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Gluten Free Empanadas

Gluten Free Empanadas: Crispy Passions in Every Bite

Delight in these crispy gluten-free empanadas filled with savory ingredients, perfect for snacks or family meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 empanadas
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Latin
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold and Cubed) Substitute with vegetable shortening for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 large Egg Or flax egg for vegan alternative.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken Can substitute with beef, pork, or black beans.
  • 1 cup Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Your Favorite) Omit or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1 medium Finely Chopped Onions Shallots are a great alternative.
  • 1 medium Diced Bell Pepper Consider zucchini or mushrooms as alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (Optional) Skip for a milder taste.
For the Glaze
  • 1 large Egg (for Egg Wash) Can use milk or a dairy-free alternative.
For Frying (if Desired)
  • Oil for Frying High-heat oils like canola or sunflower work best.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour and salt, whisking until blended. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a beaten egg and gradually pour in cold water, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough chills, heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and diced bell pepper in a splash of oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken along with cumin (if using), mixing until well combined. Remove from heat, fold in cheese until melted, then let cool.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to maximize your time in the kitchen.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles for the empanadas. Place a spoonful of cooled filling on one half of each circle, fold over, and press edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges.
  5. Beat an egg and brush over the top of each empanada. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tops are golden and flaky. Optionally, fry them in hot oil instead of baking.
  6. Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, perhaps with a side of salsa verde or chimichurri sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1empanadaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

These empanadas can be customized with different fillings. Experiment with gluten-free flours for varied textures and flavors.

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