Flaky Empanada Dough: The Perfect Base for Your Favorite Fillings

Empanadas are a beloved dish in many cultures, known for their flaky, golden crusts and savory or sweet fillings. The secret to a truly delicious empanada lies in the dough, which should be tender, flaky, and sturdy enough to hold its shape during baking or frying. With this Flaky Empanada Dough recipe, you’ll have the perfect base for creating empanadas that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making this versatile dough, discuss its adaptability for different dietary needs, and provide tips for achieving the best results. Whether you’re making classic beef and cheese empanadas, experimenting with vegetarian fillings, or indulging in sweet dessert versions, this dough is your ticket to empanada perfection.

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Why Choose Flaky Empanada Dough?

Homemade empanada dough is far superior to store-bought alternatives because it allows you to control the ingredients and achieve the perfect texture. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

Benefits of Flaky Empanada Dough:

• Flaky and Tender: Achieves the ideal balance of crispiness and softness.
• Versatile: Works for baked or fried empanadas, as well as sweet or savory fillings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored for later use.
• Cultural Staple: Perfect for celebrating traditions or exploring new cuisines.

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Ingredients Breakdown

To create Flaky Empanada Dough , let’s break down the key components:

1. Flour

The foundation of the dough provides structure:

• All-purpose flour is standard, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blends if needed.
• For extra flakiness, use pastry flour or a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

2. Fat

Fat is essential for creating layers and ensuring tenderness:

• Use cold unsalted butter or lard for a rich, flaky texture.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or vegetable shortening.

3. Liquid

Liquid binds the dough and adds moisture:

• Ice water is traditional and ensures the fat stays cold for maximum flakiness.
• For a richer dough, add a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based).

4. Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the fillings.

5. Optional Egg Wash

For a golden, glossy finish when baking, brush the assembled empanadas with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water).

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Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Here’s a detailed guide to creating Flaky Empanada Dough that will elevate your empanada game.

Servings: ~12 empanadas

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Resting Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or lard, cubed (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/2 cup ice water (plus more as needed)
• Optional: 1 egg for egg wash

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Measure out all ingredients and ensure the butter or fat is very cold. Cut it into small cubes for easier incorporation.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Cut in the Fat:
   • Add the cold butter or lard to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of fat.
4. Add Ice Water:
   • Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork or your hands after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough comes together in a shaggy ball.
5. Form the Dough:
   • Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to rest and the gluten to relax.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut out circles (about 5-6 inches in diameter). Repeat with the second disc.
7. Assemble the Empanadas:
   • Place your desired filling (savory or sweet) in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
   • Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure the filling stays inside.
8. Bake or Fry:
   • For Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • For Frying: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve warm with dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or honey (for sweet versions).

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Nutritional Information

Per empanada shell (based on 12 shells):

• Calories: ~150
• Total Carbs: ~18g (Net Carbs: ~16g)
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~8g
• Fiber: ~2g

This makes Flaky Empanada Dough a moderately indulgent base that pairs perfectly with both savory and sweet fillings.

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Tips for Success

• Keep It Cold: Work quickly and keep the fat cold to ensure flaky layers. If the dough becomes too warm, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make it tough.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try classic combinations like beef and cheese, spinach and ricotta, or spiced apples and cinnamon.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the empanadas, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this dough is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum for elasticity.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil or vegetable shortening instead of butter.
• Herb-Infused Dough: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or cilantro to the dough for extra flavor.
• Sweet Empanadas: Add 1-2 tbsp sugar to the dough for dessert empanadas filled with fruit, dulce de leche, or chocolate.

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Final Thoughts

Flaky Empanada Dough is the ultimate foundation for creating delicious, homemade empanadas that rival those from your favorite bakery or restaurant. With its tender, flaky texture and adaptability to countless fillings, this dough is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch of savory empanadas for dinner, sweet ones for dessert, or even freezing them for later, this recipe delivers consistent results every time. Plus, its simplicity and versatility make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

So grab your rolling pin, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy empanadas that are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. Trust us—once you try this Flaky Empanada Dough, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

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