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