National Dish Bolivia: Cheese Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Empanadas de Queso, one of Bolivia’s most irresistible snacks! These golden little pastries wrap a crisp, flaky shell around a heart of warm, melting cheese, and every bite carries the character of South American cooking. Whether you serve them as a hearty main or a moreish nibble to share, they are the kind of treat that disappears from the plate in minutes. Bring the flavours of a Bolivian street stall straight into your own kitchen.
About Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas de Queso are a genuine highlight of Bolivian cooking, loved not only across Bolivia but around the world. These filled pastries pair a crisp, golden shell with a rich, melting cheese centre, making them the perfect snack or a satisfying main dish in their own right. Each bite radiates the warmth and character of South American cuisine, and their simple, comforting appeal is exactly what has won them so many fans. Like the cheesy Choclo con Queso, they show off the Andean love of good cheese.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 100 g butter or margarine
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 75 ml water
- 200 g cheese (such as queso fresco or mozzarella)
- Pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for cheese empanadas, it pays to keep an eye on the quality of your ingredients. The flour should be fresh and finely milled to give you the best possible dough. Reach for good-quality fats such as butter or margarine, as they are what make the pastry so wonderfully tender. Fresh cheese is the heart of the filling, so choose one that melts well and carries a rich, full flavour.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it helps to gather all your ingredients and clear a tidy work surface. The dough for empanadas de queso needs a little time to rest, which is the ideal moment to get the filling ready. Mix the cheese with a little pepper to intensify the flavour. Once everything is in place, you can begin kneading the dough and quickly shaping it into the rounds you need.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put the flour, butter, egg, salt and water in a bowl and knead into a smooth, pliable dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cheese: cut it into small pieces and season with pepper.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface and cut out circles about 10 cm across.
- Place a little cheese filling in the centre of each circle and seal the edges firmly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
- Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the cheese empanadas, simply swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure all of your other ingredients are gluten-free too. Using lactose-free cheese is an easy way to build the filling without any lactose. That way you can enjoy this treat without giving up a scrap of pleasure.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan take, the cheese in these empanadas can be replaced with a plant-based cheese that offers a similar texture and flavour. A mix of cashew or almond cheese makes a tasty filling. Remember to swap the butter for vegan margarine as well. With those two changes, these pastries suit plant-based diets just as happily.
More tips and tricks
A handy trick with empanadas de queso is to make a big batch and freeze them, so you always have a quick snack to hand. Experiment with different cheeses, or add herbs and spices to vary the taste. And don’t forget to press the edges of the empanadas together well, so the filling stays neatly sealed inside as they fry.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Cheese empanadas are wonderfully adaptable and easy to tweak to your own liking. You could add onions, peppers or even mushrooms to the filling. Just be sure to cook these ingredients first so they are soft and cooked through. The result is a richer, even more flavourful empanada. For a meatier spin, the same technique carries over beautifully to Saltenas.
Ingredient substitutions
If cheese is not your thing, you can fill the pastry with a variety of chopped vegetables instead. A mix of spinach, chard and ricotta makes a lovely fresh filling for empanadas de queso. And if you prefer baking to frying, simply place the filled empanadas on a baking tray and bake at 180 °C until they turn golden brown. A cornmeal cheese roll such as Cunapé is another great way to use up good cheese.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the experience of cheese empanadas, a range of drinks pairs beautifully. A refreshing pomegranate juice or a classic mojito brings a fruity note, while bitter beers stand up well to the savoury pastry. It is also worth trying local Bolivian drinks, such as the warming purple-corn Api, to complete the authentic experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful plating can lift the enjoyment of empanadas de queso even further. Serve the empanadas on a colourful platter and garnish them with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. A tasty salsa or guacamole alongside works wonderfully, as does a spoonful of the fiery Bolivian Llajwa. This kind of presentation lifts both the look of the dish and your guests’ appetite.
A bit of history
Cheese empanadas have a long tradition in South American cooking and are a fine example of the region’s blended cultures. Originally introduced by Spanish colonists, the dish developed its own identity in Bolivia over time. The variety of fillings and pastry styles reflects the creative influence of the local population. Today they are a firm fixture of both festive and everyday Bolivian cuisine, sitting comfortably among the many treasures of Bolivian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas de Queso offer an exciting, flavour-packed experience from Bolivian cuisine. With their crisp pastry and delicious cheese filling, they are perfect for delighting friends and family on any occasion. Vary the recipe as you please and enjoy experimenting to add your own signature touch. Whether as a snack or a main course, these empanadas are simply irresistible and are sure to become a hit in your kitchen.
