Cheese Empanadas: The Perfect Melty Filling

Empanadas are individual Spanish turnovers most often filled with meat and vegetables. However, cheese empanadas are also popular and are usually filled with melted cheese. The type of cheese used varies, with some recipes calling for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. Cheese empanadas can be baked or fried and are often served with salsa or chilli sauce.

Monterey Jack cheese

The versatility of Monterey Jack cheese is part of its appeal. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey and indulgent centre when paired with the crispy pastry. It also has a high melting point, which means it retains its creamy texture and flavour without becoming greasy. This makes it ideal for baking or frying empanadas, ensuring a delicious result every time.

When it comes to flavour, Monterey Jack is a crowd-pleaser. Its mild, milky taste complements a variety of fillings without overwhelming them. It is often combined with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, to create a balance of melty and flavourful textures. The cheese's subtle tang also pairs well with sweet and savoury combinations, like powdered sugar or a drizzle of hot sauce.

In terms of preparation, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice for empanadas because it is easy to grate or shred. This ensures a smooth and even distribution throughout the filling. It also mixes well with other ingredients, such as eggs, to create a cohesive mixture that is simple to work with when assembling the empanadas.

Mozzarella

When using mozzarella in empanadas, it is important to consider the other ingredients and how they will complement the cheese. For example, Blazes recommends experimenting with adding a little chopped onion, while Conners suggests serving the empanadas with powdered sugar to create a sweet and savoury combination.

Goat's cheese

To assemble goat's cheese empanadas, the filling is spooned onto empanada dough discs, the edges are brushed with egg whites to help seal them, and then they are folded over and pressed closed with a fork. They can then be baked in the oven until golden brown.

Baked vs fried

Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They can be baked or fried, and the choice between the two methods depends on convenience, taste, and dietary preferences. Here is a detailed comparison between the two methods of cooking empanadas.

Taste and Texture

Fried empanadas are often associated with a crisp, golden-brown crust and a greasy, crunchy texture. The frying process gives them a deep, rich flavor that is hard to replicate with baking. On the other hand, baked empanadas tend to have a flakier texture and are generally considered a healthier option. They are still crispy and golden but without the greasiness of fried empanadas.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Both methods require similar preparation steps, such as making the dough, preparing the filling, and assembling the empanadas. However, frying empanadas can be quicker as they cook faster. Baked empanadas require preheating the oven and a longer cooking time.

Ease of Cooking

Frying empanadas can be a more challenging task as it requires maintaining a consistent oil temperature and carefully monitoring the empanadas to avoid overcooking or burning. Baked empanadas are generally easier to prepare, as there is less risk of oil splatter or overcooking.

Customization

Both fried and baked empanadas offer a variety of filling options, from traditional cheese and onion to more creative combinations. However, fried empanadas may offer a wider range of textures and flavors due to the frying process, which can enhance the taste of certain ingredients.

Serving and Storage

Fried empanadas are best served fresh and warm, as they tend to lose their crispness over time. Baked empanadas can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a more convenient option for parties or gatherings. Both types of empanadas can be frozen and reheated later.

In conclusion, both baking and frying are viable options for cooking empanadas, each with its own advantages and unique characteristics. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, the desired texture and taste, and practical considerations such as preparation time and serving convenience.

Sealing the empanadas

Sealing empanadas is an important step in the cooking process, as it helps to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying or baking. Here are some detailed tips and instructions on how to seal empanadas effectively:

Wet the Edges:

Before placing the cheese filling on the dough, use a pastry brush or your fingers to moisten the edges of the empanada dough rounds with water. This will help the dough stick together when folded and create a better seal.

Fold and Crimp:

After placing the cheese filling on the dough, carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press down firmly along the edges to seal in the filling. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative pattern, which will also help ensure a tight seal.

Egg Wash:

An egg wash can be used to help seal empanadas and create a golden, crispy crust. Separate an egg, and brush the empanadas with the beaten egg white before baking. The egg yolk can be mixed with a small amount of milk or water and brushed on the empanadas for extra shine.

Chill Before Baking:

Chilling the empanadas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking will help the seal set and further prevent leaks. This step is especially important if you are using a cheese that melts easily or if you are generous with your filling.

Avoid Overstuffing:

Overstuffing empanadas can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Be sure to use just enough filling to generously fill the empanadas without overdoing it. This will also help ensure that the empanadas cook evenly and achieve the desired crispness.

Seal with a Twist:

Instead of using a fork to crimp the edges, you can create a seal by twisting the edges of the dough. This technique involves folding the dough over the filling and then gently twisting the edges together to create a tight seal.

By following these steps and taking care to seal the empanadas properly, you can help ensure that the cheese stays inside where it belongs, resulting in delicious, crispy empanadas with no mess!

Frequently asked questions