Spicy Chorizo Manchego Empanadas
Recipe Introduction: Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas
Quick Hook
Oh my gosh, are you ready for Game Day? These Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas are about to become your new obsession.
Seriously, they're one of the Best Football Appetizers for Game day you'll ever make. The spicy, cheesy filling and smoky aioli? Forget about it.
Brief Overview
These little pockets of deliciousness bring a Spanish twist to your party. Empanadas have roots in Spain and Latin America, and they're just perfect for sharing.
They are a medium difficulty dish, and take about an hour and a half to make. This recipe yields 16 empanadas.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best part is how easy they are to customize. Get ready for some truly awesome Game Day Appetizer Recipes ! They are loaded with protein and perfect for a crowd, making them ideal Appetizers Football Party for those epic Game Day gatherings.
Plus, who can resist flaky pastry filled with chorizo and cheese?
Let's dive into what makes these empanadas so special.
Ingredients that pop!
To make these beauties, you'll need some simple ingredients that pack a punch, so you can enjoy the Football Season Snacks Parties Food .
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Football Appetizers for Game
Right, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these glorious Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas with Smoked Paprika Aioli.
Honestly, even if your team is losing, these snacks will be a total win. When planning your appetizers football party , the ingredients and equipment you have on hand can make or break your game day success.
Main Ingredients
- Dough: 250g (8.8 oz) all-purpose flour, 125g (4.4 oz) cold unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 50ml (1.7 fl oz) ice water, and ½ tsp salt. Make sure your butter is properly chilled! Trust me, warmer butter and you will get tough empanadas .
- Filling: 200g (7 oz) chorizo (casings removed), 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp chili flakes (optional), 150g (5.3 oz) Manchego cheese. For the chorizo, try and get a good quality one; it makes a big difference .
- Aioli: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use real mayonnaise, not that weird "light" stuff .
If you are doing a Super Bowl Party Food Ideas , make sure all your ingredients are of great quality.
Seasoning Notes for Game Day
Smoked paprika is the secret weapon here. It gives this easy football appetizers a proper depth. A little chili flake kicks things up a notch.
Manchego cheese pairs incredibly well with the spicy chorizo. No Manchego? Try Monterey Jack or cheddar. If you want the best football appetizers for game , these seasoning tricks will help you to create flavors that make people ask for more!
Equipment Needed
- Food processor (optional). You can make the dough by hand.
- Rolling pin.
- Cookie cutter (3-4 inch round) or sharp knife.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper.
- Small bowl and pastry brush.
That's it! Nothing too fancy. You probably have most of this football season snacks parties food gear already. If you don't have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle will do in a pinch! These chorizo appetizers for game day will certainly be the talk of the party!
Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas: Game Day Glory!
These aren't just any appetizers; they're Spicy Game Day Snacks in pastry form! Honestly, you need these Appetizers Football Party .
These Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas with Smoked Paprika Aioli are about to become your secret weapon for all things Football Season Snacks Parties Food .
Forget the same old dips. We're talking flaky, cheesy, spicy goodness that’ll have everyone cheering...even if their team is losing!
Prep Like a Pro
First, the mise en place is critical, mates. Chop your veg, grate your cheese, and measure out all your spices.
Saves you faffing later. For time saving organization tips , I always pre-portion my ingredients into little bowls. It's like having your own personal sous chef! Remember, cold butter is your best friend when making pastry.
Keep it ice cold! . This is how you get that lovely, flaky crust.
Empanada Assembly: step-by-step
Ready to roll?
- Make the dough : Combine flour, salt, and ice-cold butter in a food processor. Whizz it until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add egg and ice water. Mix until it forms a dough.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least 30 minutes . Honestly, don't skip this step; it's crucial.
- Cook the chorizo in a pan until browned. Add onion, garlic, and pepper. Sauté until softened. Mix in smoked paprika.
- Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly. Then, stir in the grated Manchego cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll out the dough, cut out circles, and spoon in the filling. Don't overfill!
- Fold the dough over, crimp the edges, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , or until golden brown.
- Smoked Paprika Aioli : Whisk mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika. Season to taste.
Level Up your Empanadas: Pro Tips!
Don't overfill the empanadas; they'll explode. Seal those edges properly . Also, feel free to experiment!. Chorizo Appetizers for Game Day can include ground beef or shredded chicken.
Want extra cheesy? Monterey Jack is also great. You can even make the dough and filling the day before. Prep ahead to avoid Game Day stress .
This Empanada Recipe for Football Party is your secret weapon.
These empanadas are the Best Football Appetizers for Game ; they're easy, impressive, and totally addictive! You won't regret giving them a go.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Game Day Appetizer Recipes
Okay, so you're thinking of making these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas ? Awesome! Honestly, these are some of the Best Football Appetizers for Game .
But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your life easier and your empanadas even more epic.
Trust me, a little planning goes a long way, especially when you're trying to keep one eye on the match.
I mean, who wants to miss that crucial play, right?
Plating & Presentation: Score Big with Style
Presentation is key, even for football season snacks parties food ! Think beyond just chucking them on a plate. A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra aioli can make all the difference.
Arrange the empanadas artfully on a platter. Add a small bowl of the Smoked Paprika Aioli for dipping. Consider pairing with some colourful salsa or even just a few slices of avocado to bring the colours.
These are also great for NFL Appetizers Parties Food .
For drinks, a cold beer goes down a treat with these spicy little numbers! Or, if you are feeling fancy, a light and fruity Spanish wine would complement the flavours beautifully.
Storage Solutions: Save Some for Later!
These empanadas are delicious fresh, but you can totally make them ahead. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll keep for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freezing is your friend! Let the baked empanadas cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 2 months . To reheat, bake from frozen at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes , or until heated through.
Reheating them makes for Easy Football Appetizers .
Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste
Not a fan of chorizo? No worries! You could easily swap it out for ground beef or even shredded chicken.
Want a vegetarian option? Load them up with roasted veggies and some feta cheese. Oh my gosh, that sounds amazing!
Got someone who's gluten-free? Just use gluten-free flour for the dough. Easy peasy!
Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Fanaticism
Each empanada is roughly 200 calories , so they're a fairly substantial snack. They also pack about 8g of protein , which is great for keeping you full and energised throughout the game.
These chorizo appetizers for game day aren't exactly a health food, but they are a darn tasty treat!
So, there you have it! With these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating some seriously awesome Spicy Game Day Snacks .
Go forth and conquer the kitchen! Good luck with the empanada recipe for football party and enjoy the game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas ahead of time for my Game Day party? I'm channelling my inner Mary Berry and trying to be organised!
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the filling separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. You can also bake the empanadas ahead of time and reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!
What's the best way to store leftover empanadas, and how long will they last? I'm hoping there will be some left after the Super Bowl!
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the oven (as mentioned above) or even a microwave, although the pastry might lose some of its crispness.
You could also try air frying them for a few minutes to bring back some of that delicious texture!
I'm not a huge fan of chorizo. What other fillings would work well in these empanadas to make them the Best Football Appetizers for Game day?
No worries, you can definitely switch things up! Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, shredded chicken with black beans and corn, or even a vegetarian filling with roasted vegetables and feta cheese would be fantastic alternatives. Think of it like choosing your favorite player you've got options!
Just be sure the filling isn't too wet, or it might make the pastry soggy.
Is there a quicker way to make the dough? I don't have a food processor, and I'm not sure I have the patience for rubbing butter into flour by hand like my nan used to.
While a food processor makes things a bit easier, you can definitely make the dough by hand! Just be sure the butter is very cold and cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The key is to work quickly so the butter doesn't melt.
It’s a bit more elbow grease, but you can get a great result!
I’m trying to keep things relatively healthy for Game Day any tips on making these empanadas a bit lighter? I don't want to feel like I need to lie down after halftime!
You can certainly lighten them up! Use whole wheat flour for the dough, which adds fiber. For the filling, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of chorizo. Reduce the amount of cheese, or use a lower fat variety. Consider baking instead of frying these are already baked, so you're golden!
And load up on veggies in the filling for extra nutrients. Every little helps!
Can I freeze these Spicy Chorizo & Manchego Empanadas? I'm thinking of making a massive batch and keeping them on hand for future football viewings.
Freezing is a great idea for longer storage! Assemble the empanadas but don't bake them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
They're like little pockets of Game Day joy, ready when you are!
Spicy Chorizo Manchego Empanadas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 12g |
