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I am in love with these little morsels of cheesy goodness. Crispy on the outside, cheesy, beany and delicious on the inside, it's everything you can ask for in a finger food.
Smoky poblano peppers and paprika, creamy cheese, with a bite of onion and fresh cilantro all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky pie crust. Yes. This is the stuff.
Plus, they are SO EASY to make. Don't get all worried about the dough and the folding and wrapping and such. It's not hard. And I use store bought pie crust (just like in this Crawfish Pie, Turkey Pot Pie or Strawberry Galette). So easy.
These vegetarian empanadas are baked, not fried, so no need to worry about messing oil and splattering, just like these traditional Argentinian Beef Empanadas.
Jump to:
Are Empanadas Baked or Fried?
They can be either. Some say that baked and fried empanadas use different dough and fillings, but in reality, you can choose to bake or fry them. This bean and cheese empanada recipe bakes them because it is easier, less messy, and also happens to be a little healthier.
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The Ingredients
Like I said, I use store bought pie crusts for these vegetarian empanadas. I know, store bought is not as good, but honestly, I think it works just fine. But if you're super motivated, check out this recipe for Empanada Dough.
I do use Velveeta in this recipe. I like the creaminess it provides. You can replace it with shredded cheddar cheese, but I personally like the creaminess and flavor of the Velveeta. Buy Velveeta (affiliate link).
Smoked paprika gives the filling an incredible slightly sweet and smoky flavor. Buy Smoked Paprika (affiliate link). If you like a little spice, you can replace the smoked paprika with hot paprika and/or add a minced hot pepper (jalapeno, habanero, etc.).
The poblano peppers are best when they are roasted and peeled - they have a sweet, smoky, earthy flavor that is just incredible. They add depth to these vegetarian empanadas.
And guys, what is an empanada without chimichurri sauce??? Learn how to make the easiest Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce EVER!
The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Combine all filling ingredients (except Velveeta and milk) in a bowl and mix well to combine. Add the Velveeta and milk to a small sauce pan and heat over medium heat.
Stir periodically until cheese is melted and a sauce forms. Stir the cheese sauce in with the filling ingredients. Set aside.
At this point, taste the filling and add any additional salt if desired. I may add ½ to 1 teaspoon of additional salt, but it depends on your preference.
Lay out the dough on a flat surface and use a cookie cutter to cut 4" round circles. Do the same with the second pie crust. Place the dough round on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Place 1-2 teaspoons (whatever will comfortable fit) of the filling in the middle of each dough round.
Fold over into a moon shape, firmly sealing the edges. Use a fork to seal the edges.
Do this for all the remaining dough rounds. Brush each empanada with the egg wash. This is what will give them that nice golden brown color.
Bake the empanadas for 25-30 minutes, until they are nice and golden brown. Remove and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve with Homemade Chimichurri Sauce.
Expert Tips
- If your dough doesn't seal at the edges, dampen it with water and then seal.
- Replace the Velveeta with cheddar or any other cheese if desired. Omit the milk if you substitute it.
- Use black beans in place of pinto beans, or even a mix of both.
- Substitute Anaheim chilies, jalapeno peppers or diced red bell peppers for the poblanos if desired. However, I think the flavor of the poblano is best in this recipe, personally.
- Taste the mixture before stuffing the empanadas and add additional salt if desired.
How Do I Freeze Empanadas?
These baked empanadas can be frozen in advance. Place the empanadas (before brushing them with the egg wash) on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
How do you cook frozen empanadas? To cook empanadas from frozen, brush with egg wash then bake at 375F degrees for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on the outside.
How to Roast Poblano Peppers
Heat a grill to medium high heat and place the peppers directly on the grill, stove top (gas stove only) or under the broiler. Roast until the skin in blistered, turning to blister all sides.
Remove and let cool. Peel the skin off and remove the seeds. The peppers can be roasted ahead of time and frozen. Just place in a freezer bag. Frozen roasted poblano peppers will last about 6 months in the freezer
More South American Recipes
- Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce;
- Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca);
- Brazilian Pizza;
- Brazilian Inspired Braised Short Ribs.
Did you make these Vegetarian Empanadas? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how they turned out.
Recipe
Crispy Baked Vegetarian Empanadas
Ingredients
- 2 (9 inch) pie crusts
- 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (for egg wash)
Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans rinsed
- 1 whole poblano peppers roasted, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¼ medium onion diced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces Velveeta melted
- 1 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all filling ingredients (except Velveeta and milk) in a bowl and mix well to combine.
- Add the Velveeta and milk to a small sauce pan and heat over medium heat. Stir periodically until cheese is melted and a sauce forms. Stir the cheese sauce in with the filling ingredients. Set aside.
- Taste the filling and add additional salt if necessary.
- Lay out the dough on a flat surface and use a cookie cutter to cut 4" round circles. Do the same with the second pie crust. Place the dough round on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the middle of each dough round. Fold over into a moon shape, firmly sealing the edges. Use a fork to seal the edges (see photos above).
- Arrange the empanadas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush each one with egg wash.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and let sit for 10-15 minutes and serve with chimichurri sauce.
Expert Tips:
- If your dough doesn't seal at the edges, dampen it with water and then seal.
- Replace the Velveeta with cheddar or any other cheese if desired. Omit the milk if you substitute it.
- Use black beans in place of pinto beans, or even a mix of both.
- Substitute Anaheim chilies, jalapeno peppers or diced red bell peppers for the poblanos if desired. However, I think the flavor of the poblano is best in this recipe, personally.
- Taste the mixture before stuffing the empanadas and add additional salt if desired.
- These baked empanadas can be frozen in advance. Place the empanadas (before brushing them with the egg wash) on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To cook empanadas from frozen, brush with egg wash then bake at 375 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on the outside.
- See instructions for roasting poblano peppers in the body of the post.
Erica Schwarz
These look amazing! I want a batch right now - you got me with the poblano pepper, it is one of my most favorite flavors.
Danielle
Poblanos are just the best!
Paula Montenegro
I love empanadas (I'm from Argentina) but never had a bean-filled one before. They look incredibly tempting! And the idea of turning the chimichurri into a dipping sauce is just perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
Thanks Paula!
Jacqueline Debono
I love the fact that you bake these empanadas! What kind of pastry do you use? I imagine short crust but I wanted to check.
Danielle
Yes, I just use store bought pie crust.
Farah Abumaizar
Love the beautiful moody shot and love the idea of vegetarian empanadas! Totally into this dish.
Danielle
Thanks so much 🙂
Cindy
This is so delicious!! We are always on the hunt for new recipes to try each week! My kids even loved this!
Danielle
So glad you liked it!
Kushigalu
Love this baked version of empanadas. Looks so yummy. Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Will try this soon.
Danielle
Hope you love it!
Scarlet | Family Focus Blog
These vegetarian empandads look so good and so does that green dipping sauce. Yum-o!
Danielle
Thanks!
Tania Pilcher | Fit Foodie Nutter
I love how crispy and crunchy these empanadas look and can't wait to try the recipe!
Danielle
Hope you love them!
Tamara J.
I’m so excited I ran across this recipe! I recently had some leftover pie dough that I was trying to find a use for, and this is perfect! Thanks for sharing.
Danielle
You're welcome Tamara!
Alison
I've always been a little nervous about making epanadas, but your directions and recipe were easy to follow!
Danielle
Thanks!
Jen
I am loving these especially with the chimichurri dipping sauce. Yum! Thanks for the tip about making them ahead of time and freezing them. So helpful when trying to prepare for a party.
Danielle
You're welcome!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Those look gorgeous. It's coming up to lunchtime and I could easily tuck into a couple of those right now. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Sharing it on social now.
Danielle
Thanks!
Claudia Lamascolo
what a great idea and so much less calories. I will have to try these soon I love meat pies like this one!
Danielle
Thanks Claudia!
Demeter
Love how quickly these come together especially taking advantge of using pre made pie crust. They will be the showstopper of anyone's next party!
Danielle
Thanks Demeter! I'm all about the store bought pie crust!
Kelly Anthony
These empanadas look like the perfect ooey cheesy appetizer sure to please any guest. Great work!
Danielle
They're a great app 🙂 Thanks Kelly!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I've never met an empanada I didn't like and these look absolutely luscious! Love it.
Danielle
Thanks Lisa!!