Baked Turkey Sausage Empanadas

About this Recipe

This was my first attempt to make empanadas from scratch, and it was easy to do.  Instead of deep frying them, I baked them in the oven, and they came out perfect, so try this recipe: Turkey Sausage Empanadas.

Empanada Dough

• 3 cups flour (plus a little more for kneading)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 1 additional egg for egg wash.

Steps for Empanada Dough 

1. In a bowl, combine all wet ingredients.  Beat and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt together.
3. Mix the shortening into the flour with a pastry blender or fork.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and mix in the wet ingredients. Blend well with a fork until the dough becomes stiff.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.
6. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for one hour.

The dough will make about (10) 6" empanadas.

Empanada Filing ( prep 10 minutes and cook time 10 minutes.)

• 4 Turkey Italian Spicy sausage links, remove from casing
• 1/2 onion dice,
• 1 cup diced red, yellow, and orange mini bell peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup fresh chop basil
• 1 cup shredded Italian six-cheese mix

1. Add olive oil, onions, peppers, and garlic to a large skillet over medium heat while the dough chills. Saute for 2 minutes, then add Italian sausage and cook for about 5 - 7 minutes, or until sausage is done. 
2. Remove the sausage mixture from the skillet, drain, and place in a bowl.

Fill empanada dough with a teaspoon of turkey meat mixture and add a little cheese.

Form empanada dough into the mold and seal the edges.  If you do not have a mold, just place the filling in the center of the dough, then fold and use a fork to press the edges together.









Bake Empanadas

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place empanadas on parchment - lined baking sheets. Brush tops with egg wash.  Bake until golden brown for about 30 to 40 minutes.