National Dish Uruguay: Cheese Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Cheese Empanadas, one of Uruguay’s most irresistible little treats! These savoury, golden pastries hide a centre of warm, molten cheese inside a buttery, flaky crust. They are wonderfully versatile — perfect as a quick snack, a tempting starter or the star of the table at family gatherings and celebrations. With every bite they bring a taste of genuine Uruguayan tradition straight to your kitchen.
About Cheese Empanadas
Cheese Empanadas are a true culinary highlight of Uruguayan cooking, loved for both their flavour and their flexibility. These savoury pastry parcels are not only deeply satisfying but also endlessly adaptable, working equally well as a snack, a starter or even a main course at family get-togethers and festive occasions. With their melting cheese filling, they are hugely popular and bring the unique flair of Uruguay right to the table — a hallmark of warm, welcoming Uruguayan cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g butter
- 1 egg
- 70 ml water
- 200 g cheese (e.g. mozzarella or parmesan)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: spices of your choice (e.g. oregano or paprika)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Cheese Empanadas you only need a handful of basic ingredients, all of which are easy to find in any supermarket. Pay particular attention to the quality of the cheese, as it is the very heart of the dish. For the pastry, use fresh flour and good-quality butter. With the optional spices you can be as creative as you like, choosing the aromas you enjoy most. If you love cheesy bakes, you might also pick up a few extras to try a Pan de Queso another day.
Preparing the dish
Begin by making the pastry: combine the flour with the butter and the salt, then knead the mixture until it comes together into a smooth, even dough. Next, add the egg and the water to make the dough soft and pliable. Once it is well worked, let the dough rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes so that it firms up and becomes much easier to roll out.
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the rested dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface.
- Cut circles from the dough using a pastry cutter or the rim of a cup.
- Cut the cheese into small pieces and place them on the dough circles.
- Moisten the edges of the parcels with water, fold them over and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Place the empanadas on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Cheese Empanadas, use a special gluten-free flour, which is widely available in health-food shops. To make the dish lactose-free, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine. Follow these adjustments and the wonderful flavour of the empanadas stays intact, while the recipe happily meets the needs of those with particular dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan Cheese Empanadas are very easy to put together: simply use one of the plant-based cheese alternatives sold in wholefood shops. You can also add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms or peppers to the filling to make the dish more varied and a little healthier. Remember to prepare the pastry with plant-based butter or oil too. This is an excellent way to keep the original taste while catering to both vegetarians and vegans — much like a hearty Empanadas De Verdura.
More tips and tricks
To make your Cheese Empanadas extra crisp, brush them with beaten egg before baking. This gives the surface a lovely sheen and improves the texture. Alternatively, you can fry the empanadas in a pan for an even richer flavour. Experiment with different fillings and spices to create your very own personal recipe and make each batch a little different.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Cheese Empanadas are easy to tailor to your own preferences. You can vary the type of cheese and try out different flavours, such as a tangy feta or a mild ricotta. You can also play with herbs and spices to season the dish exactly to your liking. Adjustments like these let you enjoy fresh and exciting new versions of these classic pastries every time you make them.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have any butter to hand, you can use vegetable oil or margarine instead. In place of water, you might use vegetable stock to add extra flavour to the pastry. For the filling, you can also try different types of cheese or vegetable mixtures, so that everyone can find their own favourite combination. The same playful approach works beautifully for an Empanadas De Jamon Y Queso, keeping the dish endlessly varied and exciting.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs especially well with Cheese Empanadas. A cool, light beer is a lovely match for these savoury parcels. A glass of fresh white wine can also support the flavours and round off the meal nicely. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemonade or an aromatic herbal tea makes a refreshing choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your Cheese Empanadas attractively, arrange them on a pretty plate and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve alongside a tasty salsa or a dip to broaden the range of flavours. Colourful sides such as a fresh salad also make the dish more visually appealing. Ultimately, presentation is an important part of the whole eating experience.
A bit of history
The empanada is a traditional dish in many Spanish-speaking countries and has its origins in Spain. In Uruguay, Cheese Empanadas are particularly popular and have established themselves as one of the country’s signature dishes. This dish stands not only for delicious flavour but also for the coming together of family and friends at celebrations. Preparing and enjoying empanadas is an important part of Uruguayan culture, much as a festive Empanadas Criollas is for so many households.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cheese Empanadas
Cheese Empanadas are far more than a simple snack; they also offer endless scope for adaptation and variation. With their delicious cheese and flavoursome pastry, they are a highlight of any celebration. Whether you make them for a family party or simply for a cosy evening at home, these little parcels are a must. Let yourself be inspired and enjoy Uruguayan cooking to the full!
