Empanadas Fritas de Queso

Jun 04, 2023June 4, 20230 2

Empanadas Fritas de Queso recipe for a taste of Latin America

by The Chefin Appetizer

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

50 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

290

Sugar

Fat

14g

Empanadas Fritas de Queso are a traditional Latin American dish that are enjoyed all around the world. They are a type of pastry that is filled with cheese and then fried to create a crispy, golden brown exterior. The word 'empanada' means 'wrapped in bread', and this appetizer is certainly an excellent example of that. The cheese used in this recipe could be queso chanco, Swiss, or Havarti, depending on your preference. These Empanadas Fritas de Queso are perfect for sharing at parties or for a snack on a lazy afternoon.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2.	Add the lard to the mixture and work it with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3.	Gradually pour the whole milk and the beaten egg into the bowl, stirring well until the dough comes together.
4.	On a floured countertop, knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
5.	Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into rounds with a cookie cutter.
6.	In the center of each round, place a cube of queso chanco cheese or other cheese of your choice.
7.	Fold the round over the cheese to make a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
8.	Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
9.	Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking until they are golden brown on both sides.
10.	Place the cooked empanadas on paper towels to drain.

PROS

Empanadas Fritas de Queso are a delicious and savory appetizer that are perfect for parties or just as a snack.

The texture of the crispy, flaky dough pairs perfectly with the gooey, melted cheese inside.

CONS

These empanadas are deep-fried, which makes them high in calories and fat.

They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Empanadas Fritas de Queso are not the healthiest food, they can still provide some nutritional benefits.
The cheese inside the empanada may contain protein and calcium, while the flour and milk used to make the dough can provide carbohydrates and vitamin D.

	3 cups all-purpose flour
	1 teaspoon baking powder
	1/2 teaspoon salt
	2 tablespoons lard
	1 cup whole milk
	1 egg , well beaten
	1 cup queso chanco ( or Swiss cheese or Havarti ) , cut into 1/2-inch cubes