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To make empanadas with cheese, you need some key ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced - 1/4 cup cold water - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Olive oil for brushing - Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for spice These ingredients create a tasty crust and a delicious filling. The flour gives the dough structure. The butter adds richness, while the cheese brings the flavor. You can choose different types of cheese for your empanadas. Some popular options include: - Mozzarella: It melts well and has a mild flavor. - Feta: It adds tanginess and a crumbly texture. - Cheddar: It gives a sharp flavor. - Queso blanco: This cheese is creamy and great for melting. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste. Try different combos to find your favorite! You can enhance the flavor of your empanadas with optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Green onions: They add freshness and a mild onion taste. - Chili flakes: For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon. - Herbs: Try fresh cilantro or parsley for added color and taste. - Spinach: Add some cooked spinach for a healthier twist. These extras make your empanadas even more delicious and fun. Don't be afraid to experiment! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Delight Empanadas. To make the dough, start with a large bowl. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt together. Then, add 1/2 cup of cold, diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. Next, slowly add 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough to be soft and easy to work with. For the cheese filling, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. If you like some heat, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes. Mix all the ingredients until well blended. This filling is creamy and has great flavor. Now it's time to assemble your empanadas. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles that are about 4 inches wide. Place about 1 tablespoon of cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch them for a nice look. Make sure they are sealed well to keep the filling inside during baking. To get the best dough for your empanadas, start with cold ingredients. Use cold butter and ice-cold water. This keeps the dough flaky. Mix the flour and salt well before adding butter. Use your fingers to blend until it looks like crumbs. Don’t overwork the dough; it should be smooth but not tough. After you make the dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps it relax and makes it easier to roll out. A golden brown finish makes empanadas look tasty. Brush the tops with a beaten egg before baking. The egg wash gives a nice shine and color. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake. If they brown too fast, lower the oven temperature. This way, they cook evenly without burning. One common mistake is using warm ingredients. Warm butter or water can make the dough tough. Another mistake is overfilling the empanadas. Too much filling can cause them to burst while baking. Make sure to seal the edges well. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp them tightly. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step. This is key for great dough texture. Follow these tips for perfect empanadas every time! {{image_2}} You can mix and match cheeses for unique tastes. Mozzarella brings a creamy texture, while feta adds a salty zing. For a twist, try cheddar for sharpness or gouda for smokiness. Each cheese gives the empanadas a different flavor. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect blend. Empanadas are great for vegetarians too. Use a mix of cheeses with vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers work well. Add in some ricotta for creaminess. You can also use black beans for protein. These fillings are tasty and filling, making them ideal for everyone. Spices and herbs can elevate your empanadas. Add chili flakes for heat or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative! A hint of garlic powder can also boost the taste. These simple additions can make a big difference. To store leftover empanadas, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. This way, they stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save empanadas for later, freezing is a great option. Arrange the empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen empanadas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again. If you have refrigerated empanadas, just bake them for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy them as if they were fresh from the oven! The best cheese for empanadas is a mix of mozzarella and feta. Mozzarella melts well, giving a gooey texture. Feta adds a nice tang that brightens the flavor. You can also try cheddar or a blend of your favorites. Combining different cheeses gives depth to the filling. Remember to shred or crumble the cheese to make mixing easier. Yes, you can make empanadas ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling in advance. After assembling the empanadas, you have two options: refrigerate or freeze them. If you refrigerate, use them within a day or two. For freezing, place them on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for later use. To keep empanadas from getting soggy, avoid overfilling them. Use just enough filling so that it doesn’t spill out. Make sure the dough is sealed tightly. You can brush the dough with olive oil before baking. This adds a crispy layer. Also, bake them until golden brown to ensure they are cooked through. Following these steps helps keep your empanadas crispy and delicious. In this post, we explored empanadas with cheese, from ingredients to storage. I shared key tips for dough, filling, and troubleshooting common mistakes. You can try different cheeses and spices for unique flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Making empanadas can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy crafting your own delicious versions at home!

Empanadas with Cheese

Indulge in the savory goodness of Cheesy Delight Empanadas with this easy and delicious recipe! Combining mozzarella and feta cheese with a buttery, flaky crust, these empanadas are perfect for snacks or appetizers. Follow our step-by-step guide to create the perfect cheesy filling and golden-brown pastries. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with these delightful treats!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

1/4 cup cold water

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Olive oil for brushing

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for spice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and mix using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead gently, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and chili flakes for added spice (if using). Mix until everything is well blended.

      Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a small bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.

        Fill the Empanadas: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas or pinch them by hand for a decorative touch.

          Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the empanadas on the sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

            Bake the Empanadas: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown.

              Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

                Prep Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 empanadas

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the empanadas on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added color.