Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor? This Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe is the perfect choice! With its golden, crispy crust and savory filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or family dinner. Inspired by the popular Bahama Breeze restaurant, this empanada brings tropical Caribbean flavors right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those who love a mix of spices and hearty fillings.

This recipe is great for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or planning a fun weeknight dinner. It’s also customizable: you can make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or even add different fillings based on your preferences. I first tried these empanadas during a vacation to the Bahamas, and I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t wait to recreate the vibrant, flavorful dish back home, and now it’s a regular part of my recipe rotation!

What Makes Bahama Breeze Empanada So Special?

The Bahama Breeze Empanada stands out due to its vibrant tropical flavors and irresistible golden crust. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Easy and quick to make – You can prepare these empanadas in less than an hour.
• Versatile – You can fill these empanadas with a variety of ingredients, from seasoned chicken to vegetarian options.
• Packed with bold flavors – A mix of spices, herbs, and Caribbean-inspired ingredients create a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for any occasion – Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and it’s sure to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Bahama Breeze Empanada

This Bahama Breeze Empanada will quickly become your go-to recipe when you crave something delicious and exciting. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the savory, flavorful filling, making each bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these empanadas are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to customize to suit your taste preferences!

• A crispy, golden crust with a tender, flavorful filling.
• A unique combination of Caribbean spices that will transport your taste buds to the tropics.
• Perfectly portable, making them great for parties, picnics, or as a weeknight dinner.

My First Experience with Bahama Breeze Empanada

I first had the pleasure of trying the Bahama Breeze Empanada while visiting the Bahamas on vacation. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked on the crispy, flaky dough and the flavorful, seasoned filling. The blend of spices was unlike anything I had tried before, and I knew I had to recreate it back home. After experimenting with different fillings and flavors, I’ve finally perfected the recipe, and it’s become one of my favorite dishes to share with friends and family.

Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe is the perfect choice! With its golden, crispy crust and savory filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or family dinner. Inspired by the popular Bahama Breeze restaurant, this empanada brings tropical Caribbean flavors right to your kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheet or frying pan
• Fork for sealing the empanadas
• Knife for chopping ingredients
• Spoon for filling

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken or beef, shrimp, or a vegetarian option
• ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• ¼ cup chopped onions
• ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack works well
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of empanada dough store-bought or homemade
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Oil for frying if frying

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat Oven or Heat Oil

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re baking the empanadas. Alternatively, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat if you’re frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken (or your chosen filling), bell peppers, onions, cheese, cumin, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• Roll out the empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or the edge of a glass, cut out circles of dough, about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Add the Filling

• Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may not seal properly.

Step 5: Fold the Empanadas

• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers or use a fork to seal them.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the egg wash over the empanadas to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.

Step 7: Bake or Fry the Empanadas

• If baking, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. If frying, carefully place the empanadas in hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Step 8: Drain and Cool

• If frying, drain the empanadas on paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy salsa, sour cream, or a zesty lime aioli. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful treat!

Step 10: Garnish (Optional)

• For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Notes

The Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen. Whether you choose to bake or fry these golden, crispy empanadas, you’re guaranteed a flavorful treat that is perfect for any occasion. The filling is easily customizable to suit your tastes—be it shredded chicken, beef, shrimp, or a vegetarian combination of beans and veggies.

These empanadas are ideal for casual get-togethers, dinner parties, or even as a fun snack. The key to getting the perfect texture is to ensure your dough is sealed tightly around the filling, and to avoid overfilling to keep them from bursting. For an even crispier finish, frying them in oil adds an extra delicious crunch that’s hard to resist.

Serve these empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces, like tangy salsa, sour cream, or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted veggies on the side. Make a batch of these and watch how quickly they disappear!

Looking for the perfect pairing for your Bahama Breeze Empanada? Why not serve it alongside a warm, creamy bowl of La Madeleine Mushroom Soup? The richness of the mushroom soup beautifully complements the crispy, savory empanadas, creating a well-balanced meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them together for lunch or dinner, these two dishes are guaranteed to impress your guests or family.

Tips for Making Perfect Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, use black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful filling.
• Make sure not to overfill the empanadas to prevent them from bursting open while cooking.
• For an extra crispy texture, try frying the empanadas instead of baking them.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, beef, or even sweet potato for a unique twist.

Storage Tips for Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to crisp them up again.

Serving Tips

These empanadas are perfect on their own or as part of a larger meal. Serve with a refreshing salad, a side of fries, or some roasted vegetables. They’re also great for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers.

What To Serve with Bahama Breeze Empanada

• Tangy salsa or avocado dip
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Cilantro-lime rice or beans
• Roasted vegetables or fries

Nutrition, Calories Facts Table

Conclusion!

The Bahama Breeze Empanada is a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking or frying them, these golden, crispy pockets filled with savory goodness are sure to be a hit. Customize the filling to suit your taste and enjoy a little taste of the tropics right from your kitchen!

FAQs

Here are the most asking questions about Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe…

Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?

Yes, store-bought empanada dough works great and saves time!

Can I freeze empanadas for later?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled empanadas before cooking. Just bake or fry them directly from frozen when ready to eat.

What other fillings can I use?

You can try beef, shrimp, or even a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian version.

How do I make the empanadas extra crispy?

Frying them gives the empanadas a super crispy texture, but baking is a lighter option if preferred.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the empanadas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking or frying.