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Super Easy Pizza Empanadas Recipe

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4 from 1 review

These Super Easy Pizza Empanadas combine the flavors of classic pizza with the convenient handheld format of empanadas. Filled with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then fried to golden perfection and optionally brushed with a flavorful garlic butter, these empanadas make a delicious appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 empanadas (serves 12)

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried empanadas with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
  6. Prepare garlic butter (optional): While frying, whisk together melted butter, grated garlic, and minced parsley in a small bowl.
  7. Brush empanadas with garlic butter: Immediately after frying, brush the warm empanadas with the garlic butter mixture to add a rich, aromatic finish.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American