How to Make Empanadas Fritas de Queso - A Step-by-Step Guide

Empanadas fritas de queso, or fried cheese empanadas, are a popular dish in many Latin American countries. These delicious golden-brown pastries are filled with a gooey, melted cheese that oozes out with every bite. The combination of crispy dough and savory cheese makes them a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dinner or a festive celebration.

Empanadas have been a part of Latin American cuisine for centuries, with each country putting its own sp...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lard
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 1 cup queso chanco (or Swiss cheese or Havarti), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 16 empanadas

  • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Combine the lard and milk in a saucepan, and heat until the milk is hot. Pour the hot milk into the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Roll the dough out on a floured surface 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 4-inch rounds. Brush the outer edges of each circle with beaten egg, and fill with a small mound of cheese. Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon; press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. Place the empanadas onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with remaining egg.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden-brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Alternatively, the empanadas may be deep fried in 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oil. If deep frying, do not brush the outsides of the empanadas with egg. Drain on paper towels.
  • Nutrition

    343 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 57mg
    • Sodium: 287mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 39g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Calcium: 320mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 126mg