How To Bake Empanadas In The Oven

Delicious and Easy Empanadas Baked in the Oven

Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, and for good reason. These savory pastries are filled with a variety of delicious ingredients and are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. While empanadas are often fried, baking them in the oven is a healthier and equally delicious alternative. If you’re looking to make your own batch of empanadas at home, here’s a simple and tasty recipe for baking them in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of pre-made empanada dough
• 1 pound of ground beef or shredded chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or shredded chicken over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are soft. Season the mixture with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set the filling aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Assemble the Empanadas: Lay out the empanada dough rounds on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of each round. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the empanadas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade empanadas!

Baking empanadas in the oven is a simple and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish without the hassle of frying. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these baked empanadas are sure to be a hit. Feel free to get creative with the fillings and make a variety of flavors to suit your taste. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some mouthwatering empanadas in the oven!