Delicious Pizza Empanadas Perfect 30 Minute Recipe

What do you get when you combine the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza with the flaky, handheld perfection of an empanada? You get these irresistible pizza empanadas. This dish is a delicious fusion that takes all your favorite flavors and wraps them into a convenient and fun-to-eat pocket. Perfect for a quick lunch, a game-day snack, or a fun weeknight dinner, these pizza empanadas will quickly become a family favorite.

What are Pizza Empanadas?

Pizza empanadas are a creative twist on the traditional savory empanada. Instead of a classic filling like meat or vegetables, they are stuffed with the core ingredients of a pizza: rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni or bell peppers. These savory pastries are a prime example of culinary fusion, blending the comforting tastes of Italian-American cuisine with the popular Latin American format of a handheld, fried or baked dough pocket.

Ingredients

For the Empanadas

• 1 package (10-12) store-bought empanada dough discs or pie crust, thawed
• 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or other pizza toppings (optional)

For the Egg Wash (if baking)

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp water

How to Prepare and Cook Your Pizza Empanadas

1. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any optional toppings like mini pepperoni. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
2. Fill the Empanada Discs: Lay the empanada dough discs on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
3. Seal the Empanadas: Fold one side of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring a tight seal. This step is crucial for keeping the melted cheese from escaping.
4. Bake or Fry: You have two options for cooking these delicious pizza empanadas.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
   • Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time, for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve: Let the pizza empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or served with an extra side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Empanadas

• Don’t Overfill: This is the most important tip. Overfilling can lead to a messy leak of cheese and sauce.
• The Power of the Crimp: Use a fork to firmly press and seal the edges. This is your best defense against leaks during baking or frying.
• Creative Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your pizza empanadas! Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage to the filling for a customized flavor.

Conclusion

These pizza empanadas are a fun and easy way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors in a new and exciting format. Whether baked or fried, they are a guaranteed hit and a perfect solution for a meal that is both simple to make and a joy to eat.

Delicious Pizza Empanadas Perfect 30 Minute Recipe

foodifa

A simple and delicious recipe for pizza empanadas, combining the best of pizza with the flaky goodness of an empanada.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Fusion, Italian, Latin American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Empanadas

• 1 package 10-12 store-bought empanada dough discs or pie crust, thawed
• 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or other pizza toppings optional

For the Egg Wash (if baking)

• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any optional toppings like mini pepperoni. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
• Fill the Empanada Discs: Lay the empanada dough discs on a clean, flat surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking.
• Seal the Empanadas: Fold one side of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring a tight seal. This step is crucial for keeping the melted cheese from escaping.
• Bake or Fry: You have two options for cooking these delicious pizza empanadas.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
• Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time, for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve: Let the pizza empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or served with an extra side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Using pre-made dough discs makes this recipe incredibly fast.

Keyword cheesy empanadas, empanada recipe, pizza bites, pizza empanadas,, pizza pockets