15 Epic Plant-Based Empanada Recipes for Your Latin American-Inspired Feast

Anyone who has been to Mexico or tried any Latin America-inspired cuisine has probably come across empanadas. They are filling and satisfying parcels of goodness and are quite the perfect comfort food. What’s more, they are versatile and pretty easy to make.

Traditionally, these little pies are baked or fried with a filling that can be sweet or savory. Though there might be traditional fillings, to be honest, you can go to town on the fillings and make them your own.

Here are some great OGP empanada recipes that both honor the traditional as well as run with the inspiration these delicious parcels give. There is even a recipe for an Asian-inspired empanada, too.

1. Black Bean Empanadas

Source: Black Bean Empanadas

Enjoy these spelt Black Bean Empanadas by Lena Novak that are stuffed with Black Beans, Corn & Red pepper, served with Fresh Salsa & Cashew Sour Cream!

2. Karipap: Malaysian Curry Empanadas

Source: Karipap: Malaysian Curry Empanadas

It is believed that curry puffs were created by the Malay people from the Malay Peninsula and they closely resemble the Portuguese empanada. They are widely available at Malay or Indian street food stalls, cafés, and marketplaces. In Malaysia, curry puffs are a snack enjoyed by every person of all ages. They are usually eaten for breakfast, as afternoon snacks, or as an entrée. These Karipap: Malaysian Curry Empanadas by Daphne Goh are perfect as finger food for parties and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

3. Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo

Source: Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo

Empanadas are an undeniably delicious finger food. This recipe for Black Bean Empanadas With Fresh Pico de Gallo by Travis Piper shows you how to make your own empanada dough and filling without breaking too much of a sweat. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Munch on these refried black bean and bell pepper stuffed empanadas with some freshly made pico de gallo.

4. Roasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas

Source: Roasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas

These Roasted Poblano Cilantro Empanadas by Stephanie McKinnie are full of flavorful goodness! The poblano adds the yummiest roasted pepper flavor and the combination of poblano, cilantro, and melty vegan cheese cannot be beaten. The slaw becomes a beautiful bright pink and adds the much-needed fresh crunchy quality to the mix. The beauty of empanadas is that they are easy to reheat, which makes them great for when you’re on the go.

5. Savory Vegetable Hand Pies

Source: Savory Vegetable Hand Pies

Now, who can say no to pies? Definitely not to these delicious, Savory Vegetable Hand Pies by Tina Dawson with a mildly spiced filling of carrots, cauliflower, peas, potatoes, onions, jalapeños, and tomatoes. What’s more – this recipe serves just two! No more leftovers and no more halving or quartering a large recipe. These hand pies are quite filling, so consider these a quick, easy, and delicious meal for two or a dinner for two days.

6. Empanadas

Source: Empanadas

What is it about the smell of dough baking that is incredibly appealing to our senses? The act of rolling out the little balls of dough is methodic. It is a great time to break out your cute apron and add a little love to these Empanadas by Wendy Irene.

7. Argentinian Empanadas, Two Ways

Source: Argentinian Empanadas, Two Ways

Empanadas are an Argentinian specialty. They are soft doughy pockets of bread that are filled with a tasty mixture of vegetables and spices. This recipe for Argentinian Empanadas, Two Ways by Ksenia Prints will give you two options for your filling: a hearty sweet potato and lentil filling or a savory mushroom and kale filling. Either way, you’re going to be happy with what comes out of the oven.

8. Mushroom and Seitan Empanadas

Source: Mushroom and Seitan Empanadas

Empanadas are a universal entree that can carry any filling, even sweet. For savory empanadas you can choose from multiple options, however, this filling of seitan with mushrooms is one of the richest. In addition to the main ingredients in these Mushroom and Seitan Empanadas by Yana Chistyakova, we have added other vegetables, such as onion, pepper, and eggplant, hummus to add creaminess to the filling, and nuts, such as raisins and nuts, to create textures and add a sweet and festive touch to the filling.

9. Pumpkin Spice Empanadas With Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Filling

Source: Pumpkin Spice Empanadas With Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Filling

These lovely little treats are the perfect no-guilt nibble to offer your family and friends. The crust is crisp on the edges, yet tender, and delicately pumpkin-flavored with a touch of pie spices, while the filling is bursting with cinnamon-infused apples and tart cranberries. They are also just too cute! Sweet and neat little mini pies, no forks necessary. If you’re looking for a last-minute appetizer or dessert idea, look no further than this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Empanadas With Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Filling by Larice Feuerstein!

10. Bacon Mac and Cheese Empanadas

Source: Bacon Mac and Cheese Empanadas

The only thing better than bacon mac and cheese is a vegan version and the only thing better than that is an empanada stuffed with it! That’s right, these Bacon Mac and Cheese Empanadas by Hannah Teson are warm, flaky, crisp, and stuffed with decadent mac and cheese! Each bite is texturally fun, a mix of smoky and cheesy flavor, and quite delicious. Enjoy these when you’re craving comfort food or make a big batch and be the hit of a get-together.

11. Black Bean and Squash Empanadas

Source: Black Bean and Squash Empanadas

This recipe for Black Bean and Squash Empanadas by Alison Marras may seem daunting, but the execution is easy. A wholesome buckwheat crust is stuffed with sweet roasted acorn squash and hearty black beans. These empanadas are the perfect thing to make for a potluck, where they’re likely to be the most unique food on the table.

12. ‘Samosanadas’ (Seasonal Pumpkin Samosa Empanadas)

Source: ‘Samosanadas’ (Seasonal Pumpkin Samosa Empanadas)

What do you get when you fuse a Mexican empanada with an Indian samosa? You get a samosanada! Here are some delectable fusion ‘Samosanadas’ (Seasonal Pumpkin Samosa Empanadas) by One Green Planet that are given a seasonal twist by using roasted pumpkin instead of the traditional potato filling. You can dip these babies in your favorite chutneys or keep in line with the fusion theme … salsa, perhaps?

13. Easy Beef-less Empanadas

Source: Easy Beef-less Empanadas

Try these Easy Beef-less Empanadas by Deena Mehta out when you’re looking to mix up your weeknight dinner! These empanadas are stuffed with vegan ground beef and make a wonderful addition to brunch, as well!

14. Blueberry Hand Pies with a Flaky Crust

Source: Blueberry Hand Pies With a Flaky Crust

In this recipe for Blueberry Hand Pies With a Flaky Crust by Caitlin and Riley Gladney-Hatcher, sweet, gooey blueberries fill a deliciously flaky and slightly sweet hand pie crust. They’re an amazing breakfast when warmed just a little bit, or even for dessert, with a drizzle of cashew frosting. These portable pillows of joy and plump, juicy blueberries are so good, that you’ll want to make them daily.

15. Vanilla Bean Blueberry Peach Hand Pies

Source: Vanilla Bean Blueberry Peach Hand Pies

These adorable little Vanilla Bean Blueberry Peach Hand Pies by Leah Moldowan are stuffed with peaches, blueberries, and fragrant vanilla beans. What could be better than a pie you can hold in your hand?

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!