You guys! Have you ever had empanadas before? They are delicious little hand pies with a crusty outside and a tasty filling on the inside (think Hot Pockets but 100 times better).
Empanadas are typically considered a Latin American treat but really, they are found in every culture and often go by different names. For example, in Britain they’re called pasties and in America we call them hand pies. And yes, even picky kids like them, because there are plenty of kid-friendly empanada recipes out there (hello, taco empanadas and Nutella empanadas!).
Inspired to change up your dinner rotation? Here are 10 of my favorite kid-friendly empanada recipes — all of which you can make ahead for those busy weeknights. Enjoy!
10 Kid-Friendly Empanada Recipes You'll Never Get Sick Of
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Taco Empanadas
These taco empanadas make a great meal when you have leftover taco meat in the fridge. Ideal for lunches, too. They can be easily microwaved or even enjoyed cold.
Get the recipe at Amanda’s Cookin. -
Caramel Apple Empanadas
Caramel Apple Empanadas are the perfect way to get a quick caramel apple fix in without all the fuss! These sweet empanadas take less than 20 minutes to pull together and bake, which makes them my kind of treat.
Get the recipe at Mom on Timeout. -
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
These adorable mini beef and cheese empanadas are ideal when you need to get dinner on the table in a snap. They can be made ahead of time and stored in your fridge or freezer and then cooked at the last minute.
Get the recipe at Tracey’s Culinary Adventures. -
Cherry Empanadas
Cherry pie filling is wrapped in a flour tortilla, fried, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for a decadent dessert.
Get the recipe at Taste and Tell. -
Ham and Cheese Empanadas
These ham and cheese empanadas are a great way to use leftover ham and are the perfect appetizer to bring to any party.
Get the recipe at Cooking with Books. -
Nutella-Mallow Pillow Pocket Empanadas
These marshmallow Nutella empanadas contain gooey marshmallow and creamy Nutella. This is a treat that you just must try for yourself.
Get the recipe at Picky Palate. -
Shepherd's Pie Empanadas
These shepherd’s pie empanadas consist of a golden brown and flaky crust filled with piping hot buttery mashed potatoes, gravy laden with brown ground beef, tender peas, and sweet corn.
Get the recipe at Foodie with Family. -
Monte Cristo Empanadas
Classic Monte Cristos get a lightened up, finger-food makeover in the form of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese stuffed empanadas, served with a light dusting of confectioner's sugar and a creamy Dijon dipping sauce.
Get the recipe at Foodie with Family. -
Breakfast Empanadas
These breakfast empanadas are filled with a chorizo, potato, and scrambled egg mixture and encased in the best pastry ever (it’s easy pastry, promise). It’s like a breakfast burrito taken up a few notches.
Get the recipe at Handle the Heat. -
Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas
Welcome to your new favorite dessert. These sweet pumpkin empanadas are better than any pumpkin pie you’ve ever had and are perfect for parties.
Get the recipe at Mom on Timeout.
