Mexican Chorizo Empanadas : Bold, Flavorful, and Authentic

When it comes to handheld comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as Mexican Chorizo Empanadas. These golden, flaky pastries are filled with smoky, spicy chorizo, tender potatoes, and melted cheese — a combination that represents the heart of Mexican cooking.

Whether you’re serving them as a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a make-ahead freezer meal, these empanadas are guaranteed to impress. If you love chorizo recipes for dinner, this is the one to try. For another savory pastry option, you might also enjoy our Filipino Spanish Bread or our fun Mini Halloween Pizzas.

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Why Chorizo Empanadas Are a Must-Try Hispanic Food

Empanadas have a rich history in Hispanic food culture, enjoyed across Latin America and Spain. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.” Traditionally baked or fried, empanadas can be stuffed with anything from meats and cheeses to fruits and vegetables.

Mexican empanadas stand out for their bold flavors — thanks to smoky Mexican chorizo, chilies, and spices. Pairing chorizo with potatoes creates a filling that’s hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly. If you’re exploring more Hispanic-inspired recipes, you’ll love our Vegetarian Baked Ziti with its bold flavors and comforting texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mexican Chorizo Empanadas

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 empanadas:

• 1 lb Mexican chorizo (fresh, uncooked)
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 packages empanada dough rounds (or homemade dough)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños for extra spice.

If you’re a fan of pumpkin-flavored fillings, you could also adapt this dough to make sweet pastries like our Pumpkin Cream Puffs.

Choosing the Right Mexican Chorizo for Authentic Flavor

Not all chorizo is the same. Spanish chorizo is cured and firm, while Mexican chorizo is fresh, ground, and heavily seasoned with chili peppers, vinegar, and garlic. For authentic flavor, choose fresh Mexican chorizo from a butcher or well-stocked grocery store.

If you’re new to working with chorizo, make sure to remove the casing before cooking. Its crumbly texture makes it perfect for fillings like these empanadas. For another spicy and hearty dish, try our Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chorizo Empanadas at Home

1. Prepare the filling
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
   • In the same skillet, cook chorizo until browned and fully cooked.
   • Add onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Cook until onion is soft.
   • Stir potatoes back in and mix well. Let filling cool before assembling.
2. Assemble empanadas
   • Place dough round on a flat surface.
   • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center.
   • Sprinkle with cheese.
   • Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape.
   • Press edges with a fork to seal.
3. Bake the empanadas
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
   • Bake 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

For another baked dish with a cozy, cheesy twist, see our Chili Cheese Dog Casserole.

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Chorizo and Potato Filling: A Classic Combination

The pairing of chorizo and potato is a classic in Mexican cooking. The spicy, smoky flavor of the sausage balances beautifully with the mild, starchy potato. This filling is not only hearty but also stretches the chorizo further, making it economical without sacrificing taste.

For another potato-based comfort dish, check out our Crispy Smashed Potato Salad.

Easy Empanadas Recipe: Tips for Success

Making empanadas doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are tips to make the process smooth:

• Use store-bought empanada dough for convenience.
• Let the filling cool before stuffing — warm filling can tear the dough.
• Don’t overfill — too much filling makes sealing difficult.
• Seal edges tightly to prevent leaks.
• Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup.

For a similarly simple recipe, try our Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls.

Chorizo Recipes for Dinner: Why Empanadas Stand Out

When you think of chorizo recipes for dinner, you might imagine tacos or scrambled eggs, but empanadas stand out because they’re portable, customizable, and freezer-friendly. You can make a big batch, enjoy some right away, and freeze the rest for future meals.

If you like meal-prep-friendly dinners, our Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches are another great option.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Mexican Empanadas

Empanadas are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an appetizer with salsa or guacamole
• As a main dish with rice and beans
• Paired with a fresh salad like our Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad
• With a side of roasted vegetables like Roasted Butternut Squash

Storing and Reheating Leftover Chorizo Empanadas

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.

If you love freezer-friendly recipes, you’ll also want to try our Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

Variations on Chorizo Recipes: Creative Empanada Fillings

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Chorizo and cheese only for a gooey, rich filling.
• Chorizo and beans for added fiber.
• Chorizo and corn for sweetness.
• Vegetarian twist: Use plant-based chorizo.

If you like creative fillings, you might enjoy our Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Empanadas

• Using warm filling that tears the dough.
• Overstuffing, which causes leaks.
• Not sealing edges well, leading to filling loss.
• Baking at too high a temperature, burning the crust.

For a smooth empanada-making process, patience and proper prep go a long way.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Cooking and Empanadas

Are empanadas Mexican or Spanish?
Both! Empanadas originated in Spain but are widely enjoyed throughout Latin America.

Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes, fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.

Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely — homemade dough is simple with flour, butter, and water.

What cheese works best in empanadas?
Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully.

If you’re exploring more baked Hispanic dishes, don’t miss our Pumpkin Zucchini Bread.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Chorizo Empanadas Recipe

These Mexican Chorizo Empanadas are everything you want in comfort food: savory, spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in golden pastry. Whether you’re new to making empanadas or a seasoned cook, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

Perfect as a chorizo recipe for dinner, a party snack, or a freezer-friendly make-ahead meal, these empanadas are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Loved this recipe? Share it and subscribe for more Mexican cooking inspiration.

For more flavor-packed dinner recipes, browse our Dinner Collection.

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