Homemade Holiday Empanadas

in APPETIZER 0 comments

I believe that it’s just a good party if the food is so-so. I believe it’s a GREAT party if the food is delicious. Who’s with me!? Hopefully you all are! So scrap those Pigs in a Blanket this year. Instead, make these festive Holiday Empanadas!

Disclosure: This post is brought to you in partnership with Cabot Cheese. And just so you know, I only work with brands I love and use in my own home!

Be The Perfect Party Host

Sure, many people think hosting a great party is about the music, the decor and the drinks. NOT ME! For me, it’s all about the food. So to be the perfect party host in my world means you’ve got killer food that I can happily nosh on. The rest of the stuff is secondary. With that being said, you might want to know what I recommend when it comes to the food you serve.

What to Serve at Your Party

For now, let’s just talk apps. Yes, you should serve appetizers. Please don’t skip this important party-throwing step. My advice is to think variety. Make 1 or 2 semi-involved dishes, but then set out simple stuff like veggies and hummus, mixed nuts or crackers and cheese. That way you’re covering all of your bases. You made some effort, but you were smart about it. Make sense?

Be The Mama or Papa Bear

The biggest mistake you can make as a host is treat the party like it’s just for you. You’ve invited friends, family, colleagues, etc to enjoy the festivities. But you’ve hopefully invited them because you like their company. So take the time to relax, and enjoy your party too. Eat the food you prepare. Lead the way to the buffet table. Pretend you’re the mama bear feeding her cubs – dedicated to making everyone feel comfortable, happy and loved! Everyone will have more fun that way, I promise.

Feed Them Empanadas

That’s right. Fill their plates with little dough pockets filled with goodies. Empanadas make the perfect party food! You can hold them with one hand and they only require 2 or 3 bites. I love these festive ones filled with Cabot cheese, bacon and apples, but you can create any combination you love! Or even better, create an “empanada bar” and have everyone fill their own!

Your Time to Shine

Now it’s time to party. Grab your guest list and get started. Remember, keep things simple, but wow with a few fun appetizers. Make everyone feel comfortable by having fun and enjoying the party too. And last, but not least, make EMPANADAS!

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Wishing you had an appetizer that was easy to make, tasted delicious and was fun to eat? Well you do! These Homemade Holiday Empanadas festively tasty! @cookinRD | sarahaasrdn.com

Homemade Holiday Empanadas

  • Author: Sara Haas
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 18 empanadas 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Wishing you had an appetizer that was easy to make, tasted delicious and was fun to eat? Well you do! These Homemade Holiday Empanadas festively tasty!

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ + 1 tablespoon water, ice cold

For the filling:

  • 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, small dice
  • ½ small Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
  • 2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

For the egg wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the dipping sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons German mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. To make the dough: Place the all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour and salt in a food processor and pulse 2-3 times to combine. Add the butter and pulse until it resembles coarse sand. Add the egg and water and pulse just until dough starts to come together. Remove dough from the food processor to a lightly floured work surface. Shape dough into a disc. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day, if working in advance.
  2. To make the filling: Combine the cheese, apple, bacon and walnuts in a small mixing bowl.
  3. To make the empanadas: Preheat the oven to 400’F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Divide the dough into 18 roughly, equal-sized balls. Working with one piece of dough at a time, on a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 4-inch round. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of the round, then, using a clean finger, brush edges with water to help seal. Fold dough in half, over the filling, then pinch and seal the edges. Transfer to the prepared pan and press edges down with the tines of a fork. Continue with the remaining dough and filling. 
  4. To make the egg wash: Whisk the remaining egg with the water. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush egg wash on tops of empanadas. 
  5. Bake empanadas for 25 minutes or until golden.
  6. While empanadas are baking, combine the mustard and honey in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
  7. Remove empanadas from the oven and serve with dipping sauce. 
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer

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