Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Empanadas

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Veggie Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 6-8 tbsp cold water; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup onions, diced; 1 cup cooked black beans, drained; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: salsa for dipping

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these veggie empanadas for the Super Bowl! They're a crowd-pleaser that can be filled with a variety of fresh vegetables and spices, making them both delicious and versatile. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the flaky pastry shell adds a wonderful texture. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, so I can enjoy the game without stress. Whether you're serving them as appetizers or as part of a bigger spread, they never fail to impress my guests.

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:31:15.988Z

When I first started making empanadas, I was surprised at how simple yet satisfying they were! After several trials, I discovered the perfect combination of vegetables that complement each other beautifully. The filling is a mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black beans, all seasoned with cumin and chili powder for a little kick. This flavor-packed filling really raises the bar for a Super Bowl snack!

One tip I learned is to be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as they can burst during cooking. I always use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring nothing escapes while they bake. Trust me, these little pockets of goodness are worth the effort and will leave your guests asking for the recipe!

        Why You'll Love These Empanadas
        Deliciously seasoned veggie filling with a spicy kick
Flaky pastry that contrasts perfectly with the juicy filling
Perfect bite-sized treats for game day gatherings

      

Perfecting the Dough

The dough for these empanadas is key to achieving that flaky texture. When incorporating the cold butter, make sure to cut it in quickly using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that butter pieces remain visible, creating steam pockets as they bake for that perfect flakiness. If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough back in the fridge for a few minutes if it becomes too soft to roll out easily.

Using cold water is crucial in keeping the dough from becoming too elastic, which can lead to tough empanadas. Gradually adding the water allows for better control over the dough's consistency. If you find you’ve added too much water making the dough sticky, you can sprinkle in a bit more flour until you reach the right balance for easy rolling.

Balancing the Filling

The filling is where the magic happens! The combination of sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and hearty black beans gives a well-rounded flavor profile. To enhance the taste, consider roasting the bell peppers beforehand to deepen their sweetness, and allow them to cool before adding them to the mixture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can incorporate jalapeños or other spicy peppers right in with the sautéed vegetables.

When seasoning the filling, adjust the salt and pepper to taste after everything is combined. This is important because the flavor can vary depending on whether your black beans are homemade or canned. Always taste the mixture before assembling the empanadas to ensure it’s packed with flavor, as this is the layer you want bursting with taste.

Assembly and Baking Tips

When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure they bake uniformly. After cutting the circles, if the dough starts to shrink back, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten. For a professional-looking finish, crimp the edges firmly with a fork, which also acts as an additional seal to keep the filling secure during baking.

Always brush the empanadas with an egg wash before baking to achieve a glossy, golden finish. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, a mixture of almond milk and a bit of ground flaxseed can add the shine and richness without using egg. Keep an eye on them while baking; the empanadas should be golden brown, which typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a fantastic Super Bowl treat!

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp cold water

For the Filling

1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
1 cup cooked black beans, drained
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

For Assembly

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: salsa for dipping

Make sure to prep ahead to enjoy these empanadas hot out of the oven!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your veggie empanadas.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Make the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles (about 4-5 inches). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place on a baking sheet.

Bake

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your tasty veggie empanadas with salsa or your favorite dip!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or substitute the black beans with lentils for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These veggie empanadas can be conveniently prepared in advance. Once assembled, you can freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly crispy results.

If you have leftovers after your gathering, store the baked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore that flaky texture. If you try microwaving them, they can become soggy, which is best avoided.

Serving Suggestions

These empanadas pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces that can elevate the flavor even further. Consider serving them with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a zesty crema made with sour cream and lime juice. I personally enjoy adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few slices of avocado to enhance the freshness of each bite.

For an impressive presentation at your Super Bowl party, arrange the empanadas on a large platter alongside bowls of dipping sauces. This not only makes for an appetizing display but also allows guests to customize their experience. You can also serve them with a side of fresh veggies or a small salad to balance out the meal.

Variations to Try

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the filling! Try adding corn, diced zucchini, or even sweet potatoes to switch things up. You can also customize the spices based on your preference; for instance, adding smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can give it a distinct smoky flavor that many will love.

If you're catering to dietary restrictions, it's easy to make gluten-free empanadas! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This still creates a satisfyingly flaky result, just be sure to check that your filling ingredients are also gluten-free, especially if using canned items.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

→ What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to experiment! You can use cheese, other vegetables, or even leftover meats to create different flavor profiles.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled empanadas before baking. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Are these empanadas vegetarian?

Yes, these empanadas are vegetarian and packed with healthy veggies and beans.