Baking empanadas in the oven is a great way to achieve a crispy, golden crust without frying. Here's a step-by-step guide on the best way to cook empanadas in the oven:
Ingredients:
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten)
- Optional: Cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to the highest temperature. This temperature works well for most types of empanadas.
- Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the empanadas from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Empanadas: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Make sure they are not touching, as this will allow for even baking.
- Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush or your fingers, lightly brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with the empanadas in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes for thawed empanadas, 13 minutes for frozen ones or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your empanadas, so keep a close eye on them.
- Rotate and Check: About halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. If you notice that some empanadas are browning faster than others, you can swap their positions on the baking sheet.
- Cool Slightly: Once the empanadas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the crust to crisp up even more and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
- Serve: Empanadas are best enjoyed warm. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as chimichurri, salsa, or aioli, and enjoy!
Remember that the exact baking time may vary, so it's essential to keep an eye on your empanadas as they bake to prevent overcooking. With this method, you'll achieve perfectly baked empanadas with a crispy crust and delicious fillings.