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Empanadas Fritas de Queso

Chilean · Snack · Medium

Empanadas Fritas de Queso

Total
1 hr
Prep
40 min
Serves
12
Calories
255
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Crisp fried pastry pockets enclose melted cheese, with a thin crimped edge that turns golden before the warm filling stretches apart.

A simple milk dough gives Empanadas Fritas de Queso enough strength to hold melted cheese during frying. Rolling the rounds thinly keeps the pastry crisp, while a tightly pressed seam prevents the filling from escaping into the oil.

Use a firm melting cheese and keep it away from the edges. Press out trapped air before sealing, and fry only a few empanadas at a time so they color evenly without cooling the oil.

CheesyCrispySavoryPartyStreet FoodNut-free

Method

  1. Warm the milk and lard in a saucepan over low heat for until the lard melts. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, then stir in the warm milk mixture to form a soft dough.

  2. Knead briefly until smooth, cover and rest for . Divide into 12 pieces and roll each into a thin 5-inch circle between sheets of parchment.

  3. Divide the Monterey Jack cheese among the circles, keeping the edges clear. Brush a narrow border with beaten egg, fold into half-moons and press out the air. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork.

  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C), keeping the pan no more than half full. Fry three empanadas at a time for per batch, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.

  5. Drain on a rack and let the filling cool slightly before serving; melted cheese stays hot inside the pastry.

Forkue tips

  • Wipe flour or cheese from the sealing edge before brushing with egg so the two sides stick together.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on a rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven until the pastry is crisp and the cheese melts again.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

255Calories
8gProtein
25gCarbs
14gFat

Empanadas Fritas de Queso: FAQ

Can I bake them instead?

Yes. Brush the tops with egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden; the pastry will be less blistered than the fried version.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Replace lard with vegetable shortening and choose cheese made with vegetarian rennet. The listed version contains lard.

How do I store and reheat Empanadas Fritas de Queso?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on a rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven until the pastry is crisp and the cheese melts again.

How long does Empanadas Fritas de Queso take?

About 1 hr in total: 40 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Empanadas Fritas de Queso?

The key ingredients are all-purpose flour, baking powder, lard, whole milk, egg and monterey jack cheese, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Empanadas Fritas de Queso?

Wipe flour or cheese from the sealing edge before brushing with egg so the two sides stick together.

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