Authentic Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe
Bahama Breeze empanadas are a fantastic option for those seeking a savory snack that combines bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Have you ever wondered how to achieve the perfect balance of delicious fillings wrapped in a golden pastry? This recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef, spices, and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these empanadas are sure to elevate your meal. With their versatility, you can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create these delightful bites that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Bahama Breeze-style empanadas are a standout dish that has captured the hearts of home cooks and flavor enthusiasts alike. With a delightful filling of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and spices enveloped in a flaky pastry, these empanadas create a deliciously satisfying meal. Here are some key reasons why this recipe is so beloved:
- Versatile and Flavorful: These empanadas offer a wonderful blend of savory flavors, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of dipping sauces or sides. You can easily customize the filling to include your favorite proteins and vegetables, ensuring that they suit any taste preference.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious empanadas in no time. There’s no need for complicated techniques—just fill, fold, and bake for a tasty treat.
- Colorful and Appealing: The golden, crispy exterior and the rich, flavorful filling make these empanadas not only delicious but visually appealing as well. They are sure to impress your family and friends, adding an enticing touch to any meal.
- Customizable: Whether you like them spicier or packed with extra veggies, these empanadas can easily be adjusted to fit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and spices to make them uniquely yours!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, Bahama Breeze-style empanadas are a versatile crowd-pleaser that elevates any dining experience, making every occasion feel a little more special.
Key Notes
| Serving | Calories | Prep. Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
| 6-8 empanadas | 490 kcal | 35 Mins | 35 Mins | 1 hr. 10 Mins |
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing Bowls.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Cutting Board or Chef’s Knife or Dough Cutter
- Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet or Parchment Paper
- Fork & Pastry Brush
Bahama Breeze Empanadas Ingredients
For the Filling:
| ½ kg ground beef | Check Price |
| 1 egg (beaten, for sealing) | Check Price |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced | Check Price |
| 1 bell pepper, chopped | Check Price |
| 1 onion, chopped | Check Price |
| 2 tbsp tomato paste | Check Price |
| 1 tsp paprika | Check Price |
| 1 tsp cumin | Check Price |
| Black pepper, to taste | Check Price |
| Salt, to taste | Check Price |
| 2-3 tbsp water (as needed) | Check Price |
For the Dough:
| 3/4 cup butter, chilled and cubed | Check Price |
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | Check Price |
| 1/2 tsp salt | Check Price |
| 4-5 tbsp cold water (adjust as needed) | Check Price |
Making Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe
Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems dry, add water as needed. Cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling on one half of each circle. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to help seal. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.
Bake:
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with any remaining beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Secret Tips for Better Results
Creating the perfect Bahama Breeze Empanadas is easy, but a few insider tips can take your dish to the next level. Here are some essential secrets to ensure you achieve the best results every time with this recipe:
- Prep Everything in Advance: Empanada-making is a hands-on process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on assembling and frying without any interruptions.
- Chill the Dough: Ensure your butter is cold when making the dough. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out helps create a flaky texture that will enhance your empanadas.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling, be careful not to overfill the empanadas. A tablespoon of filling per empanada is usually sufficient. Overfilling can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst during baking.
- Seal Carefully: Use a fork to crimp the edges securely, ensuring that the filling stays inside while baking. This step not only prevents leaks but also adds a decorative touch.
- Brush for Brilliance: Before baking, brush the tops of your empanadas with a beaten egg for a beautiful, golden finish. This adds an appealing shine and enhances the overall presentation.
- Bake on Parchment: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This makes cleanup easier, too.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve your empanadas warm right out of the oven. They are best enjoyed fresh, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Enhance your empanadas by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a spicy salsa, guacamole, or a tangy cilantro-lime sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Flavor Variations
To add variety and personalize your Bahama Breeze-style empanadas, consider experimenting with different meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Here are some creative flavor variations that will enhance your dish while maintaining the essence of the original recipe:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef filling for a spicy kick that will awaken your taste buds.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate some lime or lemon zest into the filling for a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in some crumbled feta or queso fresco with the filling for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the filling for a burst of freshness that elevates the overall taste.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor that adds complexity to your empanadas.
- Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian variation that still packs plenty of flavor.
- Sweet Addition: Mix in some sweet corn or diced pineapple with the filling for a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigeration: Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prepare them ahead of time, uncooked empanadas can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking.
- Freezing: Allow cooked empanadas to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For uncooked empanadas, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the crust may not stay as crispy. Bake frozen empanadas directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
To take your dining experience to the next level, consider pairing your Bahama Breeze empanadas with some delightful side dishes. Here are some classic and complementary options that will enhance your meal:
FAQs
Conclusion
Incorporating Bahama Breeze-style empanadas into your meal repertoire is a delicious way to enjoy a blend of flavors and textures. Whether you choose to stick with the classic beef filling or experiment with different variations, these empanadas are sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they offer versatility and taste in every bite. With the right sides and a little creativity, you can create a memorable dining experience that showcases your culinary skills. Enjoy your cooking adventure.
Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe
Bahama Breeze is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain known for its tropical flavors, and one of their popular appetizers is the Jamaican Empanadas. These empanadas are typically stuffed with beef and seasoned with a flavorful Caribbean-style spice blend. They're served with a tangy, slightly spicy dipping sauce that enhances the dish.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Cutting Board or Chef’s Knife or Dough Cutter
- Skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking Sheet or Parchment Paper
- Fork & Pastry Brush
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ½ kg ground beef
- 1 egg beaten, for sealing
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tbsp water as needed
For the Dough:
- 3/4 cup butter chilled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4-5 tbsp cold water adjust as needed
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems dry, add water as needed. Cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling on one half of each circle. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to help seal. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with any remaining beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.