Name: 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 12 empanada dough rounds (or store-bought empanada discs); 14 ounces guava paste; 8 ounces cream cheese; Canola oil for frying

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Get ready to fall in love with these 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas! Imagine buttery, golden pastry oozing with silky cream cheese and sweet, floral guava paste. They’re crispy on the outside, lusciously soft on the inside, and come together so fast it almost feels like magic. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, a party snack, or a last-minute treat for unexpected guests, these empanadas will win hearts in record time. If you love sweet-and-tangy combos and crave something delightfully different, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients can create something so unforgettable! Each piece is essential: the dough gives crisp structure, the guava paste delivers a fruity punch, and the cream cheese adds lush creaminess. Here’s what you need—and why every component counts.

Empanada dough rounds: These are the backbone of your empanadas; store-bought discs keep things fast and stress-free without sacrificing texture.
Guava paste: This vibrant, jewel-bright paste brings both tang and sweetness—no other fruit quite matches its bold flavor.
Cream cheese: Just the right amount of creamy, mild richness to balance the intensity of the guava.
Canola oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point; perfect for achieving that irresistible golden crunch.

How to Make 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Slice the Filling

First things first: prepare your guava paste and cream cheese by cutting each into tidy, 1-inch slices. This ensures every empanada bakes up with that perfect ratio of creamy to fruity in each bite. A little tip—using a sharp knife (or even dental floss for the cream cheese!) makes for clean, even slices.

Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas

Take one empanada dough round and set it flat on your work surface. Place a slice of guava paste right in the center, then add a slice of cream cheese on top—it’s like building a tiny, delicious sandwich. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon, pressing out as much air as possible. Seal the edges firmly by crimping with a fork, keeping all that precious filling safely tucked inside. Repeat until all empanadas are assembled and waiting like little golden crescents.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Time to get things sizzling! Pour about 1 cup of canola oil into a large skillet and heat it up to 400ºF. This hot oil is key for that crisp, shattering shell. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a tiny scrap of dough—it should bubble ferociously and float to the top right away.

Step 4: Fry the Empanadas

Working in batches (so you don’t overcrowd the pan), gently lower a few empanadas into the hot oil. Fry them until both sides are beautifully golden brown, turning for even cooking—about 2-3 minutes per batch. As each one is done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 5: Let Them Cool

This is the hardest part: let your 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas cool slightly before digging in! The guava center gets super-hot and can scorch your mouth if you’re not careful. Just a few minutes’ patience and you’ll be rewarded with gooey, safe-to-eat deliciousness.

How to Serve 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these empanadas an elegant finish, especially if you’re serving them for dessert or at a party. You can also drizzle a little honey or add a mint leaf for a festive pop of color—totally optional, but always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

These empanadas pair perfectly with tropical fruit salads, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a simple dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving them as a brunch treat, consider fresh berries or a lightly sweetened yogurt on the side for a gorgeous contrast to the warm, gooey filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas in a basket lined with a colorful napkin, or stack them in a pyramid on a pretty platter. If you’re entertaining, try serving them mini-style for bite-sized fun, or create a “make-your-own” station and let guests customize with various fillings, dips, or dustings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few empanadas left? Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a little crispness, but the flavor stays just as dreamy!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the assembled (but uncooked) empanadas on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cook time. You can also freeze cooked empanadas and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To bring your 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas back to peak deliciousness, pop them in a 350ºF oven for 8-10 minutes or until hot and crisp. Air fryers work wonders too, delivering a just-fried texture in minutes. Microwave in a pinch, but expect a softer crust.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Just brush the assembled empanadas with a little egg wash and bake at 400ºF for 18-20 minutes until golden. The crust won’t be quite as crisp as frying, but it’s easier and less messy.

What if I can’t find guava paste?

Look for guava paste in the Latin or international section of most grocery stores, or at specialty markets. In a pinch, you can substitute with thick fruit preserves like apricot or quince, though the flavor will be different.

Can I use homemade empanada dough?

Of course! If you have a favorite empanada dough recipe, use it here. Store-bought discs are just a nifty time-saver, especially on busy days.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Many stores now carry gluten-free empanada rounds. Alternatively, you can make your own gluten-free dough. The filling is naturally gluten-free already.

Are these best served warm or at room temperature?

30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas are absolute best fresh and warm while the filling is still melty and gooey. That said, they’re still delicious at room temp, so don’t worry if they cool off a little at a party.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a sweet treat that’s quick to prepare and completely crave-worthy, give these 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas a try. They’re quick, gorgeous, and you’ll wow everyone who takes a bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes—these are just that irresistible!

30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 30 Minute Guava Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and quick treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of guava paste with creamy cream cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown empanada dough. Perfect for a snack or dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

12 empanada dough rounds (or store-bought empanada discs)
14 ounces guava paste
8 ounces cream cheese
Canola oil for frying

Instructions

Cut Ingredients: Cut the cream cheese and guava paste into 1-inch slices. Set aside.
Fill Empanadas: Place a guava paste slice and a slice of cream cheese on each empanada disc. Fold and seal with a fork.
Fry Empanadas: Heat oil in a skillet to 400ºF. Fry empanadas until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Allow empanadas to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns. Enjoy!