These Potato Egg, and Cheese Empanadas are the perfect handheld breakfast treat! They’re packed with hearty potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese!

 

 

A golden brown, flaky crust. A hearty filling. Easy to make. And super delicious. SOOO good!

They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack on the go.

Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one breakfast empanada!

Made with just a few basic ingredients like eggs, hash browns, and cheese, this recipe is easy to whip up.

These empanadas are great for breakfast on the go! The perfect quick breakfast option.

You can easily customize the filling by adding veggies, sausage, or your favorite cheese.

And these no meat breakfast empanadas have a beautiful golden brown finish. It’s both crispy and flaky.

Make a big batch and freeze them for an easy breakfast any day of the week!

 

 

What Is an Empanada?

An empanada is a type of stuffed pastry.

It’s popular in many Latin American and European countries.

The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word “empanar.” 

That means to wrap or coat in bread.

Empanadas can be baked or fried.

And they are typically filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like fruit.

They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.

Empanadas are especially popular because they’re easy to eat on the go.

Plus you can make them with so many fillings that you can always find one you love!

Some of our favorite empanadas are:

• Sweet Potato Empanadas
• Bacon Egg and Cheese Empanadas
• Apple Pie Empanadas
• Pizza Empanadas
• Ham and Cheese Empanadas
• Empanada Recipe

 

 

What Are Other Names Used for Empanada?

While “empanada” is the most common name, they’ve got more!

These tasty pastries are known by different names in various regions.

In some parts of South America, they might be called “pastelitos” or “pasties.”

In the Caribbean, you might hear them referred to as “empanadillas.”

In Portugal, they’re often known as “pastéis.”

Even in the Philippines, a similar pastry called “empanada” is popular.

Seriously! These are popular the world over!

Despite the different names, the concept remains the same.

A deliciously stuffed pastry that’s perfect for any occasion!

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas?

These potato empanadas have a wonderful egg filling and are full of so much flavor!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Empanada Dough: We recommend using this Empanada Dough recipe or this Gluten Free Empanada Dough Recipe. Both are delicious. 
• Seasoned Southern Style Hash Brown Potatoes: Adds a hearty and flavorful base to the filling.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein.
• Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Beaten Egg: Used as an egg wash to give the empanadas a golden brown finish.

Pro Tip: 

• Make your own Empanada Dough if you have the time! SO yummy!
• You can use premade empanada wrappers or puff pastry sheets if you’re short on time!
• You can even use pie crust if you have it. It’s slightly different but will work in a pinch.
• Cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese would also work if you prefer those.

 

 

How to Make Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas?

Vegetarian empanadas with a golden crust are perfect anytime of day!

Here’s what you need to know:

1. In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, eggs, and shredded cheese.
2. Lay out the empanada dough on a floured surface.
3. Spoon potato mixture onto the bottom half of each dough round.
4. Fold the top half of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges down to seal.
5. Brush with a beaten egg mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown.

Pro Tips: 

• Make sure not to overfill the empanadas to prevent them from bursting in the oven. 
• Also, using both hands to pinch the edges helps create a better seal.
• Use parchment paper to have the best experience on cleanup! So easy!

 

 

Are Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas Healthy?

These potato and cheese empanadas are a delicious and satisfying option for breakfast or brunch!

They’ve got cheese and eggs. So protein and fat! Yay!

In my book? That counts as healthy!

You could use a whole wheat flour dough.

Or you could add more veggies. Though the more veggies you add, the more filling you’ll have.

Green onions, red pepper, or green chilies would be good options.

You could also pair them with fresh veggies or a salad for a more balanced meal.

They’re a great way to start your day with a hearty and filling breakfast.

 

 

Are Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas Vegan?

Egg potato and cheese empanadas are not vegan. Sorry!

They’ve got eggs, cheese, and butter in the dough.

You can make a vegan version by using plant-based cheese, egg substitutes, and vegan butter.

BUT! I haven’t ever done that. So… proceed with caution. I have no idea how it would turn out.

I believe you can buy premade vegan dough at the store. So that should work for that.

The eggs and cheese feel vital to me though so if you do swap, please let me know how it turns out!

 

 

How to Store Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas?

Place cheesy potato empanadas in an airtight container once they’ve cooled.

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat in the oven or a microwave until warmed through.

This makes them a great option for meal prepping your breakfast for the week.

 

 

Do Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas Need to Be Refrigerated?

These cheesy potato breakfast empanadas definitely need to be refrigerated if not eaten immediately.

Eggs and cheese will go bad pretty quick kept on the counter.

So let them cool and then pop them in a container in the fridge.

 

 

Can I Freeze Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze cheesy potato and egg empanadas!

To freeze, allow the empanadas to cool completely after baking.

Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Then freeze until solid.

Then transfer the frozen empanadas to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven.

You don’t need to recook them. Just heat them up.

Freezing is a great way to have a quick and easy breakfast ready at any time!

Do Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas Taste Good with Salsa?

Absolutely! Cheesy breakfast empanadas taste so good with salsa!

Eggs and cheese with salsa? That’s a thing right? If you haven’t tried it you should!

You can use your own favorite store-bought salsa or make your own at home.

I linked a couple recipes just above for you!

Spicy Black Bean Salsa Recipe, a Raw Salsa Verde, or even a Avocado Corn Dip. All good ideas!

 

 

What to Serve with Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas?

No meat breakfast empanadas are delicious on their own.

But there’s lots you could serve them with!

A Cherry Tomato Salad or some Winter Veggie Sheet Pan would be a balanced meal.

Or sour cream or salsa for dipping.

For breakfast, serve them with a side of fruit or a smoothie like this Strawberry Banana Peach Smoothie or this Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie.

 

 

Potato Egg and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious, easy breakfast or brunch option! They’re portable and a total family favorite! Enjoy!

 

 

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