Description
These cheesy pepperoni pizza empanadas combine the flavors of classic pizza with a crispy, golden empanada shell. Filled with pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, and marinara sauce, these handheld treats make a perfect appetizer or snack. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/8 cup warm water
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Cornstarch, for dusting
For the Filling:
- 8 oz pepperoni, diced
- 4 slices provolone cheese, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
- In a food processor, blend flour, water, vinegar, and salt until a soft ball forms.
- Transfer the dough to a clean surface, cover with a towel, and let rest for 20 minutes.
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Prepare the Dough Rounds:
- Divide the dough in half and roll it out into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta roller.
- Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out dough circles.
- Dust each round with cornstarch and stack them to prevent sticking.
-
Make the Filling:
- Dice the pepperoni and provolone cheese.
- In a bowl, mix pepperoni, provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
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Assemble the Empanadas:
- Place a few tablespoons of filling onto each dough round.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water, fold over, and seal shut with a fork.
- Repeat for all dough rounds.
-
Fry the Empanadas:
- Heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C).
- Fry 4-5 empanadas at a time for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined sheet pan.
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with extra marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown for a lighter version.
- Air Fryer Option: Brush with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze assembled empanadas before frying and cook straight from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg