Spinach Empandadas
Delicious spinach empanadas feature creamy cheese, savory bacon, and fragrant garlic in flaky pastry shells, perfect for appetizers, parties, or quick snacks appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3/4 c. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 to 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually beat in flour and salt to form a dough.
- Knead dough lightly by hand.
- Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful filling, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent sogginess in the empanadas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach empanadas warm, paired with a fresh salad or a side of Boiled Collards for a delicious meal. They also make a great appetizer at parties, alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a light soup or Stuffed Red Cabbage Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick snack, but the pastry may lose its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Empandadas contains roughly 1000 calories, with 34g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), protein (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1036mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the empanadas before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the empanadas before baking. Assemble them, then place on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but both options will work well in the filling.
How can I make the dough easier to work with?
To make the dough easier to handle, ensure that you let it rest in the refrigerator for the full 3 hours. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour while shaping the empanadas.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).