Ever feel like you’re scrambling to pack a decent snack before leaving the house? Turns out, medieval workers had the same struggle… and they nailed it with Keto Empanadas! These little pockets of goodness were their go-to lunch—portable, no mess, and zero utensils required. Let’s be honest, they were basically the medieval Hot Pocket.
Surprise! It’s… an Eel?
Now, here’s where it gets weird. Some of those early empanadas weren’t filled with beef or chicken—they had eels! Imagine biting into one and finding a slippery surprise. Talk about a medieval prank! Honestly, I’d take the modern fillings over an unexpected sea creature any day.
From Fields to Fancy Feasts
Luckily, we’ve moved past eel-gate. Empanadas have evolved into the ultimate comfort food, from flaky traditional versions to keto-friendly creations. Whether you’re making them for dinner or sneaking one as a snack, they’re proof that great food never goes out of style!
Table of Contents
| Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights) |
| Ingredients for Keto Empanadas |
| How to Make Keto Empanadas |
| Storage & Serving Suggestions |
| Tips & FAQs |
| Why Keto Empanadas Are Perfect for Keto |
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Low-Carb Magic: These Keto Empanadas are made with a fathead dough that’s both delicious and keto-friendly, giving you all the crispy goodness without the carbs.
- Savory Filling Perfection: The filling is a flavorful mix of ground meat, sautéed veggies, warm spices, and melty cheese—comfort food at its finest!
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Say goodbye to traditional wheat-based empanadas and hello to a light, almond flour-based dough that’s perfect for keto diets.
- Customizable Options: Whether you’re craving beef, chicken, or even vegetarian empanadas, this recipe is super versatile to suit your tastes.
- Meal Prep Hero: Make a big batch, freeze them, and bake fresh anytime you need a quick snack or satisfying meal.
- Easy to Make: Despite the fancy vibes, these are beginner-friendly and take less than 30 minutes of hands-on time.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve them with guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite low-carb salsa for the ultimate flavor boost.
See? Keto doesn’t have to be boring—these empanadas are proof that you can indulge without breaking your carb bank!
Ingredients Needed
For the Dough:
- Shredded mozzarella
- Cream cheese
- Almond flour
- Egg
For the Filling:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onion, red bell pepper, zucchini (optional)
- Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder
- Ground beef or pork
- Tomato paste
- Beef bone broth or stock
- Green olives (optional)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
How to Make Keto Empanadas
Prepare the Dough: Melt mozzarella and cream cheese, mix in almond flour, and knead with the egg until smooth. Roll out and chill if needed.
Cook the Filling: Sauté the vegetables, brown the meat, and mix in spices, tomato paste, and broth. Simmer until thickened, then add cheese and olives.
Assemble: Cut dough into rounds, add filling, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash for a golden crust.
Bake: Cook at 375°F (190°C) until golden, about 12-15 minutes.
Storage & Serving Suggestion
Storage Tips
- Fridge Freshness: Store leftover Keto Empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days… if they last that long! 😉
- Freeze for Later: Assemble the empanadas, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen—no need to thaw!
- Reheat Like a Pro: Pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Want that extra crisp? Use an air fryer for a few minutes instead.
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Store cooked empanadas with a paper towel underneath to help absorb any excess moisture.
Serving Tips
- Keep It Simple: Serve warm with a dollop of guacamole, sour cream, or keto-friendly salsa… because dipping makes everything better!
- Dress It Up: Turn them into a meal by pairing them with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced, low-carb plate.
- Breakfast Vibes: Fill them with scrambled eggs and bacon for keto breakfast empanadas—perfect for those busy mornings.
- Snack Attack: Slice them in half for a shareable party snack and watch them disappear faster than you can say “low-carb deliciousness!”
- Chimichurri Twist: Add a drizzle of keto chimichurri sauce for a bold, zesty flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Enjoy these empanadas anytime, anywhere—they’re perfect for a quick bite or a full-on keto feast!
Tips & FAQs
What to Serve with Empanadas?
Empanadas pair well with a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavors:
- Black Beans and Rice: A classic accompaniment that adds heartiness to your meal.
- Guacamole: The creamy texture and fresh taste of guacamole complement the savory notes of empanadas.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds a zesty kick, balancing the richness of the pastry.
- Tossed Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Make Keto Empanada Dough?
Creating a keto-friendly empanada dough typically involves substituting traditional flour with low-carb alternatives:
- Almond Flour Dough: Combine almond flour with eggs and melted mozzarella cheese to form a pliable dough suitable for baking.
- Coconut Flour Variation: Some recipes incorporate coconut flour alongside almond flour to achieve the desired consistency.
Are Empanadas Keto?
Traditional empanadas are made with wheat flour, making them high in carbohydrates and not suitable for a keto diet. However, by using low-carb ingredients like almond or coconut flour for the dough, you can enjoy keto-friendly empanadas.
Are Empanadas Gluten-Free?
Standard empanada dough contains gluten. To make gluten-free empanadas, substitute wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, including fillings, are also gluten-free.
Are Empanadas Healthy?
The healthiness of empanadas depends on their ingredients and preparation methods:
- Traditional Empanadas: Often fried and made with refined flour, they can be high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates.
- Healthier Alternatives: Baking instead of frying and using whole-grain or alternative flours can make empanadas healthier. Incorporating lean proteins and vegetables as fillings also boosts nutritional value.
Where to Buy Empanada Dough?
Pre-made empanada dough can be found in the frozen or refrigerated sections of many grocery stores, particularly those with international or Latin American food aisles. For specialty or dietary-specific doughs, such as gluten-free options, check health food stores or online retailers.
Why Keto Empanadas Are Perfect for Keto
- Low-Carb Fathead Dough: Using almond flour and mozzarella, this dough is a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat-based crusts.
- Healthy Fats: The ground meat, cheese, and olive oil provide a rich source of healthy fats, essential for ketosis.
- Customizable Fillings: Swap the beef for shredded chicken, or create vegetarian empanadas by using sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
These keto-friendly empanadas fit seamlessly into low-carb lifestyles, and their macros work well for anyone following the Weight Watchers plan.
Pro Tips for Perfect Keto Empanadas
Keep the Dough Chilled: Chilling the dough before rolling makes it easier to handle and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overfill: Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada to avoid tearing the dough.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or swapping beef for spiced ground lamb.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the ultimate Keto Empanadas—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Crispy Keto Empanadas – Guilt-Free Low-Carb Indulgence
Description
These Keto Empanadas are low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with a savory spiced filling. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying keto-friendly snack!
Ingredients
For the Fathead Dough
For the Filling
Egg Wash
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
-
Melt mozzarella and cream cheese until smooth, then combine with almond flour and an egg to form a pliable dough. Roll it out thinly between two sheets of parchment paper.
Cook the Filling:
-
Sauté onion, bell pepper, and zucchini in olive oil. Add ground meat, spices, tomato paste, and broth, then simmer until thickened. Stir in shredded cheese and olives.
Assemble the Empanadas:
-
Cut the dough into circles, fill with the meat mixture, and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with an egg wash for a golden crust.
Bake:
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the empanadas for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
-
For a crispy, oil-free option, try cooking these air fryer empanadas at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 13g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
As a mom of three and a wife to a carb-loving husband, I’m no stranger to picky eaters and skeptical glances at anything “keto.” But let me tell you, these Keto Empanadas were a game-changer! The moment they came out of the oven, my kitchen turned into a battleground—with my kids racing to grab the first bite and my husband sneaking seconds before dinner was even served. Watching them devour these crispy, cheesy delights without a single complaint (or request for bread!) was the ultimate win. Proof that keto can be family-friendly and absolutely delicious!
