12 Empanadas Varieties
Ranked From the Best To the Worst

These empanadas are a specialty of the region of Tucumán, and they are quite different than numerous empanadas found in Buenos Aires. Tucumanas are typically handmade according to old, traditional recipes, and are characterized by a crispy dough and ideal proportions of dough and fillings. The dough is made with wheat flour and beef fat, and it is then usually filled with beef, chicken, or tripe, along with other ingredients such as onions, hard-boiled eggs, paprika, and cumin. Authentic Tucumanas should be baked in a clay oven, and it is best to enjoy them with a glass of local wine on the side.Expand

Empanadas argentinas, or Argentinian empanadas, make up a group of traditional Argentinian pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, from meat to cheese and vegetables. Although they are mostly enjoyed in their savory form, there are sweet dessert varieties filled with ingredients such as dulce de leche and quince. The dough, typically made with wheat flour, is rolled thin and folded over a filling, and the resulting parcel is then baked or fried to golden perfection. Traditional empanadas often feature ingredients such as ground beef, onions, and spices, giving them a robust and savory flavor. Still, each region of Argentina boasts its own unique style and flavor profiles - small and spicy from Salta, large Mendoza-style ones with garlic and olives, ones from Cordillera with lamb, and so on. Empanadas argentinas are not just a culinary delight; they are also a cultural symbol (empanadas criollas have even been declared a Cultural Heritage of Food and Gastronomy by the Argentine Ministry of Culture). They are enjoyed as a quick snack, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner and are often served during parties and various festivities.Expand

This empanada variety originates from Córdoba in Argentina, hence the name. It is sweet and savory because it's filled with beef, raisins, potatoes, olives, and white sugar. Other ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, onions, garlic, red wine, paprika, and cumin. These empandas are also juicier than most other varieties because they include tomatoes in the mix. The filling is enclosed in dough consisting of flour, egg yolks, lard or pork fat, water, and salt, just like most empanadas. Empanadas cordobesas are fried in hot oil or baked in the oven until browned.Expand

Most commonly, Chilean empanadas are made with wheat flour dough that is filled with onions, ground beef, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. These semicircular pies are typically baked in the oven. Although they are prepared and consumed throughout the year, Chilean empanadas are especially popular during the Fiestas Patrias in September. During the Easter festivities, beef is forbidden due to religious reasons, so these empanadas are usually filled with cheese and seafood in that period. It is recommended to pair Chilean empanadas with a glass of red wine.Expand

This traditional Galician-style empanada is prepared in the form of a large pie that comes in a number of regional varieties. The bottom and top crusts are always prepared with leavened dough, and although the most typical filling nowadays includes tuna, alternative options may be based on meat, other types of fish, seafood, chorizo, or various vegetables. The filling is almost always enriched with onions and peppers, and while tomatoes are a common modern ingredient, in the past they were usually left out. Empanada gallega is typically round or square-shaped, and the top is traditionally decorated with pieces of dough. The pie is a mainstay on various special occasions in Galicia, and it can be served freshly baked or well-chilled.Expand

Salteñas is the name of the national dish of Bolivia consisting of crescent-shaped, filled pockets of dough. The name is derived from the first known baker of these delicacies, who was born in the city of Salta, but he was later exiled to Potosí. Oven-baked and filled with meat (typically chicken or beef), salteñas are commonly served for breakfast or consumed as a mid-day snack. The sweet pastry and its braided crust have a unique color and flavor that is of key importance to authentic Bolivian salteñas, due to the crushed seeds of the adobo bush, along with added spices such as cumin and oregano, called achiote spice. Salteñas are somewhat difficult to prepare because special skills are required to make them, but practice makes perfect, and the sweet smell of freshly baked salteñas is always worth the effort.Expand

Empanada de cordero is a type of Spanish empanadas originating from the Balearic Islands. Unlike their Galician counterpart, Mallorcan empanadas have a dough that’s prepared without yeast. The dough is made with a combination of egg yolks, lard or butter, flour, salt, olive oil, and lukewarm water. Each empanada is typically filled with a mixture of diced lamb, chopped bacon, salt, and black pepper. The pastries are baked until lightly browned and the filling is fully cooked. Once prepared, empanadas de cordero are served warm or at room temperature.Expand

Arabian empanadas are pretty different from traditional Argentine empanadas. They are shaped into a triangle, and a portion of the filling remains visible in the center of the empanada. The filling consists of ground beef or lamb, chopped red and green peppers, green onions, and tomatoes. It is typically flavored with oregano, chili powder, paprika, and black pepper. Interestingly, many people like to squeeze a bit of lemon juice in the center for an extra zing. As the name suggests, these empanadas are a result of Arabian influence, i.e., Arab immigrants moving to South America. They are said to originate from the Córdoba Province, although they are present in the entire country.Expand

Hailing from Argentina, empanada catamarqueña is an empanada variety characterized by its garlicky kick. The empanadas are typically made with beef or goat meat, onions, and garlic. Raisins and green olives are also often included in these empanadas for extra flavor and texture. Baked until golden brown, these flavorful parcels are best when served with local beverages.Expand

Although empanadas are traditionally associated with savory fillings, in the case of empanada de manzana the filling is a sweet combination of cinnamon-spiced apples. Sliced, preferably tart apples are wrapped inside the buttery dough, shaped in small crescent forms and baked until golden and crispy. Whether they are served as a dessert, a filling sweet breakfast, or a light afternoon snack, empanadas de manzana are a signature treat of the Chiloé Island and can occasionally be found in traditional Mexican cuisine.Expand