Andy Montoya
Empanadas are a beloved Latin American staple, and the ham and cheese variety is a popular choice. But how many calories does this tasty treat contain? Well, that depends on the ingredients and the size of the empanada. A cup of ham and cheese empanada, weighing around 238 grams, will set you back about 657 calories. However, a smaller empanada, weighing 90 grams, will be closer to 267 calories. And if you're watching your calorie intake, a single serving of Blancaflor Empanda Dough with ham and cheese comes in at 194 calories. So, whether you're indulging in a hearty cup of empanada or enjoying a smaller treat, now you know the calorie count!
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
A cup of ham and cheese empanada has 657 calories
It's important to be mindful of calorie intake, as consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and other health issues. However, calories are a necessary part of a healthy diet, as they provide the energy our bodies need to function. The number of calories needed each day varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and activity level. On average, a sedentary adult female needs around 1,600–2,000 calories per day, while a sedentary adult male needs around 2,000–2,600 calories.
The calorie count of a ham and cheese empanada can be reduced by adjusting the ingredients and cooking methods. For example, using low-fat cheese and baking instead of frying the empanada can result in a lower-calorie option. Additionally, the type of dough used can make a difference, with some doughs being lower in calories than others.
While calories are important, it's also crucial to consider the nutritional value of the food we eat. Empanadas can be a good source of protein, with around 24 grams of protein in a cup. They also provide carbohydrates, which are essential for energy, and can offer a good balance of textures and tastes, making them a satisfying snack or meal.
In conclusion, while a cup of ham and cheese empanada contains a fairly high number of calories, it's important to consider the context of one's overall diet and nutritional needs. Empanadas can be a tasty and versatile option, offering protein, carbohydrates, and a blend of flavours and textures. As with any food, moderation and balance are key to maintaining a healthy diet.
Chili Cheese Dog: Calorie-Loaded Deliciousness
You may want to see also
Empanadas have 251 calories each
Empanadas are versatile pastries that originated in Latin America. They are known for their delicious blend of textures and flavours, making them a perfect snack or meal. While there are many variations of empanadas, a ham and cheese empanada typically contains around 251 calories. This calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. For example, a cup of ham and cheese empanada, weighing around 238 grams, contains approximately 657 calories. On the other hand, a single empanada from a different recipe may contain fewer calories, such as the ham and cheese empanadas from one recipe that contain 194 calories each.
The calorie content of an empanada can also depend on the cooking method. For instance, frying an empanada will result in a crispy texture and a higher calorie count compared to baking, which yields a lighter option. Additionally, the type of ingredients used can significantly impact the calorie count. Empanadas filled with heartier fillings like meat and cheese tend to be more calorie-dense than those with lighter fillings.
The ham and cheese empanada, with its approximate calorie count of 251 per serving, falls within the average range of other empanada varieties. For example, a vegan Humita sweetcorn empanada contains 196 calories, while a butternut and goat's cheese empanada has 276 calories. The type of cheese used can also make a difference, as seen with the cheese and onion empanada, which contains 301 calories, possibly due to the combination of several cheeses.
It is worth noting that the nutritional value of empanadas extends beyond their calorie content. For instance, they can be a good source of protein, with a cup of ham and cheese empanada providing 24 grams of protein. Empanadas also contribute carbohydrates and fats to one's diet, as evidenced by the 58 grams of carbohydrates and 36 grams of fat in a cup of ham and cheese empanada.
When considering the calorie content of ham and cheese empanadas, it is important to remember that individual dietary needs and calorie requirements vary. While empanadas can be a delicious and indulgent treat, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, baking empanadas instead of frying them can be a healthier alternative, providing a tasty option that satisfies cravings while being mindful of calorie intake.
In conclusion, ham and cheese empanadas are a delightful treat with a calorie count of approximately 251 per serving. This versatile pastry offers a range of textures and flavours that can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences and needs. Whether fried or baked, meat-filled or vegetarian, sweet or savoury, empanadas are a cherished part of Latin American cuisine that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal while also being mindful of one's calorie intake.
Cheesy Corn Tortilla Calories: What's the Count?
You may want to see also
Calories from dough, ham, and cheese
The number of calories in a ham and cheese empanada will depend on the type of dough, ham, and cheese used, as well as the quantity of each ingredient.
Dough is typically made from flour, water, salt, and a leavening agent like baking powder or yeast. The calories in dough can vary depending on the type of flour used and the amount of fat added (such as butter or oil). For example, a dough made with butter will have a higher calorie count than a dough made with water.
Ham contributes to the calorie count of an empanada due to its fat and protein content. The calorie count of ham can vary depending on the cut of meat and the curing process used. For instance, a fatty cut of ham like the shoulder will have more calories than a leaner cut like the loin.
Cheese is also a significant contributor to the calorie count of a ham and cheese empanada. Like ham, cheese is high in fat and protein. The calorie count of cheese depends on the type of cheese, with harder cheeses generally having more calories than softer ones. The production process and the milk used also influence the calorie content of cheese. For example, a highly processed cheese made from full-fat milk will typically have a higher calorie count than a natural cheese made from low-fat milk.
When combined in an empanada, the dough, ham, and cheese contribute to the overall calorie count, which can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Cheese and Ham Sandwich: Calories and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Calories vary depending on ingredients
The calorie count of a ham and cheese empanada varies depending on its ingredients and size. For example, a 90-gram empanada contains 267 calories, while a 238-gram empanada cup has approximately 657 calories.
Empanadas are pastries that originated in Latin America and are known for their versatility and flavourful fillings. While the exact ingredients can vary, ham and cheese empanadas typically contain wheat flour, ham, cheese, and various seasonings.
The type of ham and cheese used can significantly impact the calorie count. For instance, empanadas made with British ham and mozzarella cheese may contain 251 calories, while those made with Boar's Head Pesto Parmesan Oven Roasted Ham and Publix Mozzarella Cheese have a lower calorie count of around 200 calories.
Additionally, the inclusion of other ingredients, such as eggs, cream cheese, or barbecue sauce, can also influence the overall calorie content. For example, a Butternut and Goat's Cheese empanada, which includes cream cheese and goat's cheese, has 276 calories, while a BBQ Pork empanada with barbecue sauce has 237 calories.
The cooking method can also affect the calorie count. Empanadas can be fried or baked, with frying typically resulting in a higher calorie count due to the absorption of additional oil during the cooking process.
It's important to note that the nutritional information provided may vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size. When considering the calorie content of ham and cheese empanadas, it's always a good idea to refer to the specific product's nutrition label or consult a nutritional database for more accurate information.
Whopper With Cheese, No Bun: Calorie Count
You may want to see also
Empanadas are high in calories
Empanadas are indeed high in calories, and this is especially true for the ham and cheese variety. While the exact calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the empanada, a single ham and cheese empanada typically ranges from 194 to 267 calories. This calorie count is considered high, especially when compared to other varieties of empanadas.
For example, a vegan Humita sweetcorn empanada contains approximately 196 calories, while a chicken empanada comes in at 233 calories. Even a heartier beef empanada contains only 236 calories. However, it is important to note that the cooking method can also impact the calorie count. Fried empanadas will generally be higher in calories due to the additional oil absorption during the cooking process.
The high-calorie content of ham and cheese empanadas can be attributed to the combination of ingredients used. The dough itself contributes a significant amount of calories, with one serving of empanada dough containing approximately 194 calories. When you add in the cheese, which can include mozzarella, cheddar, and even cream cheese, the calorie count rises even further. Each variety of cheese adds around 20-30 calories to the overall count.
The star of the show, the ham, also packs a calorie punch. While the exact amount varies depending on the type of ham used, it typically contributes about 35 calories per empanada. When combined with the dough and cheese, it's no surprise that ham and cheese empanadas are calorific. However, it's important to remember that calories are not the only nutritional consideration.
Ham and cheese empanadas also offer protein, carbohydrates, and fats, all of which contribute to a balanced diet. For those watching their calorie intake, it's essential to be mindful of portion sizes and to remember that empanadas can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Additionally, baking empanadas instead of frying them can help reduce the overall calorie count, making them a more figure-friendly option.
Cheesecake Servings and Calories: How Much is Too Much?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A ham and cheese empanada contains around 251 calories.
Yes, one source suggests that a ham and cheese empanada contains 267 calories. Another source suggests that it contains 194 calories, but this may be due to differences in serving size.
A ham and cheese empanada typically contains around 36 grams of fat, 58 grams of carbohydrates, and 24 grams of protein.
Yes, a spicy beef empanada contains 236 calories, while a BBQ pork empanada contains 237 calories.
Yes, a butternut and goat's cheese empanada contains 276 calories, while a Galician tuna empanada contains 139 calories.
