Ham And Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Experience a taste of Peruvian breakfast bliss with these irresistible Ham and Cheese Empanadas! Inspired by a top 5 Peruvian breakfast (as listed on About.com), these aren't your traditional empanadas—they're made with flaky puff pastry for an extra-special twist. Their unique square shape sets them apart, making them perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 60 mins

Calories 441.6 kcal

Protein 20g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Ham And Cheese Empanadas

Frozen Puff Pastry
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
Salt to taste
Deli Ham
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon water

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How to Make Ham And Cheese Empanadas

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
Whisk in 2 eggs, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry to a 12x12 inch square.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into twelve 3x4 inch rectangles.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water.
Brush the edges of six rectangles with the egg yolk mixture.
Place a slice of ham in the center of each brushed rectangle, leaving a border of dough around the ham.
Top the ham with 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
Cover each ham and cheese filling with a plain rectangle, pressing firmly around the edges to seal.
Repeat with the remaining puff pastry sheet and filling.
Prick the top of each empanada several times with a fork. Brush the tops lightly with the egg yolk mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are puffed and golden brown.
Serve hot or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

Fat

46g

Carbs

11g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Starters Appetizers & Snacks Main Courses Breakfast & Brunch The Americas American Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation Occasion Breakfast South American Brunch

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Ham And Cheese Empanadas?

Ham And Cheese Empanadas takes about 90 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Ham And Cheese Empanadas?

Ham And Cheese Empanadas has approximately 441.6 calories per serving, with about 20 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates and 45 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Ham And Cheese Empanadas?

The key ingredients for Ham And Cheese Empanadas are Frozen Puff Pastry, Butter, Flour, Milk, Eggs, Cheese. See the full list with measurements above.