Flaky empanada dough is the cornerstone of creating delicious, mouth-watering empanadas that are loved worldwide. This dough is known for its buttery texture and layers that crisp up beautifully when baked or fried. Achieving the perfect flakiness involves a combination of the right ingredients, technique, and patience. Whether you’re making a savory filling with meat and vegetables or a sweet concoction, the flaky empanada dough wraps it all in a delectable package, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

FAQs about Flaky Empanada Dough

1. What makes empanada dough flaky?

The flakiness in empanada dough comes from the fat (usually butter or lard) being incorporated in small pieces throughout the dough. When cooked, these fat pieces melt and create steam, puffing up the dough and creating layers.

2. Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?

Yes, you can use store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Look for puff pastry or pie crusts as substitutes. However, making your own dough ensures the best flavor and texture.

3. How do I prevent the dough from becoming tough?

To prevent toughness, handle the dough as little as possible and use cold ingredients. Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make the crust tough instead of flaky.

4. Is it better to bake or fry empanadas?

Both methods are great and depend on personal preference. Baking is healthier and gives a light, crispy texture, while frying creates a golden, exceptionally flaky crust.

Conclusion

Mastering flaky empanada dough is a game-changer for any home cook or professional chef. With its buttery layers and tender texture, it forms the perfect base for a wide range of fillings, making it a versatile component in your culinary repertoire. Remember, practice and patience are key to achieving that desirable flakiness. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy the delicious journey of perfecting your empanada dough.

Flaky Empanada Dough

Author: Ashley

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cubed

1 large egg
⅓ cup ice water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 egg, beaten (for brushing the dough before baking)

Instructions

Place flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until combined. Add cubed butter; pulse 15 times, until butter is pea-sized or a little larger.
In a small bowl, mix together egg, ice water, and vinegar. Add to flour mixture. Pulse 6–8 times, until liquid is incorporated into dough (it will look sandy and/or shaggy).

Place a 24″ piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Dump the dough onto the plastic wrap. Use edges of plastic wrap to form the dough into a rectangle, roughly 1″ thick.
Wrap edges of the plastic wrap around the dough; refrigerate for 1 hour.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Place one of the balls on a lightly floured board. Dust a rolling pin with flour. Use rolling pin to roll into a circle, approximately ⅙” thick and 5″ in diameter. Repeat with remaining dough. Refrigerate dough circles for 15 min.

Place one dough circle on a flat surface. Place a scant two tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the dough over and press gently to seal, or use the tines of a fork. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Bake 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown.

Notes

Butter vs. Lard: While butter is commonly used for its flavor, lard can make the dough even flakier.
Resting Time: Allow your dough to rest in the refrigerator before rolling it out. This helps relax the gluten and solidify the fat, contributing to flakiness.
Thickness: Roll the dough to the right thickness – not too thin, or it might break; not too thick, or it won’t cook properly.

Sealing: Use water or egg wash to seal the edges of your empanadas to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
Experiment with Fillings: While the dough is important, don’t forget to experiment with different fillings to find your perfect match.