Warm & Gooey Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas You’ll Crave Forever

Pepperoni empanadas bring together the vibrant tastes of Latin America and Italian-American flair.

These savory pastries entice food lovers with their crispy golden crusts and rich, melted centers.

Filled with spicy pepperoni and gooey cheese, they offer a convenient meal that hits all the comfort food notes.

The crisp, flaky pastry envelops a warm filling that bursts with bold and tangy flavors.

People who love cooking find these treats easy to make and perfect for sharing at any occasion.

Pepperoni empanadas are a wonderful example of how traditional recipes can be given new life with imaginative twists.

Ingredients List For Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for creating a soft, pliable dough for empanadas.
• Water: Helps bind the flour and create the right dough consistency.
• White Vinegar: Adds tenderness and prevents gluten development.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dough.

• Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide rich, melty cheese flavor and creamy texture in the filling.

• Pepperoni: Adds spicy, savory meat flavor to the empanadas.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy tomato base for the filling.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herb blend to boost the filling's flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the empanadas to golden perfection.
• Cornstarch: Prevents dough rounds from sticking together.
• Water: Used to seal the edges of the empanadas.

How To Bake Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

Step 1: Whip Up The Dough

Grab your food processor and toss in flour, water, vinegar, and salt. Blitz everything until a smooth dough ball emerges. Gently transfer the dough onto a clean surface, drape a soft towel over it, and let it relax for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out Perfect Circles

Split the dough into two sections and roll each piece into a super thin sheet using a rolling pin. Grab a 3-inch round cutter and start cutting out delicate dough circles. Dust each circle with cornstarch and carefully stack them to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Diced pepperoni
• Provolone cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning

Mix everything until well blended.

Step 4: Craft Your Empanadas

Spoon a generous amount of filling onto each dough circle. Dab water around the edges, then fold and crimp with a fork to seal. Repeat until all dough rounds are transformed into delicious pockets.

Step 5: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil until it reaches 365°F. Carefully lower 4-5 empanadas into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping midway, until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve And Devour

Plate these crispy, cheesy empanadas while they’re hot. Serve with extra marinara sauce or your favorite dipping companion. Enjoy the mouthwatering result of your culinary adventure!

Handy Tips For Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

• Optimize Dough Consistency: Rest the dough for exactly 20 minutes to develop gluten and make rolling easier, ensuring a tender, pliable texture.
• Perfect Filling Balance: Dice pepperoni and cheese uniformly to distribute flavors evenly throughout each empanada, creating a harmonious bite.
• Prevent Leakage Technique: Seal edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling to stop cheese from oozing out during frying.
• Master Frying Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to maintain oil at 365°F, guaranteeing crispy golden exteriors without burning or soggy results.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after frying for maximum crispiness, and pair with warmed marinara sauce for an authentic restaurant-style experience.

How To Store And Reheat Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

• Refrigerate: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for maximum 2 months, ensuring they remain fresh and crispy.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread empanadas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring their original crunch.
• Reheat Air Fryer Method: Cook frozen or refrigerated empanadas at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, creating a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a hot, melty interior.

Tasty Sides For Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Pair these cheesy pepperoni empanadas with complementary tastes that enhance their rich, savory profile.
• Craft a Refreshing Beverage Match: Select crisp Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese that cut through the empanadas' richness and complement the pepperoni's spiciness.
• Design a Perfect Side Accompaniment: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the empanadas' heavy texture and provide a light, tangy contrast.
• Boost Dipping Experience: Serve marinara sauce alongside garlic aioli for a dual-dipping option that highlights different flavor dimensions of the crispy, cheesy pastry.

Ways To Change Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas

• Gluten-Free Empanadas: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice and almond flour, ensuring the same crispy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Pizza Pockets: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and plant-based cheese to create a meat-free version packed with savory flavors.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use almond flour and replace traditional dough with a cheese-based wrapper, maintaining the empanada's crispy exterior while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Healthier Baked Option: Instead of deep-frying, brush empanadas with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, creating a lighter alternative with less oil absorption.

Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas Questions

• Are empanadas originally from Latin America?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, and were brought to Latin America by Spanish colonizers. They became popular across many countries, with each region developing its own unique style and fillings.

• Can I bake these empanadas instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with egg wash before baking to get a nice golden color and crispy exterior.

• What if I don't have a food processor to make the dough?

You can mix the dough ingredients by hand in a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine, then knead on a clean surface until a smooth dough forms. The key is to work the dough until it becomes elastic and soft.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking while frying?

Ensure the edges are completely sealed by pressing with a fork and avoid overfilling. Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the dough when you fold and seal the empanadas.

Why Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas Are A Crowd-Pleaser

• Quick-to-Craft Comfort Food: Whip up these cheesy pepperoni empanadas in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for game days, movie nights, and casual gatherings where everyone craves delicious handheld bites that disappear fast.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap cheeses or add extra spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch, freeze uncooked empanadas, and enjoy convenient future meals by simply frying straight from frozen state.

Mouthwatering Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas blend classic Argentine pastry with zesty Italian flavors, creating a mouthwatering fusion of crispy dough and melted cheese. Spicy pepperoni and gooey mozzarella nestled inside golden-brown pockets promise a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• ⅛ cup (30 milliliters) warm water
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cornstarch, for dusting

Cheese Ingredients:

• 4 slices provolone cheese, diced
• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (60 grams) Parmesan cheese

Filling and Cooking Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pepperoni, diced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky, pliable dough by blending flour, liquid ingredients, and salt in a food processor until a cohesive mass emerges. Allow the dough to relax and develop elasticity by covering and resting for approximately 20 minutes.
2. Partition the dough into symmetrical portions. Utilize a rolling implement to transform the dough into a gossamer-thin sheet. Employ a precise circular cutter to create uniform rounds. Delicately dust each disc with cornstarch, carefully layering to prevent adhesion.
3. Transform pepperoni and various cheeses into diminutive cubes. Amalgamate the chopped proteins and dairy components with marinara and aromatic Italian seasonings, creating a robust and zesty filling mixture.
4. Distribute a measured portion of the savory filling onto each dough round’s center. Delicately moisten the circular perimeter with water, then elegantly fold and compress edges using fork tines to create a hermetic seal. Methodically repeat the process across all dough segments.
5. Elevate vegetable oil to an optimal temperature of 365°F. Gently immerse small batches of empanadas, frying until they achieve a resplendent golden-brown exterior. Carefully rotate midway to ensure uniform crispness. Transfer to an absorbent surface to eliminate excess oil.
6. Present the empanadas while still radiating warmth, accompanied by additional marinara or a complementary dipping sauce of preference. Invite guests to savor these crisp, cheese-laden parcels.

Notes

• Customize the dough by substituting half the flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier twist.
• Control oil absorption by ensuring oil temperature stays consistent at 365°F and avoiding overcrowding during frying.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like chorizo, vegetarian crumbles, or different cheese combinations to suit various dietary preferences.
• Prepare empanadas ahead of time by assembling and freezing uncooked,

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg