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Imagine coming home after a long day, the tantalizing smell of savory carnitas filling the air, whispering of easier, tastier meals to come. That’s how these Easy Carnitas Empanadas were born—an effortless way to transform leftover carnitas into golden, flaky delights that are sure to impress family and friends.

With the convenience of store-bought puff pastry and a handful of ingredients, including your favorite salsa and gooey cheese, these empanadas are not just quick to make; they’re incredibly versatile. Whether served as appetizers for game night or as a satisfying snack during your favorite movie marathon, they promise to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.

Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming pantry staples into a crispy, comforting treat that will chase away any fast food cravings!

Why are Easy Carnitas Empanadas a Must-Try?

Flavor Explosion: Each bite of these empanadas is packed with juicy, savory carnitas and melty cheese, creating a deliciously rich taste.
Convenient Cooking: Using store-bought puff pastry means you can whip up this dish in no time, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: Great as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal, they adapt easily to your event or craving.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether at a party or a family dinner, these empanadas are sure to impress and keep your guests coming back for more.
Easy Customization: Adjust the filling with your favorite salsa or add unique ingredients like jalapeños to tailor the flavor to your liking.
These Easy Carnitas Empanadas are not only a delicious solution for leftover carnitas, but they also ensure that any meal can feel like a gourmet experience.

Easy Carnitas Empanadas Ingredients

For the Filling

Leftover Carnitas – Provides the main filling flavor and protein; use shredded or roughly chopped for texture.
Salsa Roja (½ cup) – Adds moisture and seasoning to the filling; can substitute with any favorite store-bought salsa.
Shredded Melty Cheese (½ cup) – Enhances flavor and creaminess; options include Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

For the Pastry

Puff Pastry – Forms the flaky outer layer; store-bought saves time, ensure it’s chilled for easier handling.
Egg (1) – Used for egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish; beaten with water for an even glaze.

For Serving

Pico de Gallo, Mexican Crema, Salsa – Complements the empanadas; use as desired for dipping and added flavor.

How to Make Easy Carnitas Empanadas

Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for golden, flaky goodness straight from the oven.
Roll Out: Gently roll out the chilled puff pastry on a floured surface, then cut it into 5-inch circles. This gives you a perfect base for your delicious filling.
Fill: Place a portion of shredded carnitas and a teaspoon of salsa in the center of each circle, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. This layer of flavor is going to make each bite heavenly!
Seal: Fold each circle to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pinching or crimping with a fork. This will keep all those tasty juices contained.
Arrange: Place the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash to ensure they bake to a beautiful golden brown.
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for that golden-brown color, which means they’re ready to delight your taste buds.
Cool: Let the empanadas cool slightly on a rack before serving warm with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Optional: Try sprinkling some chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Easy Carnitas Empanadas Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize these empanadas to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Chicken Swap: Replace carnitas with shredded chicken for a lighter twist that still satisfies.
Beef Alternative: Use shredded beef instead of carnitas for a heartier filling packed with flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delightful veggie medley.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or feta for a tangy twist.
Spicy Salsa: Swap your regular salsa for a spicier version or add sliced jalapeños to the mix to amp up the heat.
Add Beans: Incorporate black beans or refried beans for a creamier texture and an extra protein boost.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley with the filling for a burst of freshness and color.
Sweet Twist: Try adding some fruit like diced apples or peaches, combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon, for a unique dessert-style empanada.

Expert Tips for Easy Carnitas Empanadas

• Avoid Overfilling: Keep the filling portion moderate to prevent the empanadas from bursting during baking—a common mistake that can lead to a mess!

• Chill Puff Pastry: Work with chilled puff pastry for best results; this ensures it remains flaky and easy to handle. Remember, warmth can make it sticky!

• Make-Ahead Option: Freeze unbaked empanadas, then bake directly from frozen when you’re ready to indulge. This saves time on busy days!

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional fillings like beans or jalapeños to enhance flavor and make each batch of Easy Carnitas Empanadas uniquely yours.

• Perfect Egg Wash: For an even golden-brown finish, mix the egg with a splash of water before brushing it onto the empanadas—it makes a big difference!

What to Serve with Easy Carnitas Empanadas?

Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement these flaky empanadas.

Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole enhances the savory spices of the carnitas, adding a fresh and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. A dollop on the side makes every bite more indulgent.
Mexican Crema: This luscious condiment offers a tangy kicken, balancing the richness of the empanadas. Drizzle some over your empanadas or serve it as a dip to elevate your tasting experience.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, this salsa brings a burst of freshness that contrasts delightfully with the warm, flaky pastry. Each crunchy bite cuts through the rich fillings, helping to cleanse the palate.
Crispy Coleslaw: A crunchy side of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm empanadas. Its cool and crunchy tasters complement the warm, savory goodness inside.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, Spanish rice serves as a hearty side that rounds out your meal beautifully. The subtle spices in the rice tie together the flavors, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Chilled Horchata: A creamy, refreshing beverage, horchata pairs perfectly with the savory size of these empanadas. The cinnamon and vanilla undertones provide a sweet finish, making it a delightful way to wash down your meal.
Chocolate Flan: For dessert, a slice of chocolate flan is an exquisite choice. Its smooth texture and rich chocolate flavor contrast perfectly with the warm empanadas, making for a heavenly finish to your meal.

How to Store and Freeze Easy Carnitas Empanadas

Fridge: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness.

Freezer: To freeze unbaked empanadas, arrange them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Counter: If you have leftover baked empanadas, enjoy them at room temperature for a few hours, but aim to refrigerate any leftovers quickly to keep them fresh.

Reheating: For best results, reheat baked empanadas in the oven rather than the microwave. This ensures they stay flaky and delicious, enhancing your experience with these Easy Carnitas Empanadas.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Carnitas Empanadas are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the empanada filling up to 3 days in advance by mixing shredded carnitas, salsa, and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerating it. Additionally, you can assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months—just ensure they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can have flaky, flavorful empanadas on your table with minimal effort without compromising on taste!

Easy Carnitas Empanadas Recipe FAQs

What type of carnitas should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Leftover shredded carnitas are ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have any on hand, you can quickly make some by slow-cooking pork shoulder with spices until it’s tender and easy to shred, or you can even use store-bought options!

How should I store leftover empanadas?
For best results, place your leftover Easy Carnitas Empanadas in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Remember to reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain that delightful crunch.

Can I freeze unbaked empanadas?
Yes, I often make extra empanadas and freeze them for later! To do this, arrange the unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap until they are solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if my empanadas burst in the oven?
Oh no, it happens to the best of us! To avoid this, ensure you do not overfill the empanadas, as that can lead to bursting. Also, make sure to seal them properly by pinching or crimping the edges. If they do burst, don’t worry—just respond with a hearty laugh and a good salsa for dipping!

Are these empanadas suitable for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! You can easily customize these Easy Carnitas Empanadas to accommodate dietary needs. If you’re considering gluten sensitivity, use gluten-free puff pastry. For dairy-free options, substitute regular cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Moreover, they can be enjoyed by everyone, but be cautious with the toppings or fillings if anyone has allergies.

How long does puff pastry last in the fridge?
Puff pastry typically lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge once opened. I recommend using it while it’s still chilled for best results. If it’s nearing its expiration, use it soon for your Easy Carnitas Empanadas—no waste here!