Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Empanadas
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making these veggie empanadas for our Super Bowl party! They always disappear within minutes and are a hit among both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The flaky pastry combined with the savory filling creates an irresistible bite-sized treat. I enjoy experimenting with different fillings, but this particular blend of veggies and spices has become my family's favorite. Perfect as a snack during the game or as an appetizer, they offer a delightful burst of flavor that keeps everyone cheering for more!
When we first made these veggie empanadas, we were amazed at how easy they were to whip up! I remember gathering fresh vegetables from the market and thinking about the vibrant colors they would bring to our party platter. The key to a perfect empanada lies in the balance of spices; I always ensure to season my filling generously, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully during the cooking process.
One tip that made a huge difference in my empanada game was brushing the pastry with an egg wash before baking; it gives them that golden-brown hue and adds a touch of richness to every bite. I can't wait to make them again for the next Super Bowl – they add a special flair to our game day festivities!
Why You'll Love These Empanadas
- Crunchy golden crust filled with delicious veggies
- Versatile filling options to suit any palate
- Perfect for game day snacking or casual gatherings
Understanding Empanada Dough
Creating the perfect empanada dough is all about achieving that flaky texture. The combination of cold cubed butter and cold water is essential; it helps to create little pockets of steam when baked, which contributes to the flakiness. If you notice the dough is too dry while mixing, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together without being sticky. Remember to keep the butter cold and work quickly to maintain the dough's integrity.
Resting the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes is not just for convenience; it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later. If you're short on time, you might consider freezing the dough for 15-20 minutes instead. This will achieve a similar effect while saving you some waiting time.
Perfecting the Veggie Filling
The veggie filling is where you can really customize the flavor of your empanadas. For a fresher twist, consider adding diced zucchini or mushrooms alongside the spinach and bell peppers. If you’re looking for added heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños can elevate the flavor profile. Just be sure not to overcook the veggies; you want them to retain some texture and freshness for a delightful bite.
Letting the filling cool before assembling your empanadas is a crucial step. If the filling is too warm, it can make the dough greasy, leading to a less-than-ideal crisp when baked. Similarly, overstuffing the empanadas can lead to bursting during baking, which is a common failure point; stick to a generous spoonful of filling.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious veggie empanadas:
Empanada Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Veggie Filling
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to get started with the steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect veggie empanadas:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
Make the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach and corn, cooking until heated through. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Empanadas
Roll the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (approx. 4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the veggie filling on one half of each circle.
Bake the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, you can mix in some cheese or other vegetables of your choice. Serve with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These veggie empanadas are perfect for prepping in advance! You can assemble them a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen; simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
If you've got leftovers, these empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain their crunch, rather than a microwave which may result in a soggy texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your veggie empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience. A simple chimichurri or a creamy avocado dip pairs beautifully with the veggie filling. For a touch of zest, try a squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce over the empanadas just before serving; this adds a bright contrast to the savory filling.
To turn these empanadas into a full meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Drizzling a balsamic reduction over mixed greens can complement the dish well. Additionally, placing a small cheese platter on the side can cater to your guests’ varying tastes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
→ What kind of filling can I use?
You can get creative! Try beans, mushrooms, or even leftover roasted vegetables for delicious alternatives.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough or pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results.
Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Empanadas
I absolutely love making these veggie empanadas for our Super Bowl party! They always disappear within minutes and are a hit among both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The flaky pastry combined with the savory filling creates an irresistible bite-sized treat. I enjoy experimenting with different fillings, but this particular blend of veggies and spices has become my family's favorite. Perfect as a snack during the game or as an appetizer, they offer a delightful burst of flavor that keeps everyone cheering for more!
Created by: Autumn Pierce
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 empanadas
What You'll Need
Empanada Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Veggie Filling
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add spinach and corn, cooking until heated through. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool.
Roll the chilled dough onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (approx. 4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the veggie filling on one half of each circle. Fold over and crimp the edges to seal.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, you can mix in some cheese or other vegetables of your choice. Serve with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g