Empanadas de Jamón y Queso
Empanadas de jamón y queso (ham and cheese empanadas) are a popular variation of the traditional beef empanada, commonly found across Latin America. These turnovers can be baked or fried.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 320 g (about 11.29 oz) low-moisture mozzarella cheese , finely diced
- 160 g (about 5.3 oz) cooked ham , finely diced
- 226 g (8 oz) cream cheese , room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 20 store-bought or homemade empanada disks (5-inch round disks) thawed if frozen
Frying:
- Neutral oil (canola, sunflower, vegetable or peanut oil), enough for deep frying (2.5 to 3 inches deep)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the mozzarella, ham, cream cheese, black pepper, and oregano until well combined.
- Lightly stretch each empanada disc with your hands or a rolling pin. Add about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling to the center.
- Moisten the edge of one half with water. Fold the disc in half to form a half-moon, pressing out any air, and seal the edges. Crimp with a fork or your fingers.
- Heat 2½ to 3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas in batches for 4–6 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Watch how to make it
Notes
Storage: Store cooked Empanadas de jamón y queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven until the empanadas are crispy and heated through, about 8 minutes.
You can also use an air fryer to reheat quickly. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust will soften and lose its crispiness.
Make Ahead: Assemble the empanadas up to 1 day in advance. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing these; they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Empanadas de Jamón y Queso
Amount per Serving
Calories
75
% Daily Value*
Fat
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
18
mg
6
%
Sodium
288
mg
13
%
Potassium
76
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
2
g
1
%
Fiber
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
107
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
155
mg
16
%
Iron
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
