15 Sweet and Savory Empanada Fillings to Try at Home in 2026

Introduction: The Art of Empanada Making

Empanadas have captured hearts and taste buds across the globe, and for good reason. These versatile handheld pastries offer endless possibilities for creative fillings that span cultures and cuisines. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, mastering the art of empanada fillings can elevate your cooking game to new heights in 2026. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore 15 sweet and savory empanada fillings that range from traditional favorites to innovative combinations. Each recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks while delivering restaurant-quality results. From the streets of Buenos Aires to modern fusion kitchens, these fillings will inspire you to create empanadas that impress family and friends alike.

Classic Savory Empanada Fillings

1. Traditional Argentine Beef Empanada Filling

Nothing beats the authentic flavors of Argentine beef empanadas. This classic filling combines ground beef with aromatic spices, creating a rich and satisfying filling that's become a global favorite. Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in spices, olives, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool completely before filling empanadas.

2. Chicken and Chorizo Empanada Filling

This Spanish-inspired filling combines the mild flavor of chicken with the bold, smoky notes of chorizo sausage. The combination creates a complex flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1/2 lb Spanish chorizo, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: In a large skillet, cook chorizo over medium heat until it releases its oils. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Add chicken and garlic, cooking until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in paprika, oregano, and chicken broth. Simmer until liquid reduces and chicken is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then cool before using.

3. Spinach and Ricotta Empanada Filling

For a vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on flavor, this spinach and ricotta filling offers a creamy, satisfying alternative. The combination of earthy spinach and rich cheese creates a filling that's both nutritious and indulgent. Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. This filling works best when chilled before use.

4. Black Bean and Corn Empanada Filling

This vegetarian filling brings together the hearty texture of black beans with the sweetness of corn, creating a Southwestern-inspired empanada that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, red onion, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Seafood Empanada Fillings

5. Shrimp and Cheese Empanada Filling

Seafood empanadas offer a delightful change of pace from traditional meat fillings. This shrimp and cheese combination creates a luxurious filling that's perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and chop shrimp into small pieces. In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp with Monterey Jack, cream cheese, green onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Tuna and Olive Empanada Filling

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this tuna filling offers a quick and easy option that's perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings. Ingredients:

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: In a bowl, flake tuna with a fork. Add olives, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. This filling can be used immediately without cooking.

Sweet Empanada Fillings

7. Apple-Cinnamon Empanada Filling

Move over, apple pie! These apple-cinnamon empanadas offer all the comforting flavors of fall in a portable, handheld format. Perfect for dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Preparation: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until apples begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and cornstarch, then add to apple mixture. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Cool completely before using.

8. Dulce de Leche and Banana Empanada Filling

This indulgent filling combines the rich, caramel-like flavor of dulce de leche with the natural sweetness of bananas. It's a dessert empanada that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Ingredients:

• 1 cup dulce de leche
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preparation: In a bowl, mix dulce de leche with cinnamon. Fold in banana slices and pecans if using. This filling doesn't require cooking and can be used immediately.

9. Chocolate and Hazelnut Empanada Filling

For chocolate lovers, this filling combines rich chocolate with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts. It's like having a gourmet chocolate truffle in empanada form. Ingredients:

• 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Preparation: In a bowl, mix chocolate hazelnut spread with cocoa powder. Fold in chopped hazelnuts. This filling is ready to use immediately and doesn't require cooking.

10. Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada Filling

This tropical-inspired filling combines the sweet-tart flavor of guava with the creamy richness of cream cheese. It's a popular combination in Latin American cuisine that translates perfectly to empanadas. Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup guava paste, diced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation: In a bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in diced guava paste. This filling can be used immediately without cooking.

Creative Fusion Empanada Fillings

11. Korean BBQ Beef Empanada Filling

This fusion filling brings Korean flavors to the traditional empanada format. The sweet and savory Korean BBQ marinade creates a unique and addictive filling. Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Preparation: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, garlic, and ginger. Add sliced beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Cook beef in a hot skillet until caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool, then mix with green onions and sesame seeds.

12. Buffalo Chicken Empanada Filling

Bring the flavors of your favorite game-day snack to your empanadas with this spicy buffalo chicken filling. It's perfect for parties or when you're craving something with a kick. Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced

Preparation: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Fold in blue cheese, green onions, and celery. This filling can be used immediately without cooking.

13. Thai Peanut Chicken Empanada Filling

This Thai-inspired filling combines the creamy richness of peanut sauce with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. It's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia. Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 green onion, sliced

Preparation: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk until smooth. Add shredded chicken, carrots, cilantro, and green onion. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

14. Mediterranean Lamb Empanada Filling

This Mediterranean-inspired filling combines ground lamb with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: In a skillet, cook ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Remove from heat and mix in parsley and feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then cool before using.

15. Breakfast Empanada Filling

Who says empanadas are only for lunch or dinner? This breakfast-inspired filling combines eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats for a morning treat that's both portable and satisfying. Ingredients:

• 6 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup diced ham
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, cook onions and bell peppers until softened. Add egg mixture and scramble until just set. Remove from heat and fold in cheese, bacon, and ham. Let cool before using.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas

Choosing the Right Dough

While you can make empanada dough from scratch, using pre-made empanada wrappers (available in the frozen section of most grocery stores) can save time without sacrificing quality. Look for wrappers that are about 5-6 inches in diameter for the perfect handheld size.

Proper Filling Technique

When filling empanadas, less is more. Overfilling can cause the empanadas to burst during cooking. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per empanada, depending on the size of your wrapper. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges for sealing.

Sealing and Crimping

To ensure your empanadas don't open during cooking, use a fork to crimp the edges after folding. You can also use the traditional repulgue technique, which involves creating a decorative rope-like edge by folding and pinching the dough.

Cooking Methods

Empanadas can be baked, fried, or even air-fried. Baking is the healthier option and still produces delicious results. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. If frying, maintain oil temperature at 350°F for the best results.

Conclusion: Your Empanada Adventure Awaits

With these 15 sweet and savory empanada fillings, you have everything you need to embark on a delicious culinary adventure. From classic Argentine beef to innovative fusion creations, these recipes offer something for every palate and occasion. Remember that empanadas are incredibly versatile, so don't be afraid to experiment with your own flavor combinations. The beauty of empanadas lies in their adaptability – you can easily adjust fillings to suit dietary preferences, seasonal ingredients, or whatever you have in your pantry