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 diced; 1/4 cup cold water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup spinach, wilted and chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas for game day! They're a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional game day snacks. The flaky crust combined with a savory filling of colorful veggies and spices always gets rave reviews from friends and family. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. These empanadas not only add a festive touch to any gathering but also keep everyone coming back for seconds—perfect for sharing with fellow fans while we cheer on our teams!

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:04:12.198Z

When I first ventured into making empanadas, I was intrigued by their versatility and the ability to customize them with various fillings. After experimenting with different flavors, I settled on a veggie-packed filling that makes these Super Bowl Veggie Empanadas a hit at every gathering. The combination of bell peppers, onions, and spices enhances the overall flavor and complements the flaky crust perfectly.

One tip I found crucial is to make sure the filling is not too wet; otherwise, the empanadas can become soggy. I like to sauté the veggies until they're just tender and let them cool slightly before filling the dough. This way, each bite is both flavorful and satisfying without any mess!

        Why You'll Love These Empanadas
        Flavorful filling packed with colorful veggies
Crispy and flaky crust that everyone adores
Ideal for sharing during game day or any gathering

      

Understanding the Dough

The secret to that flaky, tender crust lies primarily in the chilling of the butter. When you mix cold diced butter into the flour, you're creating pockets of fat that will steam during baking, leading to a beautifully layered texture. Don't skip the refrigeration step! It allows the gluten in the flour to relax, which is essential for achieving a light and airy crust. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you're short on time, even 15 minutes can make a difference.

When rolling out the dough, ensure your work surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. Keep your dough about 1/8 inch thick for optimal flakiness. If you find the dough too soft or sticky to work with, a light dusting of flour on both the dough and surface can help. On the other hand, be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tougher crust.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling of these empanadas is where your creativity shines. Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on what you have available or what you prefer. Zucchini or mushrooms make great additions, and you can even add some cheese for extra richness. Just be cautious not to overfill the empanadas, as this can lead to bursting during baking. A tablespoon of filling is just the right amount to keep the empanadas well-shaped.

Don’t forget to let the filling cool before assembling the empanadas. If it’s hot, it can cause the dough to become too soft, making it difficult to seal effectively. Additionally, if you want to add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your veggie mix for an extra kick!

Ingredients

Gather all fresh ingredients for a perfect empanada filling!

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 cup spinach, wilted and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to assemble and bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make your empanadas just right!

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in cold water until the dough comes together.

Knead gently, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent, then add the bell peppers and cook until tender. Stir in the spinach and season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let cool.

Assemble the Empanadas

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Place a tablespoon of the veggie filling on one half of the circle, fold over, and press the edges to seal.

Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Bake the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade veggie empanadas, perfect for sharing!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding shredded cheese or herbs to the filling. You can also customize the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.

Make-Ahead Tips

These veggie empanadas store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can assemble them up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator before baking. If you’d like to prepare them even further ahead, consider freezing them before baking. Just arrange the uncooked empanadas on a baking tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to bake from frozen, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, and make sure to brush the tops with egg wash to achieve that golden finish. They will still turn out beautifully crispy and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your game-day experience, consider serving these empanadas with a variety of dips. A spicy tomato salsa or avocado crema pairs excellently with the savory filling. Additionally, adding a fresh cilantro or lime garnish can brighten the flavors and impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to set up a little dipping station for this recipe, which invites everyone to customize their bites according to their taste.

For a complete meal, serve the empanadas alongside a simple green salad or your favorite quesadilla. This not only rounds out the meal but also provides additional textures and flavors that contrast with the crispy empanadas.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What vegetables work well in empanadas?

You can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Just ensure they are cooked and cooled before filling.

→ Can these empanadas be frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet and once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I serve with empanadas?

These empanadas pair well with salsa, guacamole, or a simple avocado dip for a delightful snack.