Spicy Pulled Pork Empanadas

The savory, melt-in-your-mouth filling inside a golden, flaky crust makes these Spicy Pulled Pork Empanadas impossible to resist. Infused with smoky spices, tender pulled pork, and gooey cheese, these empanadas are a comforting meal wrapped up in a perfectly baked pastry. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty appetizer, a game day snack, or part of a festive dinner spread, these empanadas bring a touch of Latin flair and bold flavor to any occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to become a household favorite!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced

• 1 egg

• 3/4 cup cold water

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups cooked pulled pork (preferably spicy or seasoned)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, water, and vinegar. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until dough forms. Knead briefly, shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. To make the filling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers; cook for 5 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add pulled pork, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and mix in chopped cilantro and cheese.

5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4–5 inch circles.

6. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and seal edges by crimping with a fork.

7. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with egg wash.

8. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 empanadas

A Flavor-Packed Classic With a Modern Twist

Empanadas have long been a beloved staple in Latin American cuisine, enjoyed everywhere from family kitchens in Argentina to bustling street markets in Colombia and Mexico. These savory hand pies, with their crispy, golden exterior and hearty fillings, offer a world of culinary creativity. This version of the classic—Spicy Pulled Pork Empanadas—takes everything we love about traditional empanadas and infuses it with bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.

The recipe uses slow-cooked pulled pork that’s seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of chili flakes, then mixed with colorful bell peppers, fresh herbs, and cheese. Encased in a homemade buttery crust and baked until golden brown, these empanadas are perfect as a main course, party appetizer, or lunchbox surprise.

Cultural Roots and Global Love

Empanadas originate from Spain and Portugal, brought to the Americas during colonization. Over time, different regions made the recipe their own. In Argentina, empanadas are often filled with beef and olives; in the Caribbean, they may include sweet plantains or seafood; in Mexico, spicy chorizo and cheese might be the stars. This recipe leans into the Mexican-inspired flavor profile with smoky pulled pork and a hint of heat, celebrating the adaptability of empanadas while offering a unique, satisfying twist.

Why This Recipe is So Good

There’s no shortage of empanada recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Flavor Depth: The pork is seasoned with layers of spices that bring heat, earthiness, and smokiness to every bite. The peppers add brightness and a little crunch, while the cheese melts into creamy richness.
• Texture Perfection: The crust is buttery and flaky thanks to cold butter and a touch of vinegar, which helps keep it tender. Baking instead of frying makes these empanadas golden and crisp without the extra oil.
• Versatility: These empanadas are incredibly versatile. You can make them ahead, freeze them, or tweak the filling to suit what’s in your fridge. They’re also crowd-pleasers, making them great for game days, holidays, or casual family meals.
• Portable and Convenient: As a handheld food, empanadas are naturally portable. They’re ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or road trips.

Healthier Than You Might Expect

While empanadas are often viewed as indulgent, baking instead of frying makes this recipe a lighter option. Plus, using lean pulled pork and packing in veggies like bell peppers and onions adds both nutrients and fiber. You can even swap the all-purpose flour with a whole-wheat blend or gluten-free flour to make them fit specific dietary needs.

For even more benefits, the recipe can be adapted by:

• Reducing cheese or using a low-fat option
• Using olive oil for heart-healthy fats
• Adding in other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra fiber

Meal Prep Friendly and Freezer-Ready

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it fits into your weekly meal prep. You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble and bake fresh when needed. Alternatively, make a big batch and freeze the uncooked empanadas. Just pull them out of the freezer and bake whenever the craving strikes—no thawing required.

They also reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, keeping that delightful crispiness intact.

Kid-Friendly With Customizable Heat

While this recipe includes spices and a little chili for a kick, it’s easy to adjust the heat level. Simply omit the chili flakes for a milder version or increase them for spice lovers. Kids love the cheesy pork filling and handheld shape, making this a dinner that the whole family can agree on.

You can even get kids involved in the kitchen—rolling out the dough, cutting circles, and sealing the edges is a fun and educational activity.

The Dough: A Star on Its Own

Don’t underestimate the dough in this recipe. It’s soft, flaky, and slightly tangy thanks to the vinegar—a secret ingredient that tenderizes the gluten for that perfect pastry texture. Unlike store-bought doughs, which can be dry or tough, this homemade version melts in your mouth and gives the empanadas a rustic, authentic feel.

And if you’re short on time? This recipe works with store-bought pie crust or pre-made empanada wrappers as a shortcut.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These empanadas are so satisfying that they can easily stand alone. However, pairing them with a few sides or sauces really elevates the meal.

Try them with:

• A creamy avocado-cilantro dip or classic guacamole
• Salsa verde or a smoky chipotle dipping sauce
• A crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette
• Black beans and rice for a complete meal

You can also serve them with a chilled Mexican beer or a fruity agua fresca to balance the spice.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftover empanadas should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for an extra crisp bite.
• Microwave: Use only in a pinch; it may soften the crust.

Tips for Success

• Use cold ingredients for the dough—cold butter and cold water ensure a flaky texture.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas; too much filling can cause the dough to tear or leak.
• Seal well: Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to keep the filling inside.
• Chill before baking: A short chill in the fridge (10 minutes) helps the dough hold its shape and improves texture.
• Bake until deeply golden. Don’t pull them out too early—color equals flavor!

Conclusion

This recipe is the perfect intersection of comfort food and culinary creativity. It respects the traditional empanada while delivering modern flavor with the pulled pork and smoky spices. It’s approachable for beginners and fun for experienced home cooks to experiment with. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at a casual dinner, a lunch gathering, or even as party food. Once you’ve made these, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions. They’re more flavorful, more wholesome, and undeniably more satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these Spicy Pulled Pork Empanadas promise comfort, flavor, and a little Latin soul in every bite.