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    Home » Recipes » Empanadas de Queso + VIDEO

    Empanadas de Queso + VIDEO

    Last Updated February 27, 2021. Originally Posted May 14, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Queso) are tasty bites of deliciousness. They are an easy Mexican appetizer perfect for your next fiesta.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Queso) are tasty bites of deliciousness. They are an easy Mexican appetizer perfect for your next fiesta. Watch the Video. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Empanadas de Queso on a decorative Mexican blue plate.

    I visit Tecate, Baja California, Mexico on a regular basis. There is a Mexican panadería (bakery) that is extremely well known. It is called, El Mejor Pan de Tecate.

    Guys, I have never seen a panadería like this! We are talking rows and rows of pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread). They even have diabetic and whole wheat options.


    El Mejor Pan de Tecate , pan dulce, Mexican sweet bread, panaderia, Mexican bakery

    Tecate is about 45 minutes east of Tijuana. Grab a bread at this panadería and enjoy it at the charming plaza only a few blocks away. It is a destination spot for bread lovers all over the world.

    It’s not just Mexican sweet bread. They also sell pizza, coffee, and savory breads like Empanadas de Queso. This is my take on this yummy baked treat.

    Ingredients for Empanadas de Queso on a wooden surface.

    Ingredient for Empanadas de Queso

    • Pie dough
    • Oaxaca Cheese
    • Pickled Jalapenos
    • Egg wash (water and egg)

    You can also use Monterey Jack or Manchego. Any cheese that will melt well works well in this recipe.

    I’m trying to give you an authentic Mexican recipe. That’s why I’m not suggesting mozzarella. However, you do as you do in your own kitchen.

    Pie dough that has been rolled out using a rolling pin.

    For those of you who are long time readers, you know I like shortcuts. Use refrigerated pie dough to make Empanadas de Queso. It will make life a lot easier.

    At the Mejor Pan de Tecate, they make their own pie dough.

    Here’s my pie dough recipe:

    2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
    1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, very-cold, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon sugar
    6 to 8 Tbsp ice water

    • Put everything (except for the butter and water) in the food processor. Pulse a few times.
    • Add the butter a little at a time. Slowly add the water until it forms a crumble.
    • Remove and place on a dusted surface. Knead slightly until it forms into a disk.
    • Divide into two. Don’t over mix. Let it rest for 1 hour before rolling out.

    If we were making sweet empanadas like Empanadas de Piña or Pumpkin Empanadas, I would also add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the dough.

    However, for savory empanadas, simply omit the sugar.

    Hand cutting out circles from rolled out dough.

    How to Make Empanadas de Queso

    You don’t need a fancy dough cutter. I used a small bowl to cut out the circles.

    Be sure to use something with a sharp edge. Or, take knife and cut around the edges of the bowl in order to cut through the dough.

    Cheese and pickled jalapenos placed in the center of pie dough circle.

    Add the Pickled Jalapeños and strips of cheese.

    Use your best judgement. Do not to overcrowd or add too much filling, or you won’t be able to close the empanada.

    You can also add one of the pickled carrots that comes in the escabeche (pickling) container.

    Green brush egg wash over the edges of the circular pie dough.

    Brush the edges of the dough with an egg wash.

    An egg wash is simply a few tablespoons of water and 1 egg mixed together. It will help bind the dough.

    A fork sealing the edges of an empanada.

    There are people who do fancy edges. Again, I’m the get in and get out of the kitchen type of cook.

    I use a fork to press the edges together. Go around the edges, making sure it is completely sealed.

    Please note: These are Empanadas de Queso estilo Mexicano (Mexican-style), but even within Mexico, this recipe differs. There is another version of this recipe made with masa harina. I’ll share that recipe with you another day.

    Empanadas sitting on a lined baking sheet.

    Place all of the Empanadas de Queso on a baking sheet.

    I like to line my baking sheet with foil paper. It just makes for easy cleanup. No scrubbing for me!

    How to Fry Empanadas:


    Heat oil to medium-high heat (not smoking, 350 degrees F on the deep-fry thermometer).
    Fry 4-6 minutes, flipping once. Place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

    A green brush applying egg wash to the top of an empanada.

    • To make them golden brown, brush the top of each of the empanadas with egg wash.
    • Place them in the oven at 400 degrees F for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.

    You have to let them cool completely before eating. That’s the hard part, I know. I’m always tempted to nibble as soon as they come out, but they need a few minutes to rest. It’s best.

    Serve with salsa verde. They make an easy Mexican appetizer at parties. You can even make them ahead of the event. Then simply warm them up before your guests arrive.


    Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Queso) are tasty bites of deliciousness. They are an easy Mexican appetizer perfect for your next fiesta. Watch the Video. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Don’t forget to Pin this for Later.
    Follow me on Pinterest.

    How to Store Empanadas:

    Empanadas de Queso store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    How to Freeze Empanadas: Place in a sealable bag and remove as much air as possible. They will last up to 5 months in the freezer. Thaw completely until ready to eat.

    To Reheat Empanadas: You can also bake them in the oven for 12 minutes or microwave them for 2-3 minutes until warm.

    Empanadas de Queso on a decorative Mexican blue plate.

    Empanadas de Queso

    Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Queso) are tasty bites of deliciousness. They are an easy Mexican appetizer perfect for your next fiesta.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 23 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 258kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Queso Oaxaca
    • 1/3 cup Pickled Jalapeños drained
    • 1 refrigerated Pie Crust softened
    • 1 Egg beaten
    • 1 tbsp Water
    • 1 cup Salsa Verde optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    • Roll out pie dough.
    • Cut out 8-10 round pieces. About 3-inches each.
    • Add a 2-inch piece of pickled jalapenos and a 2-inch piece of Queso Oaxaca.
    • In a small bowl, mix the egg and the water.
    • Brush the edge of the crust with egg mixture.
    • Fold the rounds in half.
    • Gently press the edges with a fork to seal.
    • Place on an a cookie sheet.
    • Brush the tops of the empanadas with more egg mixture.
    • Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown.
    • Serve with your favorite salsa.

    Video

    Notes

    You can also use Monterey Jack or Queso Manchego instead of Queso Oaxaca.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1141mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    For More Mexican Appetizer Recipes:


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    Carne Asada Nachos is a tasty, delicious, and indulgent appetizer loved by foodies everywhere. Try this easy sheet pan recipe for game day or your next party.


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    Coctel de Camarones, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, is an easy recipe that is low in calories and incredibly yummy. It’s a seafood heaven in every bite!


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    Chorizo Cheese Dip is a cheese-lovers dream. Ooey gooey, melted cheese that’s mixed with Mexican chorizo. Add tortilla chips, and this party appetizer is sure to please any crowd.

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.


    Filed Under: Appetizers, Mexican, Recipes, Vegetarian

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lyosha

      June 3, 2019 at 12:16 am

      5 stars
      looks so very delicious! I wouldn’t mind trying it at home. It looks like something I would very much enjoy

      Reply
    2. Hollie Burgess

      June 3, 2019 at 1:12 am

      5 stars
      I love these! Really want to give them a go myself but I know I’d eat them all in one go ha!

      Reply
    3. Mandi Morrison

      June 3, 2019 at 1:24 am

      I love the flavours of Mexico. These look really delicious and I would love to have a go at making them!

      Reply
    4. Arya

      June 3, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Que delicia, por favor! Comí por los ojos haha Hermosa receta!

      Reply
    5. Pilar

      June 3, 2019 at 2:41 pm

      Me encantó la receta! las empanadas are looking completely delicious! gonna try them soon! 😀

      Reply
    6. Rosey

      June 4, 2019 at 1:46 am

      I’ve never tried to make empanadas at home. I think it is a good idea to do so though!

      Reply
    7. Kalyan Panja

      June 4, 2019 at 10:13 am

      Nice reading about this lovely looking recipe. You surely had a fabulous time preparing these empanadas, which I prepare during the winter festivals.

      Reply
    8. Kim Seghers

      June 4, 2019 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      Those cheese empanadas look delicious. They also look fairly easy to make. I think I’ll try making some.

      Reply

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