Ham and Cheese Empanadas – Crispy and Cheesy

These Ham and Cheese Empanadas are the kind of snack that disappears quickly. Golden and crisp on the outside, they’re filled with savory ham and plenty of melted, gooey cheese. They’re easy enough for a weeknight appetizer, but special enough for game days, parties, lunchboxes, or casual family gatherings.

The best part is the contrast between the flaky pastry and warm, cheesy filling. Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have a comforting homemade treat that both kids and adults will love.

Why You’ll Love Ham and Cheese Empanadas

• Crispy and Golden: The pastry bakes up beautifully crisp and flaky, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
• Cheesy and Savory: Melted cheese pairs perfectly with salty, flavorful ham for a filling that feels incredibly comforting.
• Easy to Make: Using prepared empanada dough keeps the recipe simple while still giving you delicious homemade results.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, party snack, lunch, or easy dinner alongside a fresh salad.
• Great for Make-Ahead Meals: Assemble the empanadas ahead of time and keep them refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ham and cheese empanadas come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but the payoff is huge: a crisp, golden crust wrapped around a gooey, savory filling. Whether you’re packing lunch, need a quick snack, or you’re putting together a spread for a party, these hit the spot.

A quick tip: don’t stress about making the dough from scratch. Store-bought empanada dough or even pie crust works great here, and a good melty cheese like mozzarella or cheddar makes all the difference.

• Empanada Dough – Use refrigerated or frozen empanada discs for convenience, or homemade dough if you prefer.
• Ham – Diced cooked ham adds a delicious salty, savory flavor to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Gives the filling a wonderfully stretchy, gooey texture.
• Cheddar Cheese – Adds a sharper, richer cheesy flavor that complements the ham.
• Egg – Helps bind the filling and creates a beautifully golden finish when brushed over the pastry.
• Black Pepper – Adds a subtle bite without overpowering the ham and cheese.
• Garlic Powder – Brings a gentle savory flavor to the filling.
• Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a little brightness and color.
• Cooking Oil or Nonstick Spray – Helps prevent sticking when baking the empanadas.

Step-By-Step Direction

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Dice the ham into small pieces and combine it with the mozzarella, cheddar, black pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Place the empanada dough discs on a clean, lightly floured surface. Let chilled dough sit briefly so it becomes flexible enough to fold without cracking.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spoon a small amount of the ham and cheese mixture into the center of each dough disc. Avoid overfilling, since too much filling can make sealing difficult.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, then crimp them with a fork to create a secure seal.

Step 5: Brush With Egg Wash

Arrange the sealed empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg to help them develop a glossy, golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese inside is completely melted. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy ham and cheese empanadas are delicious on their own, but a good dipping sauce can make them even better.

• Serve with salsa for a fresh tomato flavor.
• Pair with spicy ranch for a creamy, tangy dip.
• Try honey mustard for a sweet-and-savory combination.
• Serve with guacamole for a creamy contrast.
• Add a simple green salad for a light lunch or dinner.
• Serve alongside tomato soup for a cozy meal.
• Put them on a party platter with several dipping sauces for entertaining.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overfill the Dough: Too much filling can prevent the edges from sealing properly and may cause the cheese to leak during baking.
• Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges firmly before crimping them with a fork. A secure seal helps keep the delicious filling inside.
• Keep the Dough Flexible: If the dough feels too cold or stiff, allow it to sit briefly before assembling so it folds without cracking.
• Use a Light Egg Wash: Brush just enough egg over the surface to encourage an even golden-brown finish without making the pastry soggy.
• Let Them Rest Before Serving: Give the empanadas a few minutes to cool after baking. This allows the melted cheese to settle and makes them easier to eat.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Allow the baked empanadas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer

For best results, freeze assembled unbaked empanadas in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, adding a little extra cooking time.

You can also freeze fully baked empanadas once they have cooled completely.

Reheating

For the crispiest texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen empanadas in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. Heat until the pastry is crisp again and the filling is warmed through.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Product	Amazon.com
Empanada Dough Press	View on Amazon
Silicone Pastry Brush	View on Amazon
Parchment Paper for Baking	View on Amazon