National Dish Uruguay: Ham and Cheese Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Ham and Cheese Empanadas, a much-loved staple of Uruguayan kitchens and street corners alike. These crisp little pastry parcels wrap a golden, flaky crust around a filling of tender ham and molten cheese — simple, satisfying and impossible to resist. Equally at home as a quick snack or as part of a bigger spread, the real magic is that they taste every bit as good warm from the pan as they do cold the next day.
About Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Ham and Cheese Empanadas are not only a symbol of Uruguayan cooking but also a firm favourite right across Latin America. These savoury little parcels are built around a crisp pastry and stuffed with tender ham and melting cheese. They make a wonderful snack to nibble on between meals, or a welcome addition to a larger spread. Best of all, they are every bit as delicious served hot as they are cold, which makes them endlessly handy to have on hand.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250g plain flour
- 100g butter
- 1 egg
- 100ml water
- 100g ham
- 100g cheese (such as mozzarella or Gouda)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best empanadas, it pays to seek out fresh, good-quality ingredients. Pop into your local supermarket or a delicatessen to track down the finest produce. Be sure to buy the ham and the cheese fresh, as these carry the main flavours of the dish. The flour and butter matter too, since they are what give you that perfect, tender pastry. The same care for good ingredients runs right through Uruguayan cuisine.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making your Ham and Cheese Empanadas, gather all of your ingredients together. Weigh out the quantities you need and make sure your kitchen is well organised. This saves time as you cook and ensures nothing gets forgotten along the way. Once everything is laid out and ready, you can get straight on with the recipe!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and the pinch of salt.
- Add the butter in small pieces and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the egg and the water and knead into a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and leave it to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles with a pastry cutter or a glass.
- Place a portion of ham and cheese in the centre of each circle and press the edges firmly together to seal.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
- Drain the empanadas on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ham and Cheese Empanadas are easy to make gluten-free simply by using a gluten-free flour. For a lactose-free version, swap the regular cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or a lactose-free cheese. These small adjustments mean that anyone with particular food intolerances can still enjoy this delicious snack. Do experiment with different flours and cheese alternatives until you find the perfect combination for your taste.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of these empanadas, replace the filling with mixed vegetables or tofu and use a plant-based butter. There are plenty of plant-based cheese alternatives on the market these days that melt beautifully too. Just be sure to check that the pastry itself contains no animal products. With these straightforward swaps, the dish becomes a treat for vegans and vegetarians alike — much like the meat-free Cheese Empanadas.
More tips and tricks
A few pointers for the best empanadas: make sure the dough is well chilled before you fry, as this gives you a crisper texture. You can also try out different fillings to discover new flavour combinations. Above all, keep the empanadas well sealed so that none of the filling escapes during frying. A steady, medium heat in the pan helps them cook through evenly without catching.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of making Ham and Cheese Empanadas lies in just how versatile the filling can be. Depending on what you fancy, you can add ingredients such as peppers, onions or olives. Try different cheeses, or swap the ham for chicken or minced beef — much as you would in the heartier Empanadas Criollas. That way you can personalise the recipe entirely to your own tastes.
Ingredient substitutions
If there are certain ingredients you do not care for or simply cannot get hold of, there are plenty of alternatives to try. Experiment with different flours, such as wholemeal or chickpea flour. For the filling, you might use smoked salmon or pesto in place of the ham, or take inspiration from Tuna Empanadas. Be creative and adapt the recipe to suit whatever you most enjoy eating!
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs wonderfully with Ham and Cheese Empanadas. A chilled cocktail or a good-quality white wine can make for a lovely flavour pairing. Soft drinks work just as well, with freshly squeezed lemon juice or a craft lemonade complementing these savoury parcels nicely. Choose whichever drink best suits your occasion!
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference with empanadas. Serve the warm pastries on an attractive plate, garnished with fresh greens such as parsley or rocket. Set out small bowls of dipping sauces alongside, such as a zingy tomato salsa. An inviting presentation turns a simple snack into a special occasion.
A bit of history
Empanadas trace their origins back to Spain and have since evolved across many different cultures. In Uruguay, Ham and Cheese Empanadas are a much-loved traditional dish. The way they are made has been refined over the generations and is now a firm fixture of Uruguayan gastronomy. They are often served at celebrations and special occasions, where they remain enormously popular, much like the savoury Empanadas de Queso y Cebolla.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ham and Cheese Empanadas
All in all, Ham and Cheese Empanadas are an indispensable part of Uruguayan cooking. With their crisp shell and savoury filling, they offer a treat for any occasion. Whether for a relaxed dinner or as a party snack, this dish is a hit with everyone. Give them a try and let the variety of flavours take you by surprise!
