Mediterranean Pork Empanadas with Ranch Fusion
Indulge in these Mediterranean Pork Empanadas, a fusion of bold Greek-inspired flavors and creamy ranch dressing. The empanadas boast a crispy pizza dough crust filled with savory ground pork, aromatic herbs, and a blend of cheeses for a rich, mouthwatering experience. These hand pies are complemented by a delightful ranch dipping sauce that enhances the unique, zesty taste. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe is not only quick to make but also brings a Greek feast to your table in under an hour.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
refrigerated pizza crust
1 can (13.8 oz)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
fresh ground pork
1/2 lb
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
shallot
1/2 cup (finely minced)
marinated artichoke hearts
1/4 cup (drained and chopped)
all-purpose Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated)
feta cheese
1/3 cup (crumbled)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing
1 cup (divided)
kalamata olive
1 tablespoon (chopped)
sicilian sea salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2
2. In a medium nonstick skillet, warm one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook, stirring frequently, until fully browned, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3
3. Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean work surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut into six equal squares.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pork, fine-chopped red bell pepper, minced shallots, artichoke hearts, Greek seasoning, parsley, Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, cayenne pepper, Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, chopped kalamata olives, 1/2 teaspoon Sicilian sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper.
5
5. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center of each pizza dough square.
6
6. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and use a fork to seal the edges.
7
7. Arrange the empanadas on the prepared cookie sheets, spray them lightly with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with the remaining Sicilian sea salt and cracked black pepper.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown.
9
9. Serve warm with the remaining Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Pork Empanadas?
They are a fusion of Greek-inspired flavors and creamy ranch dressing wrapped in a crispy pizza dough crust.
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used is 1/2 pound of fresh ground pork.
What type of dough is used for the empanada crust?
The recipe uses one 13.8 oz can of refrigerated pizza crust.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F.
How long does it take to cook the ground pork?
The pork should be browned in a skillet for approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
How thick should the pizza dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
How many squares should the dough be cut into?
The dough should be cut into six equal squares.
What vegetables are included in the empanada filling?
The filling includes red bell pepper, shallots, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives.
What types of cheese are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What specific ranch dressing is recommended?
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is used both in the filling and for dipping.
How much ranch dressing is mixed into the filling?
1/3 cup of ranch dressing is mixed directly into the pork filling.
What seasoning blend is used for the Mediterranean flavor?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of all-purpose Greek seasoning.
Does the recipe use yogurt?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt are added to the filling for creaminess.
How much filling should be placed in each empanada?
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center of each dough square.
How do you seal the empanadas?
Fold the dough diagonally to form a triangle and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
What should be used to line the cookie sheets?
The cookie sheets should be lined with parchment paper.
What is applied to the empanadas before baking?
They are sprayed lightly with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkled with sea salt and cracked pepper.
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the empanadas are finished cooking?
They are done when they have turned a golden brown color.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is there any spice in the filling?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is added for a touch of heat.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped kalamata olives.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifies Sicilian sea salt.
Is the artichoke marinated?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of drained and chopped marinated artichoke hearts.
What herb is used in the filling?
1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley is included.
How should the empanadas be served?
They should be served warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Can this recipe be prepared quickly?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be a quick weeknight meal that can be prepared in under an hour.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallots should be finely minced before being added to the mixture.
What is the final ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe consists of 17 individual ingredients.