Ham and Cheese Empanada Recipe🧀🍍
**How to Make Perfect Ham Cheese and Pineapple Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide**
Making delicious empanadas with a fail-proof crust can be a breeze if you follow this step-by-step guide. This recipe for ham cheese and pineapple empanadas is sure to wow your taste buds, thanks to the flaky pastry and the perfect combination of flavors.
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### **Ingredients for the Pastry:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for that sweet touch)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 1 stick of butter (about 8 tablespoons)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (it might seem odd, but it works wonders for the pastry)
- ½ cup cold water (chilled in an ice bath for best results)
### **Ingredients for the Filling:**
- 1 pre-cooked ham roll (or your preferred ham), cubed
- 1 cup grated cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended)
- 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits
- 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk (for the egg wash)
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### **Instructions:**
#### **Preparing the Pastry Dough:**
1. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until you get a crumbly mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vinegar, and cold water.
4. Gradually add half of the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently. Repeat with the remaining mixture until the dough comes together. The dough should be not too dry and not too wet—just right!
5. Wrap the dough in cling wrap, shape it into a disc, and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
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#### **Making the Filling:**
1. While the dough is chilling, prepare your filling:
- Cube the ham (any type of ham works, but a thick slice from a pre-cooked roll is great).
- Grate your favorite cheese (sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor).
- Drain and add pineapple tidbits to the bowl.
2. Set aside the filling until you're ready to assemble the empanadas.
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#### **Rolling and Shaping the Dough:**
1. After 30 minutes, remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into six equal pieces (for six empanadas).
2. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and then flatten it slightly.
3. Roll out each ball to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a template or bowl to cut out circles from the rolled-out dough. Keep any leftover trimmings in the fridge to reuse later.
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#### **Assembling the Empanadas:**
1. Place a portion of ham, cheese, and pineapple in the center of each dough circle.
2. Fold the edges over the filling, pinching them shut to seal.
3. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a neat finish.
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#### **Baking or Frying the Empanadas:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (185°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash mixture (whisked egg and milk) for a golden finish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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#### **Serving:**
1. Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with the flaky, sweet pastry complementing the savory ham and tangy pineapple.
2. Pair them with a dipping sauce (like mayo or a sweetened sauce) for an extra treat.
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### **Tips from the Chef:**
- Keep the dough chilled as much as possible to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use cold water for the dough to maintain its structure.
- Don’t forget to use the trimmings from the dough to make another small empanada—no scraps go to waste!
- For a crispy texture, you can air fry or deep-fry the empanadas instead of baking.
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### **Final Thoughts:**
These ham cheese and pineapple empanadas are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The flaky pastry is perfectly balanced with the tender ham, melted cheese, and juicy pineapple tidbits. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty snack for yourself.
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