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Breakfast Empanadas

Breakfast Empanadas are a whole lot of jazz for your regular morning routine! They’re simple to make and perfect for any busy weekday morning! 

 

Main image for Breakfast Empanadas. Empanadas laid out on a plate.

 

All the classic flavors of a breakfast burrito but with a flaky, golden-brown empanada crust! Oh man!

Could a handheld breakfast get any better than this? 

A savory mix of ground sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and diced bell peppers. All in a crispy empanada dough. 

It’s like the best part of a BIG breakfast, but in a convenient, grab-and-go form.

A breakfast empanada is perfect for busy weekdays when you’ve got no time. Or when you need a quick hot treat on the go.

Plus you can stuff these empanadas with pretty much any of your breakfast favorites. Cheddar cheese to sautéed onions? All welcome here!

And you can cook a batch during the weekend. Then you’ve got easy breakfast empanadas ready for the week!

These are a hit with both kids and adults, making them great for family brunches.

Whip up a large batch of sausage and egg empanadas and store them in the freezer for a no-fuss, delicious breakfast option.

 

All ingredients laid out on the counter ready to assemble.

 

What Ingredients are in Breakfast Empanadas?

These golden brown breakfast empanadas are one of the more delicious foods you’re going to try. Here’s what you need:

  • Empanada Dough: Your own empanada dough or store-bought. We like this Empanada Dough and Gluten Free Empanada Dough. 
  • Ground Sausage: Savory flavor and lots of protein!
  • Red and Green Bell Peppers: I love the color contrast of the two of them.
  • Large Eggs: Creamy mixture. Perfect filling. Need I say more?
  • Egg Wash: The lovely, golden-brown breakfast empanadas? You can thank the egg wash!

Pro Tips:

  • Cook the breakfast sausage and peppers on medium heat.
  • Cool the sausage and egg mixture really well so the dough doesn’t become soggy.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings. All sorts of ingredients would taste good in these.

 

sausage and peppers in a skillet, uncooked.

 

How to Make Breakfast Empanadas?

A warm empanada has got to be better than cold cereal any day. And it’s easy to make too!

  1. Sauté your sausage and peppers, then mix in the beaten eggs.
  2. Let the filling cool, spoon it onto the empanada discs, and seal them up.
  3. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a crispy crust.
  4. Bake on baking sheet until they’re a perfect shade of golden brown.

Pro Tips:

  • Be careful not to overfill! You want the filling just in the middle of each empanada wrapper.
  • Press edges of the empanada firmly so they stay sealed during baking.
  • Use parchment paper for an easier cleanup.

If you love empanada’s, try these other versions:

 

breakfast sausage and peppers cooked in a skillet.

 

Are Empanadas a Breakfast Food?

Empanadas can totally be a breakfast food! 

Traditional empanadas can be enjoyed any time of day. Really. There’s no wrong way to eat them.

But these breakfast versions are filled with eggs, sausage, and bell peppers.

So they are pretty much the perfect, filling morning meal.

 

 

Can I Add Cheese to Breakfast Empanadas?

You can definitely add cheese to these sausage empanadas! 

Sprinkle in some cheddar cheese for a more mild flavor.

Or use pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack for an extra cheesy twist. Yum! 

The cheese will melt right into the egg mixture.

It’s easy to try different flavors just by mixing up the cheese fillings!

 

cooked eggs and sausage in skillet.

 

Can I Make Breakfast Empanadas Ahead of Time?

You can definitely make them ahead of time! 

Breakfast empanadas are a great way to streamline your morning routine. 

Do you have a morning routine? Because I swear I make one and then the kids throw a curve ball at me the next morning!

That’s totally why I need foods like this!

Simply prepare them the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning. 

An excellent choice for busy mornings!

Or if you just want a leisurely start to your day without the hassle of cooking.

 

empanada dough disc with a pile of a sausage and egg mixture.

 

How to Store Leftover Breakfast Empanadas

Any leftover egg and cheese empanada can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. 

Just place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap.

Make sure you let them come to room temperature first. 

They keep all their yummy flavor and texture quite well actually.

Quick breakfast or snack option? Check!

 

folded up filled empanadas, unbaked.

 

Can You Freeze Breakfast Empanadas?

You can definitely freeze breakfast empanadas! 

You can freeze them either before or after baking. 

Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. 

They can last in the freezer for up to a month.

Just be sure to write the name of the recipe and the date they’ll expire. 

Then you won’t lose them in the freezer! You don’t want a good breakfast to go to waste!

How to Reheat Frozen Breakfast Empanadas?

To reheat frozen empanadas, you don’t need to thaw them first. 

Just place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven.

Then heat until they are warm throughout. 

The oven helps to keep the pastry flaky and crisp. 

If you’re in a rush, you can also warm them in the microwave.

I don’t really like that option because they lose a lot of their crispiness. 

But if you’re in a hurry? Totally an option.

 

12 empanadas on a baking sheet being brushed with egg.

 

What to Serve with Breakfast Empanadas?

These empanadas are pretty filling on their own and we don’t usually serve them with anything.

Except maybe some sour cream or your favorite salsa. They are great with that!

But if you really want a big complete breakfast, you’ve got some options. 

Here are some side dish recipe ideas:

 

3 baked empanadas laid out on the counter.

 

Are Breakfast Empanadas Healthy?

Sausage and egg empanadas can totally be part of a balanced diet. 

They provide protein from the eggs and sausage. Which by the way, you can’t live without. See. Balanced diet.

You could switch them up with lean meats like turkey sausage. Or add more veggies if you want. 

You could also serve them with a side of fruit or a vegetable salad to round out the meal.

Can I Use Chorizo in Empanadas?

You could definitely use chorizo in empanadas! 

Chorizo can add a spicy twist to your breakfast empanadas. And it’s super delicious! 

Just replace the ground sausage with chorizo.

It’s a spicy variation on this classic breakfast treat that you would totally love.

These breakfast empanadas are downright delicious! 

 

Baked empanada cut in half to show sausage and egg filling.

 

Cooking for a big family breakfast? Prepping for a busy week ahead? Just craving a savory start to your day? These empanadas are a perfect choice.

Go ahead, give these breakfast empanadas a try and add a tasty twist to your morning meals!

 

Yield: 12 Empanadas

Breakfast Empanadas

Baked empanadas on baking tray with a hand holding one cut open.

Flaky, golden breakfast empanadas stuffed with eggs, cheese, and savory breakfast fillings—perfect for meal prep, brunch, or on-the-go mornings.

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, add sausage and peppers.
  2. Cook until sausage is no longer pink and peppers are tender.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat six eggs and then add to the skillet with sausage and peppers.
  4. Let the egg and sausage mixture cool completely before filling empanadas.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  6. Lay out empanada dough.
  7. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of sausage and egg mixture onto the bottom half.
  8. Fold in half and press the edges down firmly.
  9. Pick up the empanada and fold upwards along the edges.
  10. Lay empanadas on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  11. Beat one egg, and use a pastry brush to brush over the top of each empanada.
  12. Bake for 24-26 minutes.

Notes

  • Do not overfill empanadas! They will burst in the oven if overfilled.
  • I try to make sure each empanada has an even amount of all ingredients in the filling.
  • It is very important that you let the sausage and egg mixture cool. Otherwise, you will melt the dough and not get the flakey crust that you worked so hard to get!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 350mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 11g

 

 

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