Vegetarian Ham and Cheese Empanadas

Crave-worthy and entirely plant-based, these Vegetarian Ham and Cheese Empanadas are the perfect fusion of traditional comfort food and modern flavor twists. Featuring a buttery, homemade pastry dough wrapped around a savory filling of diced vegan ham, gooey vegan cheese, and sautéed red bell peppers and onions, these golden-brown bites are brimming with irresistible goodness. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a hint of black pepper, each empanada is baked to perfection for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you're prepping an easy appetizer, a fun midweek snack, or a party platter centerpiece, these vegetarian empanadas offer rich flavors and a satisfying balance of crisp and creamy. They’re simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients, making them a delicious choice for plant-based eaters and omnivores alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.75 cup cold water
• 1 cup vegan ham, diced
• 1 cup vegan cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, and mix using a pastry blender or your fingers until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Gradually add the cold water, mixing with a fork just until a dough forms. Do not overwork the dough.

Step 3

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the diced vegan ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 6

In a bowl, combine the vegan ham mixture with shredded vegan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out as many circles as possible (re-roll scraps as needed).

Step 9

Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 10

Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 11

Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 12

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious vegetarian empanadas warm from the oven!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1300.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3025.9

Total Fat 158.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 310mg	0%
Sodium 5593.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 318.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 12.6g
Protein 84.2g	0%

Vitamin D 41IU	0%
Calcium 1544.0mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 1301.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.0%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 41.9%