Ham & Cheese Empanadas: A Pocketful of Comfort

The aroma of baking dough filled my abuela’s tiny kitchen every Sunday afternoon. It was the unmistakable scent of her famous Ham & Cheese Empanadas. I remember perched on a stool, mesmerized by her nimble fingers as she rolled out the dough, filled it with savory goodness, and crimped the edges with effortless precision. Each bite was a warm, comforting hug, a taste of tradition passed down through generations, and the reason Sunday afternoons were the highlight of my week.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: Varies depending on size of empanadas
• Dietary Type: Not specified, contains gluten, dairy, and egg

Ingredients

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cold butter or 3/4 cup cold margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 cup chopped ham (either leftover ham or deli luncheon meat)
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pinch black pepper

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Pastry blender or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Lightly floured surface
• Lid or plastic wrap
• Circle cookie cutter (approximately 4-inch diameter)
• Greased baking pan
• Fork

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter (or margarine). The butter should be very cold, even slightly frozen for best results.

2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender or a fork, mix the flour and butter until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust.

3. Dissolve and Combine: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the salt and sugar in the cold water. Stir until dissolved. Pour the water mixture into the flour-butter mixture.

4. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, lightly knead the dough until it forms a ball. Be careful not to over-knead, as this will make the dough tough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

6. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

7. Cut Out Circles: Using a circle cookie cutter (approximately 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the rolled-out dough.

8. Repeat: Continue rolling out and cutting circles until you have used all of the dough. You can re-roll the scraps, but keep in mind that re-rolled dough may be slightly tougher.

9. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the dried parsley, chopped ham, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and black pepper.

10. Mix Well: Mix all the filling ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

11. Assemble the Empanadas: Place the dough circles on a greased baking pan.

12. Fill the Dough: Put 2 tablespoons of the ham and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Do not overfill, or the empanadas will be difficult to seal.

13. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough circles in half, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal.

14. Crimp the Edges: Use a fork to press and seal the edges of each empanada. This not only helps to keep the filling inside but also creates a decorative finish.

15. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and add about 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk together until well combined.

16. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

17. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

18. Cool Slightly: Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking pan before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cold Ingredients: Using very cold butter and water for the dough is key to achieving a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust. Handle the dough gently and knead it as little as possible.
• Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling time for the dough. It allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which will result in a more tender and flaky crust.
• Seal Thoroughly: Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also assemble the empanadas and freeze them before baking.
• Freezing: To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Ham & Cheese Empanadas are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a delicious and satisfying snack, lunch, or light dinner. Serve them with a side salad, a dollop of sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes. They can be kept at room temperature for no more than two hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	780.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	454 g	58%
Total Fat	50.5 g	77%
Saturated Fat	30.2 g	150%
Cholesterol	235.5 mg	78%
Sodium	1396.5 mg	58%
Total Carbohydrate	55.3 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	9%
Sugars	2.2 g	8%
Protein	26.1 g	52%

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the dough gluten-free.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
• Add Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables to the filling, such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Different Meats: Substitute the ham with other meats, such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and vegan cheese alternatives, and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

Q: Can I freeze the empanadas?
A: Yes, you can freeze them before baking or after baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A: Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly with a fork, and don’t overfill them.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own dough?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust as a shortcut. However, homemade dough will generally yield a flakier and more flavorful result.

Q: How do I reheat leftover empanadas?
A: Reheat leftover empanadas in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly soggy.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you give this recipe for Ham & Cheese Empanadas a try. These pockets of comfort food are incredibly versatile and adaptable to your own taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and variations, and make them your own. And when you do, please share your feedback – I’d love to hear how they turned out! They pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, making for a simple yet satisfying meal. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories.