Pizza Empanadas are a twist on a classic! Actually they’re a twist on two classics! And you’re going to love them! 

 

 

Think of your favorite pizza flavors wrapped up in a crispy, golden empanada shell.

This pizza empanada recipe is the best of two worlds! 

The classic Italian pizza and the traditional Latin American empanada. Love it!

Handheld pizza party in every bite. Seriously. That should be a thing. 

And the gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and spicy pepperoni encased in a crispy crust? What’s not to love?

They’re like mini pizzas you can eat with your hands – no mess, no fuss! Maybe less dishes? You decide on that!

Plus you can get creative and add your favorite pizza toppings to the mix.

The golden-brown empanada dough has a perfectly crispy shell that is a family favorite!

These are party-perfect! Easy to share and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

And empanadas stuffed with pizza are fun to make! Cooking with friends or family? This can even be the entertainment for the night!

 

 

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a type of baked or fried pastry.

They are typically filled with savory ingredients though they can be filled with sweet too.

They are originally from Spain and are very popular in Latin American countries. 

Some of the best food comes from Latin America I think!

They are made by folding dough over a stuffing. 

Usually the stuffing is a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. But sometimes it’s fruit!

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Pizza Empanadas?

Empanada wrappers and your favorite types of pizza filling? SO good!

• Empanada Dough: The base of your empanadas, ready to be filled and folded.
• Marinara Sauce: Gives that classic pizza flavor.
• Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, meaty kick.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Absolutely essential! Gooey cheese factor. Need I say more?
• DIY Italian Seasoning: This is probably what makes it really “pizza”
• Flake Salt: Where would we be without salt?
• Egg: For the egg wash gives your empanadas a beautiful shine.

Pro Tips:

• Let your dough come to room temperature before working with it.
• Use a spoon to evenly spread the marinara sauce. 
• Don’t forget to leave a border for sealing.
• Make your own homemade empanada dough or pick some up from the frozen section of the grocery store.

 

 

How to Make Pizza Empanadas

Classic empanada with a pizza twist! You are going to love how easy they are to make!

1. Prep empanada discs and preheat the oven.
2. Layer the fillings – sauce, pepperoni, and cheese – on each disc.
3. Fold and seal the empanadas in a half moon shape. 
4. Brush the top of the empanadas with egg wash.
5. Bake until they’re deliciously golden brown.

Pro Tips:

• Don’t overfill your empanadas to prevent bursting! This is essential!
• Press the edges with the tines of a fork for a decorative seal that also keeps the filling inside.
• You can also use your index finger to seal the edge of the dough.
• Try to make sure they each have an even amount of filling.
• Get the family involved! Kids LOVE helping to fill and seal! The perfect fun family cooking activity!

 

 

Can I Use Pizza Dough for Empanadas?

You can use pizza dough instead but it’ll change the recipe.

Pizza dough and empanada dough are actually different. 

Not crazy different, but different enough that you’d notice.

However traditional empanada dough is close enough to pizza dough that you could use it in a pinch. 

The texture will be more like a calzone, but still delicious! So if that’s all you have? Then use it!

What’s the Difference Between an Empanada and a Calzone?

Empanadas and calzones may seem similar, but they’re actually quite different. 

Empanadas are usually smaller, They have a thinner crust. And they are either baked or fried. 

Calzones, on the other hand, are made with pizza dough. They are larger. And they are usually baked.

Both delicious. Both wonderful. Just different.

 

 

What Toppings Could I Also Include?

I love pizza empanadas cause you can really make them your own! 

Different fillings? Yep! 

You can add almost any pizza topping you love. Seriously!

Think sautéed mushrooms, olives, diced bell peppers, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist! 

Just remember, if you’re using ingredients like onions or peppers, you should give them a quick sauté first.

Otherwise they’ll remain crunchy if not pre-cooked. And it detracts from the pizza to have crunchy veggies on it!

At least for me it does. If you don’t mind them, then you do you!

 

 

How Long Do Pizza Empanadas Last?

These tasty treats are best enjoyed fresh. 

Although you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

And honestly, they never last that long around my house! I find they are usually eaten up within a day!

 

 

Can I Make Pizza Empanadas Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely prepare them ahead of time! 

Make them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge.

Don’t bake them the first day. Just put them together. 

When you’re ready, just bake them according to the recipe instructions. 

It’s a great way to save time for parties or gatherings.

 

 

How to Store Leftover Pizza Empanadas

Leftover pizza empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

To reheat, pop them in the oven or a toaster oven so they keep their crispy crust. 

Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy. And a soggy crust? Blah.

 

 

Can You Freeze Pizza Empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze both pre-baked and baked pizza empanadas. 

For pre-baked, assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet. 

Don’t let them touch! They freeze better that way.

Then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. 

For baked ones, let them cool completely before freezing. 

They’ll cool faster on a cooling rack.

They can be reheated in the oven straight from the freezer. 

They are a GREAT meal prep because they taste SO good and I crave them ALL the time.

 

 

What to Serve with Pizza Empanadas

Pizza empanadas are pretty filling on their own! So you don’t have to serve them with anything.

But they would go great with a side salad for a lighter touch.

You could also serve them with some extra pizza sauce for dipping.

 Also creamy garlic dip. Where would we be without creamy garlic dip? 

And if you need a whole meal meal (teenagers I’m looking at you!), I got you covered! 

Pair them with a simple pasta dish or some grilled vegetables. Easy peasy.

Here are some great ideas to get you started:

• Fusilli Pasta Salad
• Sausage Basil Pasta
• Italian Garlic Bread
• Roquefort Salad Recipe
• Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
• Mexican Roasted Tomatoes
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• 4 Bean Salad
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Spiral Pasta Salad

 

 

Additional Empanada Recipes You’ll Love…

• Gluten Free Empanada Dough
• Beef Empanada Dough
• Sweet Potato Empanadas

Pizza Empanadas are a fun and delicious recipe! They’re a fun combo that everyone will love! 

If you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or just want to shake up your meal plan? These empanadas are sure to be a hit! 

 

 

 

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