Empanada Recipe: Crispy, Savory Bites with Perfect Wine Pairings

Introduction

Few dishes capture the spirit of global comfort food quite like the empanada recipe. Crispy on the outside, spicy and savory on the inside, empanadas have become a favorite for food lovers across the United States. Their versatile flavor profile makes them the perfect canvas for culinary creativity—and the ultimate companion to a well-chosen glass of wine. Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress or a wine enthusiast eager to elevate your next gathering, mastering the empanada recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the origins of empanadas, to the secrets of their key ingredients, to a step-by-step empanada recipe—and, importantly, the best wine pairings for every palate. With the help of Vinomat, your premium wine and food pairing app, you’ll discover how to match these savory pastries with wines from California, Oregon, and beyond, all easily found at Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, and your local wine shop.

About This Dish

Empanadas are more than just a snack—they’re a culinary tradition that spans continents. The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning "to bread" or "to wrap in bread". This cooking technique originated in Spain and Portugal before spreading throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and even the Philippines, where local variations like the Filipino chicken empanada recipe have become beloved staples.

In Argentina, empanadas are filled with spiced beef, onions, olives, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, making them a must-have at family gatherings and street festivals. In Mexico, empanadas can be fried or baked, with fillings ranging from ground beef to melting cheeses, and are often served with salsa or crema. Puerto Rican empanadillas offer yet another twist, featuring a seasoned beef and potato filling encased in achiote-tinted dough.

What makes the empanada recipe truly special is its ability to adapt. Whether you crave the bold flavors of cumin and paprika, the creamy richness of cheese, or the tangy snap of olives, there’s an empanada recipe for everyone. For American home cooks, empanadas offer a gateway to multicultural flavors while remaining approachable and family-friendly. Plus, their crispy exterior and spicy filling make them ideal for pairing with a wide range of wines—an experience that’s easy to enjoy thanks to the growing accessibility of wine culture in the US.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

The magic of a great empanada recipe lies in the harmonious interplay of its core ingredients:

Flour & Butter (Dough): The foundation of any empanada, combining all-purpose flour and cold, unsalted butter creates a dough that bakes up golden and flaky. The butter imparts richness and a tender crumb, while a touch of salt balances the flavors and enhances browning.
Egg & Water: Egg binds the dough, adding structure and a subtle sheen. Water brings the right hydration for a pliable, workable dough. Chilling the dough before rolling is essential—this relaxes the gluten and ensures the crust stays crisp and light.
Ground Beef: The heart of this empanada recipe is 85% lean beef. When sautéed with onion and garlic, it delivers a savory, juicy filling with deep umami notes. The beef is seasoned with cumin and paprika, two spices that lend warmth and complexity without overpowering the palate.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base, adding sweetness and pungency. They meld with the beef and spices, creating a fragrant filling that invites pairing with wines boasting earthy or fruity notes.
Green Olives: Sliced olives offer a briny, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the meat and cheese. Their saltiness is a natural match for wines with vibrant acidity.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella, or a similar melting cheese, adds creamy texture and a mild, milky flavor. Cheese helps bind the filling and contributes to the empanada’s irresistible gooey interior.
Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices build layers of flavor, from smoky and sweet to peppery and aromatic. They set the stage for dynamic wine pairings, inviting red wines with spice, body, and fruit.
Egg Wash (Egg & Milk): Brushing the empanadas before baking creates a glossy, golden crust that’s visually appealing and deliciously crisp.

Thoughtful ingredient selection not only enhances the taste and texture of the empanada recipe, but also influences which wines will best complement the dish. The interplay of crispy dough, spicy beef, creamy cheese, and briny olives calls for wines with balance, freshness, and enough character to stand up to bold flavors—think medium-bodied reds, aromatic whites, and sparkling wines with lively acidity.

Recipe

Prep Time: 90 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 120 minutes Servings: 4 Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups Flour (all-purpose)
1 cup Butter (unsalted, chilled, cubed)
1 tsp Salt
2 Eggs (large, 1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
1/2 cup Cold water
350 g Ground beef (85% lean)
1 Onion (small, finely chopped)
2 Garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp Cumin (ground)
1 tsp Paprika (sweet)
1/3 cup Olives (green, pitted, sliced)
1 cup Cheese (shredded mozzarella or similar)
1 tbsp Milk (for egg wash)
2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for frying the filling)

Instructions:

Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Add 1 egg and water to the flour mixture. Mix with your hands until it forms a smooth dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
Stir in the sliced olives and remove the filling from the heat. Allow it to cool and then stir in the shredded cheese.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet in the middle rack.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until thin (about 1/8 inch). Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
Prepare the egg wash by whisking 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm on a wooden board garnished with parsley. Pair with a side of salsa or dipping sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 370 kcal
Protein: 16.0g
Fat: 18.0g
Carbohydrates: 45.0g
Salt: 1.8g

Dietary Information: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

Empanadas are a wine lover’s dream: the crispy pastry, spicy filling, and creamy cheese create a dynamic flavor profile that invites creative and satisfying wine matches. Here’s how to find the best wine for your empanada recipe, with recommendations you can easily source from Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, BevMo, or your local grocery store.

Why These Wines Work

The heart of this dish is a balance of rich, savory beef, briny olives, and creamy cheese, spiced with cumin and paprika. To complement these flavors, look for wines that offer:

Medium body: Enough substance to match the beef and cheese without overwhelming the pastry.
Fresh acidity: To cut through richness and refresh the palate.
Moderate tannins: To enhance the beef but not clash with the cheese.
Fruit and spice notes: To echo the empanada’s warm, aromatic profile.

Wine Styles to Try

California Pinot Noir ($18-28):

Pinot Noir from Sonoma or the Central Coast is a classic match for beef empanadas. Its bright red fruit (cherry, raspberry), earthy undertones, and smooth tannins complement the cumin and paprika without overpowering the cheese. Look for producers like Meiomi, La Crema, or Trader Joe’s "Petit Reserve" Pinot Noir.

Spanish Tempranillo ($15-22):

Tempranillo’s juicy red fruit, herbal notes, and gentle tannins are a natural fit for the empanada recipe, especially with olive and paprika. Rioja or Ribera del Duero bottles are widely available at Total Wine and BevMo. Try Marques de Riscal or Campo Viejo.

Oregon Pinot Gris ($16-22):

For white wine lovers, Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley offers crisp acidity, stone fruit flavors, and a refreshing finish that lifts the richness of the pastry and cheese. King Estate and A to Z Wineworks are top picks at local shops.

Cava (Spanish Sparkling, $15-20):

The effervescence and bright acidity of Cava cut through the richness and spice of empanadas, while the subtle citrus and apple notes provide a lively contrast. Freixenet and Segura Viudas are solid choices at Trader Joe’s and BevMo.

Malbec (Argentina, $15-25):

For a bold, spicy twist, Argentine Malbec brings blackberry, plum, and a hint of pepper—ideal for smoky, savory empanadas. Look for Trapiche or Alamos at Total Wine.

Where to Buy

All recommended wines can be found at major US retailers like Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, and BevMo, as well as local wine shops and many grocery stores. Vinomat makes it easy to explore new pairings and find the perfect bottle for your empanada recipe, tailored to your taste and budget.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Empanadas may look simple, but the details make all the difference. Here are some expert tips to ensure your empanada recipe turns out perfectly every time:

Chill the dough: Cold, well-rested dough is easier to roll, seals better, and bakes up crisp and flaky. Don’t skip the chilling step!
Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined—overmixing leads to tough pastry.
Cool the filling: Warm filling can make the dough soggy and hard to seal. Let it come to room temperature before assembling.
Seal edges firmly: Pressing with a fork ensures a tight seal, keeping the filling inside and creating that classic decorative edge.
Egg wash for shine: Brushing with egg and milk gives empanadas a golden, glossy finish.
Bake, don’t fry (optional): Baking is easier, less messy, and results in a lighter, more delicate crust. However, for extra crispness and traditional flavor, try frying a few for comparison.
Make ahead: Both dough and filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, making empanadas ideal for entertaining.
Customize fillings: Experiment with chicken, pork, or vegetarian fillings—try the Filipino chicken empanada recipe for a delicious twist, or make a gluten free version for guests with dietary restrictions (see "gluten free empanadas recipe review" for guidance).

Serving Suggestions

Empanadas are endlessly versatile on the table. Here’s how to make the most of your empanada recipe:

Serve warm: Empanadas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the crust is at its crispiest and the cheese inside is gooey.
Presentation: Arrange on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh parsley. The golden crusts and vibrant filling make a visual statement.
Accompaniments: Offer salsa, chimichurri, or a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor. A simple green salad or pickled vegetables make a refreshing side.
Wine glasses at the ready: Set the table with your chosen wine pairing—a stemmed glass of Pinot Noir, a chilled flute of Cava, or an aromatic white.
Social setting: Empanadas are perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Encourage guests to try different fillings and wine matches, using Vinomat to discover new favorites.

Conclusion

The classic empanada recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to explore bold flavors, diverse culinary traditions, and the joy of food and wine pairing. With easy-to-find ingredients, expert cooking tips, and wine recommendations tailored for the US market, you have everything you need to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re following this empanada recipe guide for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, let Vinomat help you discover the perfect wine match and elevate every bite. Hungry for more? Try the empanadas recipe, experiment with new pairings, and celebrate the delicious intersection of crispy pastry and fine wine.