These Guava & Cheese Empanadas are a little slice of paradise! They're the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. I first tried these on a trip to Puerto Rico—pure magic. They're surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend baking project, or even a casual weeknight treat. I'll warn you, once you have one, you won't be able to stop!
The recipe is broken down step by step, with pictures to guide you. There's even a little something extra thrown in, so you don’t have to stress about getting it perfect. Honestly, I think even your worst baking nemesis could nail this recipe; honestly, I’m not sure what they would even complain about!
The best part? The flavor combination—guava's tropical sweetness balancing the salty sharpness of the cheese—is simply divine. I've even had friends tell me that it reminded them of their own family recipes passed down through generations. It's that good, people! Trust me, this is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. So grab your aprons and let's get baking!
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Knife
Tropical Sunset: Guava and Cheese Empanadas: Frequently Asked Questions
Tropical Sunset: Guava and Cheese Empanadas
These delightful Guava & Cheese Empanadas offer a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience. It's easy, even for beginners!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 8 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Give it a good whisk to distribute everything evenly.
- Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix!
- Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. It should be slightly sticky, but not too wet.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or two, until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is important—don't skip it!
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mash the guava paste with a fork until it's smooth. Stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of the guava and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges with a fork to seal. You can get fancy here, but a simple crimp will do just fine.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. For frying, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry 2-3 empanadas at a time, for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried empanadas and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy! (Tip: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delightful touch.)
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use butter instead of shortening.
- If using a different type of cheese, make sure to adjust for moisture levels—you may need to drain excess moisture before mixing into the guava paste.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of guava paste—some are sweeter than others. Adjust sugar as needed
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 150mg
