Zesty Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy and delectable poblano cream cheese empanadas dance with vibrant Mexican flavors that promise pure culinary delight.

Soft peppers mingle with smooth cheese inside golden pastry pockets.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients blend perfectly.

Family recipes often carry deep cultural connections through unexpected combinations.

Regional ingredients sparkle with authentic taste and texture.

Your kitchen will become a celebration of traditional techniques and delicious creativity.

These little pockets of happiness invite you to savor every single bite.

Storage Advice for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when stored properly.
• Warm refrigerated empanadas at 350F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they're crispy and heated through. Place on a baking sheet for best results.
• Reheat from refrigerated state for 30-45 seconds, but note the crust might lose some crispness compared to oven reheating.

FAQs for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Are poblano peppers spicy?

Poblano peppers are mild to medium in heat, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units. They offer a gentle, slightly smoky flavor without overwhelming spiciness.

• Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare empanadas in advance. Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze unbaked empanadas for up to one month.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Monterey Jack and cream cheese create a smooth, creamy filling. If unavailable, you can substitute with mild cheddar or queso fresco for similar texture and flavor.

What Makes Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas So Flavorful

• Spice Up Your Meal: Poblano peppers bring a mild, smoky heat that transforms ordinary empanadas into a flavor-packed delight, perfect for those who love a gentle kick without overwhelming spiciness.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: This recipe offers a simple, straightforward preparation that lets you create restaurant-quality appetizers or main dishes with minimal kitchen skills and time investment.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: These empanadas work brilliantly for casual gatherings, game nights, potlucks, or as a satisfying family dinner that appeals to both kids and adults with their cheesy, crispy goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like salsa or sour cream to make the recipe your own, allowing creativity and personal taste to shine through each delicious bite.

Ingredients Needed for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Poblano Peppers: Fresh green peppers that provide a mild, slightly smoky flavor to the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy cheese that creates a rich and tangy base for the empanada filling.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild white cheese that melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess to the mixture.

• Empanada Dough: Traditional pastry wrapper that holds the cheesy pepper filling and creates a crispy exterior when baked.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the empanada filling.

How to Prepare Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C), getting it ready for some delicious baking action.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Blend

• Diced poblano peppers
• Creamy cream cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Stir everything together until the ingredients are perfectly mixed and looking deliciously inviting.

Step 3: Stuff And Shape The Empanadas

Take your empanada dough and generously spoon the pepper and cheese mixture into the center. Carefully fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to press and seal the edges, ensuring no precious filling escapes during baking.

Step 4: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide your assembled empanadas onto a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for that beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re perfectly cooked. The edges should look crispy and the filling bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and prevents burning your mouth. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of spicy peppers and creamy cheese.

Pro Tips for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Roast Peppers Perfectly: Char poblano peppers directly over a gas flame or under the broiler to enhance their smoky flavor and remove the skin easily.
• Prevent Leaking Filling: Avoid overfilling empanadas and ensure edges are tightly sealed to keep the creamy mixture inside during baking.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Mix in a pinch of cumin or chopped fresh cilantro with the cheese blend for an extra layer of traditional Mexican taste.
• Create Crispy Exterior: Brush empanadas with egg wash before baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown and glossy finish that looks professionally made.
• Serve with Zesty Dip: Prepare a quick salsa verde or sour cream-based dipping sauce to complement the rich, creamy filling of the empanadas.

Variation Ideas for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Spicy Jalapeño Swap: Replace poblano peppers with diced jalapeños for a hotter, more intense flavor profile.
• Vegan Veggie Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheese alternative with roasted bell peppers instead of poblanos.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional wheat empanada dough with gluten-free corn or almond flour pastry for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap: Replace traditional dough with cauliflower-based wraps and use lighter white cheese like queso fresco for reduced carbohydrate intake.

Pairing Suggestions for Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas

• Boost Richness with Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Malbec from Argentina to complement the creamy poblano and cheese filling, enhancing the empanadas' robust flavors with its smooth tannins and fruity undertones.
• Cool Down with Citrus Salsa: Prepare a fresh lime and cilantro salsa that cuts through the rich cream cheese, providing a bright, zesty contrast to the warm, baked empanadas and cleansing the palate.
• Create Harmony with Mexican Lager: Pair with a crisp Modelo Especial or Pacifico beer, whose light and clean profile balances the spicy poblano peppers and creamy texture of the empanadas.

Poblano Cream Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 28-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Poblano cream cheese empanadas deliver a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired delight packed with rich, smoky flavors and creamy textures. Crispy golden pastry embraces a luscious filling that promises a delectable culinary journey you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 poblano peppers, roasted and diced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Dough:

• 1 package empanada dough

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400F (200C), preparing a perfect environment for golden, crispy empanadas.
2. Carefully dice fresh poblano peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure balanced flavor distribution throughout the creamy filling.
3. Combine the chopped poblanos with smooth cream cheese and shredded Monterey Jack, mixing thoroughly until ingredients are evenly integrated and create a cohesive, tangy filling.
4. Lay out empanada dough and carefully spoon the pepper-cheese mixture into the center of each circular section, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Gently fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and meticulously press and crimp the edges to create a tight seal that prevents any filling from escaping during baking.
6. Arrange the prepared empanadas on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even heat circulation.
7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a rich, golden-brown exterior that signals a perfectly crisp and delectable pastry.

Notes

• Roast poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler to enhance their smoky flavor and make skin removal easier.
• Chill the cream cheese mixture before filling empanadas to prevent leaking and ensure easier sealing.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional wheat dough with gluten-free empanada wrappers or make your own using alternative flour blends.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 399 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 438 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg