Irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas Recipe for All

Crispy, golden pockets of pure delight burst with authentic pepperoni pizza flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

These cheesy pepperoni pizza empanadas combine the best of two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible snack.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheese nestle inside flaky pastry, creating a handheld treat that screams indulgence.

Each bite delivers a punch of robust marinara and gooey mozzarella that melts beautifully.

Traditional empanada techniques merge seamlessly with classic pizza ingredients for an unexpected culinary adventure.

Packed with zesty pepperoni and rich, savory filling, these empanadas promise to be the star of any gathering.

Prepare to elevate your snack game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas – Melty and Delicious

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta in one satisfying meal.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy skillet and pasta-making skills that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner without complex culinary expertise.
• Create Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavors and protein-packed sausage.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching sausage types, adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, or adding extra herbs to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas

• Flour: A key component that forms the base of the empanada dough.
• Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that adds rich, savory flavor to the filling.
• Provolone Cheese: A sharp Italian cheese that provides a creamy and tangy taste.

• Water: Helps bind the flour and create a soft, pliable dough.
• Vinegar: Adds tenderness and helps prevent gluten development in the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and filling.
• Cornstarch: Prevents the dough rounds from sticking together.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melt smoothly and add extra cheesy goodness to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings a classic pizza flavor and moisture to the empanada filling.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a traditional pizza-like herb blend to the filling.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the empanadas to achieve a crispy golden exterior.

Instructions for Making Pizza Empanadas

Step 1: Whip Up Magical Dough

Create a smooth dough by blending flour, water, vinegar, and salt in a food processor until it transforms into a soft, pliable ball. The secret is achieving a silky, elastic texture that will make your empanadas irresistible.

Step 2: Let Dough Rest and Relax

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and gently cover with a towel. Allow it to rest and breathe for 20 minutes, letting the gluten settle and the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll it out into a thin, delicate sheet using a rolling pin or pasta roller. Aim for a translucent thickness that will create crispy, golden edges.

Step 4: Shape Perfect Circles

Use a 3-inch round cutter to create perfect dough circles. Dust each round with cornstarch and carefully stack them to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 5: Prepare Mouthwatering Filling

• Pepperoni
• Provolone cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning

Mix these ingredients until they create a harmonious, flavor-packed filling.

Step 6: Assemble Empanada Pockets

Spoon a few tablespoons of the tantalizing filling onto each dough round. Moisten the edges with water, then fold over and seal shut using a fork, creating beautiful crimped edges.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Carefully fry 4-5 empanadas at a time for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Drain and Prepare

Remove the empanadas and drain on a paper towel-lined sheet pan to remove excess oil and maintain their crispy exterior.

Step 9: Serve and Indulge

Serve the empanadas warm, accompanied by extra marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Watch as your guests dive into these crispy, cheesy, pepperoni-packed delights!

Tips for Perfectly Melty Cheesy Pizza Empanadas

• Dust dough rounds with cornstarch to keep them from clinging together during preparation.
• Grate or finely dice cheeses for even distribution and better melting inside the empanadas.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent 365F oil for perfectly crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Fry empanadas in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding the pan.
• Experiment with ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara for exciting flavor combinations beyond traditional marinara.

Creative Variations for Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas

• Vegetarian Pizza Pocket: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Empanada: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same delicious pizza flavors.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pizza Empanada: Add diced jalapeños to the filling and sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat and kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use a cauliflower-based dough and replace high-carb ingredients with low-carb cheese and meat alternatives.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Pizza Empanadas

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, cheesy pepperoni flavors.
• Boost Pizza Vibes: Serve with classic marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce for an extra flavor punch that mirrors the empanada's ingredients.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select a crisp, hoppy IPA or a light lager to cut through the empanada's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy appetizer with bright, tangy notes.

Storage Advice for Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas

• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Keep frozen for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even heating and maintain crispy exterior.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas?

The key ingredients are flour, pepperoni, provolone cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, vegetable oil, and vinegar.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, the recipe is beginner-friendly with clear step-by-step instructions and simple techniques like using a food processor and rolling out dough.

• Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?

You can prepare the empanadas in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just ensure they are covered to prevent drying out.

• What type of oil is best for frying these empanadas?

Vegetable oil is recommended, as it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for deep-frying at 365F (185C).

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy pepperoni pizza empanadas blend Italian and Latin American flavors in a crispy, hand-held delight. Melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and golden pastry create a perfect snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pepperoni, diced
• 4 slices provolone cheese, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Sauce and Seasonings:

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Frying and Preparation:

• 4 cups vegetable oil
• ⅛ cup warm water
• Cornstarch, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare a silky dough by pulsing flour, water, vinegar, and salt in a food processor until a cohesive ball forms.
2. Allow dough to relax and soften at room temperature under a kitchen towel for 20 minutes.
3. Divide dough into two portions and roll each section into a thin, translucent sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
4. Create uniform 3-inch circular shapes with a round cutter, dusting each piece with cornstarch to prevent adhesion.
5. Create a robust filling by combining diced pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl.
6. Carefully distribute filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Moisten dough edges with water and fold into half-moon shapes, crimping borders with a fork to create a tight seal.
8. Heat vegetable oil to 365F in a deep skillet or fryer, maintaining consistent temperature.
9. Gently fry 4-5 empanadas at a time for 3-5 minutes, turning midway to ensure even, golden-brown coloration.
10. Transfer fried empanadas to a paper towel-lined sheet pan to absorb excess oil.
11. Plate the crispy empanadas and accompany with additional marinara sauce or preferred dipping condiment for serving.

Notes

• Keep dough chilled and handle gently to maintain its delicate texture and prevent tearing during shaping.
• Try cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar or gouda for extra flavor complexity.
• Use a digital thermometer to ensure precise oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt empanadas.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and make assembly easier.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg