Zesty Tuna and Cheese Empanadas
Elevate your snack game with these Zesty Tuna and Cheese Empanadas! Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with a flavorful blend of solid white tuna, zesty green chilies, savory black olives, and sharp cheddar cheese, these empanadas are an ideal appetizer, midday snack, or light lunch option. Enhanced with a hint of heat from hot pepper sauce and complemented by a side of chunky salsa, these delightful pastries are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Enjoy them warm out of the oven for the best flavor experience!
8
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Solid white tuna
3 ounces (drained and flaked)
Diced green chilies
4 ounces (drained)
Sliced black olives
2.5 ounces (drained)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Hard-boiled egg
1 (chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Medium thick chunky salsa
1/4 cup (none)
Refrigerated pie crusts
2 (15 ounces each) (unfolded)
Additional salsa
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, diced green chilies, sliced black olives, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped hard-boiled egg, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Gently toss the mixture with a fork until well combined, then stir in 1/4 cup of the chunky salsa. Set aside.
3
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out 4 circles from each crust, yielding a total of 8 circles.
4
Arrange the 8 dough circles on a foil-covered baking sheet. Dampen the edges of each circle with a little water to help seal them.
5
Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture onto the center of each circle. Carefully stretch the top crust over the filling, aligning the edges. Gently press the edges together to seal, then crimp them using a fork to create a decorative pattern.
6
Make a few small slits in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape while baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and flaky.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving with additional salsa.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Tuna and Cheese Empanadas?
They are crispy pastries filled with a flavorful blend of solid white tuna, zesty green chilies, savory black olives, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
What type of tuna is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of solid white tuna, drained and flaked.
What kind of cheese is best for these empanadas?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a savory flavor.
Are these empanadas spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat from diced green chilies and hot pepper sauce.
How many calories are in each serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How much protein is in one empanada?
Each empanada provides 10g of protein.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 27.5g of carbohydrates.
What kind of dough is used?
The recipe uses refrigerated pie crusts.
How do I cut the dough?
Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out 8 circles from the pie crusts.
How much filling goes into each empanada?
Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture onto the center of each circle.
How do I seal the empanadas?
Dampen the edges with water, press them together, and crimp with a fork.
Why should I make slits in the top of the crust?
Making small slits allows steam to escape while the empanadas are baking.
How long should I bake them?
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky.
What should I serve with the empanadas?
They are best served with additional chunky salsa on the side.
Is there egg in this recipe?
Yes, one chopped hard-boiled egg is included in the filling.
Do I need to drain the green chilies?
Yes, the diced green chilies should be drained before adding to the mix.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses 2.5 ounces of sliced black olives, drained.
Can I use hot pepper sauce?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce is included for extra zest.
Is there salt and pepper in the filling?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste.
How many pie crusts do I need?
You will need two 15-ounce refrigerated pie crusts.
What is the preparation for the tuna?
The tuna should be drained and flaked before being mixed with other ingredients.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are an ideal appetizer, midday snack, or light lunch.
Is the salsa mixed into the filling?
Yes, 1/4 cup of medium thick chunky salsa is stirred into the filling mixture.
Should I bake them on a specific surface?
It is recommended to bake them on a foil-covered baking sheet.
How do I know when they are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden brown and have a flaky texture.
Are these empanadas considered comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as comfort food.
Should I serve them hot or cold?
They are best enjoyed warm out of the oven for the best flavor experience.