National Empanada Day 2025

Happy National Empanada Day! Let's Celebrate with Flavor and Fairness

April 8th is National Empanada Day, and I’m here for it. Flaky, golden, stuffed-to-the-brim empanadas deserve a day of honor, don’t you think? These handheld pockets of joy have traveled across continents and cultures—from Argentina to the Philippines, from savory to sweet—and each bite tells a story of heritage, resilience, and creativity.

So today, let’s not only celebrate this delicious dish but also what it represents: community, resourcefulness, and the magic of making something meaningful from humble ingredients.

What Makes an Empanada, An Empanada?

At its core, an empanada is a pastry filled with goodness—anything from spiced meats and vegetables to fruits and cheeses—folded, sealed, and either baked or fried. Its name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread,” and while the technique might vary regionally, the heart of it remains the same: comforting, shareable food made with intention.

A More Equitable Plate

Food is joy, yes—but it’s also deeply tied to access. An equitable recipe means it’s budget-friendly, flexible for dietary needs, and made with ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores or community markets. It honors tradition while welcoming everyone to the table.

So, I’ve put together an empanada recipe that’s:

• Vegetarian (but easily adaptable)

• Budget-conscious

• Made with pantry staples

• Totally delicious

Let's cook up some love!

🌿 Good Thyme Gal’s Everyday Veggie Empanadas

Makes about 12 empanadas

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup cold butter or vegetable shortening (plant-based options work great!)

• 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)

• 1/3 cup cold water (plus more as needed)

• 1 tsp vinegar (white or apple cider)

For the filling:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup frozen corn

• A squeeze of lime juice

• Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley

Instructions:

1. Make the dough:In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg (or flax egg), vinegar, and water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, wrap in plastic or a clean cloth, and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Make the filling:Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add bell pepper and sweet potato; cook for about 8-10 minutes until tender. Stir in spices, black beans, and corn. Cook a few more minutes. Finish with lime juice and herbs. Let cool.

3. Assemble the empanadas:Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut out 5-inch circles (a bowl works great for this). Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal. For extra flair, crimp or twist the edges.

4. Bake (or fry!):Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a parchment-lined tray, brush with egg wash or olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.Or pan-fry in a little oil until crisp on both sides. Live your truth.

A Toast to Tradition (and Tweaks)

This recipe is just the beginning. Swap sweet potato for leftover mashed potatoes, add a little cheese if you’ve got it, or throw in some chopped spinach for extra greens. It’s all about working with what you have—and making it delicious.

So this National Empanada Day, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get folding. Whether you’re honoring your roots or trying something new, there’s room for everyone at the empanada table.

🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!

Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media! I’d love to see your delicious masterpieces. Let’s celebrate together! 🎉👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today and let’s bake up some magic together!#BakingTips #GoodThymeGal #YouTubeBaking #CookingConfidence #BakeWithMe

From my kitchen to yours—Buen provecho!

xo,Good Thyme Gal