, and share your flaky masterpieces—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!