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Easy Freezer-Friendly Mini Ham and Cheese Empanadas

freezer-friendly mini ham and cheese empanadas - featured image

These mini ham and cheese empanadas use store-bought pie crust and a simple three-ingredient filling, making them a quick and delicious freezer-friendly snack or meal. Perfect for busy nights, they go from freezer to table in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 refrigerated pie crusts (the rolled-up kind, like Pillsbury or store brand)
  • 8 ounces deli ham, diced small
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Roll each crust out slightly to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  4. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible from each crust. Gather scraps, press together, and re-roll to get more rounds.
  5. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each round, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
  6. Fold each round in half to form a half-moon shape. Press edges together with fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of each empanada with the egg wash.
  8. Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting. Seal edges well, especially if freezing. Keep dough cold for easier handling. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Let empanadas rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow filling to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini empanadas, ham and cheese empanadas, freezer-friendly, easy appetizer, quick snack, pie crust empanadas