Ingredients
Empanada Filling
- 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
For Sealing
- 1 egg, beaten
For Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Garlic Butter (Optional Finish)
- 4 oz butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp parsley, minced
Instructions
- Fill the empanadas: Spoon a generous amount of pizza sauce into the center of each empanada dough disc. Then top with a portion of mozzarella cheese and several slices of pepperoni.
- Seal the empanadas: Brush the inner perimeter of the dough disc with beaten egg to help seal the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges securely using a fork or by folding and pinching to prevent filling from leaking during frying. Repeat this process for all empanada discs.
- Heat oil for frying: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the empanadas for even cooking.
- Fry the empanadas: Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch, turning as needed to ensure even browning.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried empanadas with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare garlic butter (optional): While frying, whisk together melted butter, grated garlic, and minced parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush empanadas with garlic butter: Immediately after frying, brush the warm empanadas with the garlic butter mixture to add a rich, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the empanadas warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh empanada dough or store-bought discs for convenience.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy empanadas.
- Customize fillings by adding vegetables or different types of cheese.
- For a healthier alternative, bake the empanadas at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
- Cool empanadas slightly before eating to avoid burns from hot filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American