5 Healthy Empanada Fillings to try This Weekend

Empanadas are versatile stuffed pastries or Latino-style turnovers. For fillings, one may put meat and veggies for a more savory approach,  or stuff it with chocolate, cream and even fruits for dessert-like empanadas.

The great thing about these flaky pastry pockets is its versatility. You can either choose to put meat and veggies for a more savory approach or stuff it with chocolate, cream and even fruits if you want dessert-like empanadas. The best part is, you can make these pastries now to make ahead so you can freeze it later too.

To freeze empanadas, it is best to put them in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be careful not to lump them together as it will be difficult to unfreeze them later. When they're frozen solid, put them in the freezer bag. You can store them up to three months. You can bake them straight from the freezer just make sure to add extra minutes in the cooking time to give them a chance to thaw.

While there are many variations in kinds of fillings, here are some of our top healthy empanada filling picks:

1.) Sweet potato and black bean empanadas

When you want something filling but not particularly heavy, try this dish from My Recipes. This light snack is perfect to bring as party potlucks or to entertain guests with. It is best served hot.

2.) Cinnamon-Apple with cream cheese empanadas

If you want something in the sweet side of preparing these pastries, try this easy recipe from Healthy Living Market. The blog also shows you how to make your own empanada pastry if you're up to the challenge of making the entire thing from scratch. Plus, all the ingredients in the recipe may already be in your kitchen.

3.) Spinach and cheese empanadas

If you love spinach and cheese together or may be curious how they taste like together, this recipe from Food Network will definitely make you think that cheese makes everything better. Instead of the usual fried empanada recipes that you're used to, this recipe is oven-baked and, therefore, healthier.

4.) Molotes with mushrooms, roasted green chiles and cheese

If you want Latin-style vegetarian empanadas, this recipe from Muy Bueno Cookbook heeds your call. If you're a fan of spicy, you're gonna love this even more.

5.) Ham and honey empanadas

Ever tried taking your ham with honey mustard before? It's as good as it sounds like. This recipe from Parade takes this addictive combination in empanada form. If you're too lazy to make your own dough, don't worry, you can use pie crusts.