Spicy Chorizo Manchego Empanadas with Chipotle Crema

- Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas: ¡Delicioso!
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Unleash Your Inner Chef: Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas
- Elevating Your Mexican Food Party Ideas Appetizers
- Chipotle Crema: The Icing on the Cake for Mexican Appies
- Recipe Notes: Let's Tweak These Little Beauties
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas: ¡Delicioso!
Fancy a fiesta in your mouth? Then you gotta try these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas with Chipotle Crema . These are no ordinary Mexican appetizer recipes .
This is a proper flavour bomb!
Quick Bite: Posh Party Pies, Mexican Style!
Honestly, where do Mexican appies come from? My version is inspired by Mexican flavours. But the classic empanada is found all over the world.
This version packs a spicy punch. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser, perfect for livening up any party!
A Little Empanada Education
These homemade empanadas have a rich, spicy filling. The flaky pastry, chorizo, and creamy manchego cheese will make your day.
Served with a cool, tangy chipotle crema appetizer , they are chef's kiss . Fair warning: these are seriously addictive! It will give your guests Mexican Food Party Ideas Appetizers .
This recipe is medium difficulty. It will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes about 12 empanadas.
The Magic of Manchego and More
Manchego is a sheep's milk cheese from Spain. It adds a nutty, creamy flavour. This recipe brings a ton of flavour.
It's perfect to serve anytime you are looking for Easy Mexican party snacks . These little beauties are sure to impress.
This is a great starter for Mexican Food Party Ideas Appetizers .
Let's Gather Our Goodies
Ready to dive in? First, you need the ingredients. Cold butter is key for flaky pastry. So make sure it's properly chilled! Next, have a look at the Easy Dip For A Party .
The chipotle crema will cut through the richness of the chorizo. Grab your stuff, and let's get started!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these amazing empanadas! We're talking about turning up the heat with some truly spicy appetizers , perfect for your next fiesta.
Ingredients & Equipment
Making good Mexican appetizer recipes starts with good ingredients. We will talk about the main players in this recipe
Main Ingredients
Alright, gather 'round! Here's what you'll need, measured just right.
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour get the good stuff!
- 1 tsp (5g) salt just a pinch.
- 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, cubed gotta be cold , people.
- ½ cup (120ml) ice water ice cold !
- 1 large egg, beaten for that golden glow.
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed look for bright red color.
- 1 medium (150g) yellow onion, finely chopped gets nice and sweet when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced can’t have Mexican food without garlic, right?
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tsp adobo sauce) – spicy , baby!
- 1 cup (115g) shredded Manchego cheese nutty and delicious, that Manchego.
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped cilantro adds that fresh pop.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the chorizo.
- Salt and black pepper to taste season like you mean it!
For the Chipotle Crema:
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream adds that tang.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise for creaminess.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced more heat!
- 1 tablespoon lime juice brightens everything up.
- Pinch of salt just a smidge.
These babies make perfect Mexican finger food recipes . They’re great if you need easy Mexican party snacks . I love how you can adapt them too.
Think of it as your Mexican food party ideas appetizers sorted!
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk spice. Chorizo and chipotle are your power couple. A bit of adobo sauce amps up the smoky flavor.
If you can't find chipotle, smoked paprika works in a pinch. It will give you the similar spicy appetizers kick.
Don’t be shy to add Chorizo appetizers to the list too. They are awesome
For the crema, lime juice balances the spice. Honestly, a tiny bit of honey can also be amazing.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics.
- Food processor (optional) makes the dough a breeze.
- Rolling pin flatten that dough.
- 2 ½ - 3 inch round cookie cutter or a glass, if you're resourceful.
- Baking sheet keeps things tidy.
- Parchment paper prevents sticking.
These easy dip for a party are so versatile and crowd friendly. I hope you enjoy this spin on homemade empanada recipe .
Unleash Your Inner Chef: Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas
Alright, let's get cracking! We're diving into the fiesta of flavours that are mexican appetizer recipes . Forget those boring supermarket snacks.
We're making Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas with Chipotle Crema. These are next level mexican finger food recipes . Think posh party pies with a Mexican twist!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First, get organized. Honestly, this is half the battle. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and grate that gorgeous Manchego cheese.
Have everything ready to go. Trust me, it’s a game changer. Keep that butter ice cold!
The step-by-step Empanada Extravaganza
- Make the Dough: Pulse flour, salt, and ice-cold butter in a food processor (or use a pastry blender) until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill Dough: Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial!
- Cook the Filling: Brown chorizo in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon. Nobody wants big chunks, unless you like them!
- Add Aromatics: Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Taste, taste, taste!
- Cool and Combine: Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. Stir in Manchego cheese and cilantro.
- Assemble Empanadas: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out rounds. Place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips: Empanada Expertise
- Cold butter is key to flaky pastry. Use ice water and work quickly. Keep it chilled!
- Crimping seals prevent filling leaks. No one likes a soggy empanada, honestly.
- Don't overfill your empanadas. They'll burst. Nobody wants that.
Elevating Your Mexican Food Party Ideas Appetizers
These empanadas aren't just easy easy Mexican party snacks ; they are an experience. The smoky chorizo, creamy Manchego, and that chipotle kick ? Oh my gosh! The crema adds a cool, tangy counterpoint.
It's a fiesta in your mouth! These make awesome chorizo appetizers or spicy appetizers
Chipotle Crema: The Icing on the Cake for Mexican Appies
Mix sour cream, mayo, minced chipotle, lime juice, and salt. It's that simple. It takes five minutes and elevates the whole experience.
Seriously, don't skip it!. This also is the perfect Easy Dip For A Party .
So, ditch the store-bought stuff and get baking. These Homemade empanada recipe creations will wow your friends. Serve with guacamole and a cold Mexican beer.
Olé! These Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas with Chipotle crema appetizer are the perfect Manchego cheese appetizer recipes for your next fiesta.
Recipe Notes: Let's Tweak These Little Beauties
Alright, so you're ready to whip up these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas ? Fantastic! But before you dive in, let's chat about some things that might pop up.
This will make your mexican appetizer recipes experience smooth as silk.
Plating Pizzazz and Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Honestly, presentation is half the battle, isn't it? To nail the perfect Mexican Food Party Ideas Appetizers , arrange these little beauties on a wooden board.
Drizzle that chipotle crema artfully. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens everything up.
Serve alongside some chunky guacamole and some pico de gallo. For drinks? Hello, margaritas! Or some crisp Mexican beer. These easy dip for a party options will elevate your Mexican fiesta.
These make for great Mexican appies .
Storing Secrets: Storage Tips
You've made a batch, but got leftovers? No worries. These little treasures keep well. Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container.
They will be good for up to 3 days .
Fancy making a batch in advance? You can freeze them. Freeze before baking, on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer bag.
Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through and crispy.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations
Want to mix things up? You can adapt this recipe to your liking. For a vegetarian version, try using vegetarian chorizo. Replace meat with crumbled vegetarian chorizo.
Want something milder? Reduce the amount of chipotle pepper. Another option is omitting it altogether. Get creative! You can try swapping out the Manchego.
Try Monterey Jack or Queso Oaxaca. These are great ways to turn up the Spicy appetizers , and these can turn into delicious Chorizo appetizers or even Manchego cheese appetizer recipes .
Nutrition Nuggets: Nutrition Basics
Each empanada clocks in around 350 calories . It's got a decent amount of protein 15g and some fat 25g . This makes them a satisfying treat.
They have about 20g of carbs, 1g of fiber, and 2g of sugar. It also has 400mg of sodium. Remember, these are estimates, so don't sweat the small stuff! These delicious Mexican finger food recipes are sure to be a hit, even the homemade empanada recipe will please your guests.
This chipotle crema appetizer is perfect for these.
So, there you have it. With a little prep and these tips, you'll be serving up the best easy Mexican party snacks in no time.
Don't be scared to experiment. Have fun in the kitchen! Get out there and try these mexican appetizer recipes .
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas difficult to make? I'm not exactly a star baker!
Don't worry, even if you're more "Great British Fake Off" than "Bake Off," you can totally make these. The pastry requires a little patience, especially keeping the butter cold, but the instructions are straightforward. Just remember to chill the dough it makes all the difference!
Think of it as a fun baking project, not a high pressure challenge. We're going for a rustic look!
Can I prepare these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas ahead of time, brush them with egg wash, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can even freeze the unbaked empanadas. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
The chipotle crema is best made fresh, but can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Think of it like meal prepping, but for a fiesta!
I'm not a huge fan of spice. How can I make these Mexican appetizer recipes milder?
No problem! The chipotle pepper is where most of the heat comes from, so you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. If you leave it out completely, consider adding a small amount of smoked paprika to maintain some of the smoky flavour.
You can also use a milder chorizo or remove the seeds from the chipotle pepper before mincing it. Remember, we want everyone to enjoy the party, not just the spice fiends!
Can I substitute any of the ingredients in these empanadas? I can't find Manchego cheese anywhere!
Definitely! If you can't find Manchego, Monterey Jack or Queso Oaxaca are great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled vegetarian chorizo. And if you don't have chipotle peppers, a dash of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper will do in a pinch.
Cooking is all about adapting to what you have on hand, so feel free to get creative!
How should I store leftover Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas?
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they won't be as crispy.
They’re great for a quick lunch or a cheeky midnight snack!
What about the nutritional information? Are these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas healthy ish?
While these empanadas are undeniably delicious, they are a bit of a treat. Each empanada contains roughly 350 calories. You can lighten them up a bit by using leaner chorizo and using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the chipotle crema. Remember, everything in moderation!
Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, preferably while doing the Macarena.
Spicy Chorizo Manchego Empanadas With Chipotle C

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 1g |