Taco Bell Empanada Recipe

Get ready to explore one of my all-time favorite treats with the Taco Bell Empanada!

The secret to a perfect empanada is in the right balance of texture.

Make sure to seal the edges tightly to keep all that delicious filling inside.

Chilling the empanadas before frying helps them hold their shape better.

I’ve found that a touch of cinnamon in the crust adds an extra layer of flavor you’ll want to savor!

 

How to Make Taco Bell Empanada Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz. Apple Pie Filling
• 1 package Empanada Wrappers
• 6 Caramels
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Egg (beaten)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2:

Spoon apple pie filling into a bowl.

Add cinnamon and stir until combined.

Step 3:

Roll out empanada wrappers and place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each wrapper.

Add a caramel piece on top.

Step 4:

Brush the edges of the empanada wrapper lightly with the beaten egg.

Fold the wrapper over and use a fork to crimp the edges.

Step 5:

Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

Step 6:

Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7:

Cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot caramel.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

 

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using a high-quality apple pie filling will give you a fresher and more natural taste in your empanadas.

Avoid Overfilling

Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as it may cause them to burst while baking.

Make sure there’s enough room to fully enclose the filling.

Try Frying

For a different texture, you can fry these empanadas instead of baking.

Heating oil to 350°F works well when frying, and it takes about 3-5 minutes per empanada.

Customize the Caramel

Consider using a caramel sauce if you want to save time.

Drizzle the sauce over the apple filling instead of using caramel pieces.

Check for Doneness

Empanadas are ready when they look golden brown, so keeping an eye on them prevents over-baking.

This might vary slightly with different ovens.

What to Serve with Taco Bell Empanadas

Calrose Rice

You could start by serving your Taco Bell empanadas with some fluffy Calrose rice, which offers a nice balance of flavors in your meal.

The subtle taste and texture of the rice contrast nicely with the rich filling of the empanada itself.

Consider garnishing the rice with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add an aromatic touch.

Mexican Sweet Corn Cakes

Sweet corn cakes are an excellent partner for your empanadas, offering a combination of masa harina and cornmeal sweetness.

These cakes introduce a new dimension by complementing the savory goodness of the empanadas.

Each bite adds a richness that pairs beautifully with the empanada’s flavor profile.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a tangy option for dipping, bursting with vibrant herbs.

This fresh sauce is made from garlic and herbs, adding an exciting contrast to each mouthful.

Experience a refreshing burst of flavors with its zesty kick alongside your empanadas.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Garlic roasted potatoes provide a crispy, savory addition that pairs wonderfully with your meal.

Their garlicky aroma and crisp exterior make them a satisfying choice.

Every bite offers a contrasting texture that complements the softness of the empanada pastry.

Colorful Black Bean Salad

A black bean salad with fresh corn and cilantro is a light and bright side to consider.

This colorful salad offers freshness that pairs well with the empanada’s hearty filling.

The variety of textures and flavors brings a refreshing element to your plate.

Variations and Substitutions

You can try using different types of apples in your empanadas to change the texture and sweetness.

Granny Smith apples add a nice tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet, juicy bite!

Adding a few spices or mix-ins can enhance the flavor of your empanadas significantly.

Consider adding nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of ginger to the filling for an extra kick!

Alternative Dough Options

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using puff pastry instead of traditional empanada dough.

It creates a buttery, flaky crust that pairs wonderfully with the sweet filling!

Vegan and Dairy-Free Adjustments

For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the standard egg wash for almond milk or a non-dairy liquid of your choice.

Caramel sauce can be made with coconut cream for a dairy-free substitute!

These small tweaks are easy to implement and can make a world of difference!

Have fun experimenting, and enjoy your homemade creations!

How to Store Leftover Taco Bell Empanadas

Cooling Down

After you enjoy those Taco Bell empanadas, let them cool to room temperature.

This is crucial because storing them hot might make the crust go soggy.

Placing hot empanadas in the fridge can also affect the temperature of other foods.

Refrigerating Your Empanadas

Once they are cool, you can wrap each empanada with plastic wrap or foil.

Stretch the wrap snugly around each one to help maintain freshness.

Store them in an airtight container to keep them delicious for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option!

Wrap each empanada in plastic wrap or aluminum foil individually.

Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and enjoy within 2-3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Dough

One common error is adding too much filling to your empanada dough!

Overfilling can make it difficult to seal and may result in a messy bake.

A modest two tablespoons of filling is usually a good amount to aim for.

Not Sealing Properly

A tight seal is crucial to prevent leaks.

Use a fork to press the edges of the dough together firmly.

This step helps keep the delicious caramel apple filling contained!

Skipping the Egg Wash

Don’t miss out on that beautiful golden brown color we all love!

Brushing your empanadas with egg wash gives them a lovely, glossy finish.

It’s an easy step with a big impact on the final look of your empanadas!