Turnovers
Turnovers are delightful handheld pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Their flaky crust and versatile fillings make them appealing to all ages. Whether baked or fried, these turnovers offer a satisfying crunch and rich flavor, ideal for picnics or quick treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, shortening, and butter until it makes a firm dough.
- Roll out the dough into 6-inch circles.
- Put your favorite filling (e.g., cooked meat, fruit, vegetables) in the middle of each circle.
- Brush water halfway around the edge of each circle.
- Draw both sides to the center over the filling to seal.
- Crimp the edges and brush all over with beaten egg.
- Bake on a cookie sheet at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until well browned.
- Serve hot or cold. To fry, do not brush with egg, and deep fry for 5-6 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, ensure your butter and shortening are very cold before mixing. You can substitute half of the butter with cream cheese for added richness. If you want to experiment with fillings, consider using leftovers from dishes like Crustless Vegetable Quiche or even sweet fillings like jam or chocolate. Make sure not to overfill to prevent leaks.
Serving Suggestions
Turnovers can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce like salsa or ranch dressing, or alongside a light salad for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with dishes like Swedish Rice for a hearty feast. For a sweet treat, try serving them with vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turnovers 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 and crispy again. For longer storage, freeze them before baking and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turnovers contains roughly 625 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1163mg per serving (51% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out. This helps improve the texture and makes it easier to work with, ensuring your turnovers are flaky and delicious.
What fillings work best for turnovers?
The beauty of turnovers is their versatility! You can use savory fillings like cooked meats or vegetables, or sweet fillings like fruits, jams, or even chocolate. Just be sure to avoid filling them too much to prevent leaks during baking or frying.
Can I fry the turnovers instead of baking them?
Absolutely! If you prefer a crispy fried texture, skip brushing with egg and deep fry the turnovers in hot oil at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
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).