Savory Mini Empanadas: the Quick, Simple and Tasty Recipe with Bread for a Cute Appetizer

Craving a handheld treat bursting with flavor, but short on time? Look no further than Mini Empanadas! This twist offers a convenient and delicious twist on the classic empanada. Made with readily available store-bought bread, this recipe streamlines the process, eliminating the need for time-consuming dough preparation. Simply transform fluffy bread slices into golden pockets filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and veg. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, satisfying after-school hunger pangs, or feeding a crowd at gatherings.

What are Mini Empanadas?

Mini empanadas are small savory buns with a ground beef filling. The recipe uses store-bought bread slices for the "dough," making them a breeze to whip up!

Empanadas themselves boast a rich history, with origins likely traced back to medieval Europe. Similar savory pastries filled with meats and vegetables were enjoyed across various cultures. However, the empanada we know and love today is heavily influenced by Spain and Portugal, who brought the concept to Latin America during colonization. While traditionally baked, empanadas can also be fried!

Tips

• Use fresh bread for the best results. Stale bread can be crumbly and difficult to work with.
• Consider the thickness you desire for your empanadas. Thicker bread slices will create a chewier crust, while thinner slices will be crispier.
• Resist the urge to pack in too much filling. This can cause them to burst while cooking. Aim for a rounded tablespoon per mini empanada.
• Let the ground beef filling cool slightly before assembling. Hot filling can make the bread soggy.
• Create a simple "glue" by mixing equal parts water and flour to a thick paste. Brush this along the edges of the bread before folding to ensure a tight seal.
• Brush the tops of your mini empanadas with an egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water) before baking. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color.
• While this recipe features a ground beef filling, the possibilities are endless! Explore fillings like shredded chicken and cheese, vegetarian options with sauteed vegetables and beans, or even a sweet version with fruit compote and a sprinkle of sugar.
• Brush the tops of the mini empanadas with everything bagel seasoning before baking for an added savory touch.

What Kind Of Bread Can I Use?

You can use any type of white bread you prefer. Texas toast and white sandwich bread will both work.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Filling?

Yes, you can! Popular alternatives include shredded chicken, chorizo sausage, vegetables like spinach and cheese, or even a vegetarian lentil filling.

How Can I Make These Vegetarian?

Use lentils or black beans instead of ground beef. Sauté them with onions, peppers, and your favorite spices for a flavorful vegetarian filling.

What Dipping Sauces Go Well With Mini Empanadas?

Ketchup, mustard, salsa, guacamole, or even a simple sour cream dip are all delicious options.

What Can I Do With Leftover Bread Crusts?

Don't toss them! Cube or tear them up and add them to the filling for extra texture.

Is It Better to Fry Or Bake These Mini Empanadas?

For this recipe, baking is likely the best method to use. Baking allows the flavors of the filling to meld beautifully while ensuring the bread circles become nicely golden and crisp without being too greasy. This method also provides a more even cooking of the assembled dish, melting the mozzarella cheese perfectly and creating a delightful texture contrast with the soft filling and crunchy bread exterior. Baking is also generally healthier than frying, as it uses less oil and reduces the overall fat content of the dish.

How to Store Mini Empanadas

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

How To Make Shortcut Savory Buns

Step 1

Step 1

Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper in a pan with medium heat for a few minutes.

Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper in a pan with medium heat for a few minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

Add the meat, carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Add the meat, carrot, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Roll out the bread slices with a rolling pin.

Roll out the bread slices with a rolling pin.

Step 4

Step 4

Use a cookie cutter to cut the bread into circles.

Use a cookie cutter to cut the bread into circles.

Step 5

Step 5

Fill each circle with the prepared mixture and mozzarella cheese.

Fill each circle with the prepared mixture and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6

Step 6

Make a water-flour paste by mixing equal parts water and flour to create a thick consistency.

Make a water-flour paste by mixing equal parts water and flour to create a thick consistency.

Step 7

Step 7

Use it to seal the edges.

Use it to seal the edges.

Step 8

Step 8

Fold over in half and seal the edges.

Fold over in half and seal the edges.

Step 9

Step 9

Transfer the empanada to a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.

Transfer the empanada to a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.

Step 10

Step 10

Sprinkle with mozzarella and parsley.

Sprinkle with mozzarella and parsley.

Step 11

Step 11

Bake at 190°C (374°F) for 15 minutes.

Bake at 190°C (374°F) for 15 minutes.