Name: Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12-16 empanada dough discs (store bought or homemade); 8 oz pizza sauce, plus more for dipping; 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced; 8 oz pepperoni slices; 1 egg, beaten; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended); 4 oz butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tbsp parsley, minced

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If you are on the lookout for a snack that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with the convenience of handheld empanadas, you have just found your new favorite. This Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe brings together gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. Perfect for a casual get-together, game night, or whenever a pizza craving strikes, these empanadas are both fun and fast to make. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into bursts of cheesy, savory joy in each bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

A blue and white plate holds about eight golden-brown, fried half-moon shaped empanadas, layered and slightly overlapping each other. The empanadas have a bumpy, crispy outer texture with green herb sprinkles and small bits of garlic on top. One empanada is open, revealing melted, light yellow cheese and reddish filling inside. A small glass cup filled with red marinara sauce sits at the edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and each item plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The dough creates that wonderful crispy shell, while the fillings bring the classic pizza experience to a new form. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to prepare this delicious recipe.

Empanada dough discs (12–16): Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch; these form the crispy crust that encases all the delicious fillings.
Pizza sauce (8 oz plus extra): This tangy, flavorful base ensures every bite has that unmistakable pizza zest.
Mozzarella cheese (16 oz): The gooey, melty star of the show that gives you that satisfying cheese pull you crave.
Pepperoni (8 oz): Adds a spicy, savory kick; feel free to swap or mix with other toppings as you like.
Egg, beaten (1): This acts as the perfect sealant for your empanada edges, helping them stay closed during frying.
Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior we all love.
Butter (4 oz, melted): Used to add a luscious, buttery finish that’s simply irresistible.
Garlic (2 cloves, grated): Imparts a lovely aromatic punch to the butter glaze.
Parsley (1 tbsp, minced): Freshens up the garlic butter and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Fill the empanadas

Start by placing a generous spoonful of pizza sauce right in the center of each empanada dough disc. This tangy base sets the stage for the classic pizza flavors to shine through.

Step 2: Add cheese and toppings

Next, pile on the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. The cheese will melt beautifully during frying, binding everything inside, while the pepperoni brings that beloved spicy, meaty flavor.

Step 3: Seal the empanadas

Brush the inner edges of the dough discs with the beaten egg—that’s your secret weapon for a tight seal. Fold the dough over the fillings, pressing gently to remove any air pockets. Then, crimp the edges with a fork or pinch and fold for that classic empanada look. Repeat this process until all your empanadas are neatly assembled and ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry to golden perfection

Heat your oil to 350°F (that’s the sweet spot for frying). Carefully drop the empanadas in batches, frying until they turn a luscious golden brown on all sides. This is when they develop that crispy crust you’re dreaming about. Remove them and let them drain on a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.

Step 5: Add garlic butter finish (optional)

While the empanadas sizzle, whisk together melted butter, grated garlic, and minced parsley. Brush this fragrant mixture onto your freshly fried empanadas for an extra layer of richness and mouthwatering aroma. This finishing touch elevates the dish to wow-worthy territory.

How to Serve Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe

Three golden brown empanadas are deep frying in hot oil inside a shiny silver pan on a black stove. Each empanada is folded with a crispy, bubbly texture, showing slight differences in shape and color with some edges more puffed. The oil bubbles actively around them, creating frothy foam on the surface. The background is a white marbled kitchen counter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your pizza empanadas even more inviting, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes over the top. Fresh basil leaves or a dash of Italian seasoning can also add a lovely herbal note that complements the pizza flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve with a side of extra pizza sauce or marinara for dipping—because who doesn’t love that extra burst of flavor? A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables also pairs wonderfully, balancing out the richness of the fried empanadas.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your empanadas on a rustic wooden board alongside small ramekins of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara for a party-friendly display. Adding colorful napkins or cutting the empanadas diagonally to reveal the filling can make your presentation even more tempting and fun to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, use your oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.

Freezing

You can freeze these empanadas either before or after frying. For best results, freeze them unbaked on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for a perfect quick snack anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen empanadas in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust nice and crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use different toppings in this Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pepperoni for other favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers. Just keep the filling relatively dry to avoid soggy dough.

Is it possible to bake the empanadas instead of frying?

Yes, but frying gives you that unbeatable crispy texture. If you prefer baking, brush the empanadas with egg wash and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I make my own empanada dough?

Definitely. Homemade dough adds a wonderful homemade touch and can be customized to your taste. Just ensure it’s rolled to the right thickness so it crisps well without being too thick.

What’s the best oil for frying pizza empanadas?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils handle frying well without imparting unwanted flavors.

How can I make these empanadas ahead for a party?

Prepare and assemble them fully, then freeze until needed. Fry them directly from frozen or bake ahead of time and reheat just before serving for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way this Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe transforms classic pizza flavors into a perfect portable bite. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these empanadas deliver on flavor, fun, and ease. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!