Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas

Name: Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup chopped spinach; 1 cup diced mushrooms; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/2 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Authentic World Food Inspiration

I love serving these Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas at game day gatherings because they’re both delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Each bite is packed with colorful veggies and rich spices that create an irresistible filling. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces! With a homemade crust that flakily cradles the flavorful interior, they’ll definitely be the hit of the party. Join me in crafting these tasty treats, and you'll see how they add a festive touch to any celebration!

Created by

Kate Phillips

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:01:35.202Z

Making Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas became a fun tradition for me and my friends during the big game. I love experimenting with different fillings, but my current favorite is a mix of spinach, mushrooms, and cheese. The balance of flavors adds a savory punch that everyone enjoys. I also discovered that letting the dough rest helps make it easier to roll out and shape without tearing.

Another tip I've learned is to brush the empanadas with an egg wash before baking them. This simple step not only gives them a beautiful golden color but also adds a delightful sheen. Trust me, they’ll look as good as they taste!

Why You Will Love These Empanadas
Flavor-packed filling with a zesty kick
Crispy, flaky crust that’s a joy to bite into
Great for sharing at gatherings or just for snacking

Mastering the Empanada Dough

The empanada dough serves as the foundation for your veggie-filled delights, and its flakiness is essential for achieving the perfect texture. To create an ideal crust, ensure your butter is cold and cubed; this helps create those delightful pockets of air during baking. Rather than overmixing, blend the ingredients until just combined. This will help prevent a dense crust that could overshadow the vibrant filling.

Chilling the dough is not just a formality; it significantly impacts the end result. When you refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 30 minutes, it allows the gluten to relax, ensuring the dough is easier to roll out and handle. If you find yourself short on time, a quick 15-minute chill in the freezer can also yield good results.

Elevating Your Filling

The filling is where the flavor truly shines in these empanadas. Using fresh vegetables is key—opt for vibrant, firm mushrooms and fresh spinach to impart a robust taste and appealing texture. Sautéing the onions and garlic until they are translucent not only adds depth but also lays a flavorful base for your filling. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the mushrooms to avoid soggy empanadas, and consider adding a splash of soy sauce or lime juice for an added umami kick if desired.

When mixing in the cheese, let the filling cool slightly first. This prevents melting and helps bind the ingredients without making them too gooey. For a twist, try incorporating different cheeses, like feta for a tangy flavor, or goat cheese for creaminess. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile and add to the complexity of your empanadas.

Baking for Perfect Golden Crispness

Baking your empanadas at the right temperature is essential for achieving a beautifully golden brown finish. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensures you get even cooking from the start. Place your empanadas on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t too close together. This allows hot air to circulate around each one, resulting in an evenly cooked, crispy crust.

To enhance browning, brushing the empanadas with an egg wash before baking helps achieve that desirable golden hue. If you prefer a vegan option, consider using a plant-based milk for brushing. Just keep an eye on them while they bake; you’re looking for a golden color around the edges, indicating they are done—usually around 25 minutes. If you notice they are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to finish cooking through without burning.

Ingredients

Gather everything you need to make these tasty empanadas:

For the Empanada Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup diced mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your empanadas:

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until soft. Stir in the spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper, then let cool slightly before mixing in the cheese.

Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with an egg wash.

Bake

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade veggie empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses or switch up the veggies based on what's in season.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover empanadas—or want to prep them ahead of time—it’s best to freeze them before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer; simply increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they are heated through.

For those who have leftover baked empanadas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore some of that original crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can result in a soggy crust.

Serving Suggestions

These empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While they’re delightful on their own, pairing them with dipping sauces can elevate the experience. Consider a zesty salsa verde, a cooling yogurt dip, or even a classic chimichurri sauce to complement the flavors of your filling. Personalizing your sauce selection can significantly enhance your guests' enjoyment on game day.

Additionally, you can serve these veggie empanadas alongside a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for a more substantial meal. Try a light citrus salad or a comforting tomato soup, which brings out the hearty flavors of the empanadas perfectly. The combination can easily turn your game day snack into a satisfying meal that everyone will appreciate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.

→ What can I use as alternative fillings?

You can use beans, corn, or even different types of cheese for the filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the empanadas?

Yes, they freeze well. Just make sure to bake them first, then let them cool before freezing.