Game Day Empanadas

Fantasy Football Loss Leads to a Delicious Discovery

Some days are worse than others, especially when you’re in a fantasy football league. This past Sunday, Matthew had one of the worst days. He has a great team, or so he claims, but when put to the test on Sunday, he wasn’t able to follow through, which led to his need for Gluten Free Empanadas.

The Birth of a New Recipe

I have to be honest, and I know Matthew will be upset I said this, but I’m really glad he lost on Sunday because his loss led to this incredible recipe! Matthew did happen to specify he wanted to feel like he was in Tijuana, so maybe I just channeled my inner Tijuana really well, or I’m an incredible cook. Either way, do yourself a favor and make these as soon as you finish reading the post!

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The Crust

I’m sure you guys are familiar with fat head crust – it is one of a kind after all! Every time I make it, my mind is blown that mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and a little almond flour can make a doughy, crispy, perfect crust. Seriously though, I don’t believe in god, but if there is ever a time he exists, it’s when my fat head crust comes out of the oven! So, is your crust made yet?? GREAT! You’re already half way done. As you can see in our video, we used a wine bottle to roll it out.

Fillings

No, not the fillings that go in your teeth. We are talking about empanada fillings! What I chose to use for the love of my life, who was in severe distress from his fantasy loss, was shredded adobo chicken and seasoned ground beef. And, YUM is right!! We have a great Mexican shredded chicken recipe that you should try if you want to take these empanadas to the next level!

Making the Empanadas

You can really do any filling that you’re in the mood for. You can do veggies, three-cheese, tofu, or even a dessert one – the versatility of this recipe makes it one of my favorites! Once you’ve made your fat head crust and chosen your filling, all that is left to do is make the dough cut outs, fill these bad boys, and bake until golden brown. It’s as simple as that, but if you need more of a play by play, check out our video above!

Baking Tip

One of our best kitchen purchases was a Silpat Mat (seen in the video)! We use it for just about everything that goes into the oven, from cookies to pizzas, and we highly recommend it! It also keeps your pans from needing any grease and is super quick to clean up!

Recipe Details

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 3
• Calories per serving: 400

Instructions

Fat Head Crust

1. Put shredded mozzarella into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Cut cream cheese into 4-5 pieces and place on top of mozzarella cheese. Microwave for thirty seconds.
3. Remove from microwave, stir, and microwave for another thirty seconds.
4. Stir one more time and then add in almond flour while cheese is still hot. Combine as well as possible.
5. Add egg and stir. To better incorporate everything, use your hands to knead it together – it should have formed into a dough.
6. Once the dough is combined and consistent, place on a greased surface or nonstick silpat mat. Place a piece of parchment paper on top and roll out to thinness of liking.
7. Using a cookie cutter (or wine glass) to make 12-14 circles in the dough.

Fillings

1. Place 6-8 cut outs onto a nonstick baking pan and layer on filling.
2. Place the second circle on top and press down the edges to seal.
3. OPTIONAL: Use a fork around the sealed edges for a fun look.
4. Once fully sealed, place into a 350-degree oven for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and watch for them to puff up a little and turn golden brown!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 27.5g
• Carbohydrates: 6.25g
• Fiber: 2.25g
• Protein: 32.5g

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Keyword: gluten-free empanadas