Several fried cheese empanadas on a round clay plate, one broken open exposing cheese filling.

Fried Cheese Empanadas

Quick & Easy
Serving Time Icon 50 min
Serves Number Icon Yields 16

Pillowy, soft fried dough filled with local cheese makes these Fried Cheese Empanadas, the perfect appetizer or snack to enjoy any time of day. They're easy to make, and you can change up the cheeses to use your favourite local Ontario cheese for a wide combination of flavours - the possibilities are endless!

Prep 15 MIN

Cook 20 MIN

Rest 15 min

Ingredients

Tip

For a smaller empanada cut dough into 20 pieces. Cutting the dough into pieces and rolling them out individually will give you a tender dough as you are only rolling it out once for each empanada.

Method

Step 1

In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Using a fork, mash in butter until crumbly mixture forms. Stir in milk until a ragged dough forms.
 

Step 2

Turn out dough onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth dough forms. Cover dough with a clean tea towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
 

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a bowl combine provolone and queso together. Heat 4 inches (10 cm) of oil in a deep wide saucepan over medium-high heat to about 350ºF (180ºC).
 

Step 4

Cut dough into 16 pieces. Roll out 1 piece at a time into about 4-inch (10 cm) circle. Place about 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the cheese mixture into centre of dough. Lightly brush edge of dough with water. Fold over to create a half moon shape and pinch and press edge with your fingers or a fork to seal. Place on a floured baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
 

Step 5

Fry a few empanadas at a time for about 3 minutes, turning halfway until both sides are golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon to a paper towel lined baking sheet. Serve warm.
 

Make-ahead

Once made, cover and refrigerate empanadas for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. Reheat and warm through in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven until knife inserted in centre is warm to the touch.

Nutritional Information

One Serving 1 Empanada

Calories 210
Protein 7 g
Carbohydrates 13 g
Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Trans Fat 0.3 g
Cholesterol 25 mg
Sodium 230 mg
Fibre 0 g
Sugars 1 g

Top 5 Nutrients: Selenium ≥18%DV, Folate ≥14%DV, Niacin ≥13%DV, Calcium 11%DV, Thiamin ≥10%DV.

Savour Ontario Kitchen
Written By

Savour Ontario Kitchen

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