When that empanada craving comes a-callin’ you might think you can only get the delicious snack from a hard-to-find food truck with a line a mile long. Think again! An empanada is simple enough that you can actually make them right at home (which leaves your options WIDE open when it comes to fillings). Take breakfast to the next level with some empanadas filled with bacon and eggs, or discover new lunch options with ingredients from all over the globe. And don’t forget all of the dessert empanada options (we’re lookin’ at you, strawberry cheesecake with Nutella drizzle). Check out these 14 recipes to help get you started on your journey to empanada supremacy.

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1. Blueberry Goat Cheese Empanadas: If the Pop-Tart had a fancy sibling, this empanada would be it. The tangy goat cheese pairs so well with the sweetness of the blueberries. You may need a few to get that empanada fix (no judgement). (via Jo Cooks)

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2. Caprese Empanada: Tomato and mozzarella give these empanadas an Italian flair. Serve with basil sauce for dipping and drift into a carb-induced food coma that you won’t want to wake up from. (via Laylita)

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3. Carnitas Empanadas With Avocado Crema: You don’t need a ton of ingredients to fill your empanadas with amazing flavor. Leftover carnitas from taco Tuesday star in these fluffy pastries, along with the creamy avocado sauce for dipping. (via Buns in My Oven)

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4. Chicken Enchiladas Empanadas: Take your favorite weeknight meal and revamp it into a hand-held version. Grab the box of puff pastry that’s been chillin’ in the freezer for a couple months and you won’t even have to go to the grocery store. (via Cooking for Keeps)

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5. Chicken + Mushroom Empanadas: When you combine ingredients like olives, mushrooms, raisins and chicken, the result is mouthwatering. Sip on a nice glass of cabernet to enhance the earthy flavors. (via Lemons and Anchovies)

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6. Kabocha Empanadas With Gruyere + Thyme: If you’re planning a dinner party, keep in mind that empanadas can easily be made gluten-free. You can’t even tell the difference, especially with a savory filling featuring gruyere and thyme. (via Snixy Kitchen)

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7. Corn + Goat Cheese Empanadas: The fresh summer harvest of sweet corn would be perfect for these empanadas. Hit snooze on the reality of the cold tundra you’re currently living in and daydream of a lovely picnic under the sun with a basket full of flaky veggie-filled pastries. (via The Woks of Life)

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8. Orange-Almond Fig Empanadas: Have a Fig Newton craving that just won’t quit? Set aside some time this weekend to make these homemade bite-sized empanadas, and you’ll be in snack heaven all week long. (via So Munch Love)

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9. Pulled Pork With Mango BBQ Sauce Empanadas: Pork BBQ sandwiches can get pretty messy. While they’re worth every finger-licking bite, they’re even better when they’re housed in pastry and baked to perfection. (via Sprinkles and Sauce)

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10. Roasted Veggie Empanadas: Whole wheat flour gives this empanada dough a nutty flavor that’s the perfect match for the tender roasted veggie filling. They freeze beautifully, so whip up a batch for a friend with a new baby/broken leg/just because #friendoftheyear. (via Annie’s Eats)

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11. Shepherd’s Pie Empanadas: If you’ve ever made shepherd’s pie, you know that the leftover situation is real. Save extras for an empanada filling and spoon them into disks of store-bought empanada dough. In just five minutes you’ll have a freshly fried dish that can easily stretch into lunch for the whole week. (via Foodie With Family)

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12. Strawberry Empanadas: Your favorite bakery has nothing on these sweet and salty beauties. The homemade strawberry compote on the inside is a cinch to make and the flaked sea salt finish is absolutely divine. (via Yes, More Please)

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13. Strawberry Cheesecake Empanadas With Nutella Drizzle: It doesn’t get much easier than than using a pre-made pie crust for your empanadas, and that’s just what these indulgent hand pies require. Plus, they’re perfect for a certain lovey-dovey holiday that’s right around the corner. (via Beth Cakes)

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14. Sweet Potato, Apple and Chickpea Empanadas: When you bring in these sweet curry-spiced empanadas for lunch, you’re going to be the envy of your entire office. Just be prepared to have everyone beg you for a sample. (via Floating Kitchen)

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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.