Golden Crisp Sausage Empanadas: Festive Tex-Mex Appetizers

Sausage Empanadas Recipe

🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 25 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🥘 Yield: 12 appetizers

Description:

These sausage empanadas are a delightful treat, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Originally sourced from the Treasury of Christmas Recipe Collection, they’ve become a cherished part of our holiday traditions. Bursting with flavor, these empanadas are a hit every time. Don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly – they’re that irresistible! 🎄

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bulk pork sausage
• 1/4 cup onions, diced
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 cup raisins
• 1 egg, separated
• 2 refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Allow the pie crusts to stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes, ensuring they’re pliable for shaping.
   • Crumble the pork sausage into a medium skillet.
   • Add diced onions, garlic powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano to the skillet with the sausage.

2. Cook Sausage Mixture:

   • Cook the sausage mixture over medium-high heat until the sausage is no longer pink.
   • Drain any excess drippings from the skillet.

3. Add Raisins and Egg:

   • Stir in the raisins into the cooked sausage mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
   • Lightly beat the egg yolk and stir it into the sausage mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

4. Prepare Pie Crusts:

   • Carefully unfold the refrigerated pie crusts, ensuring they remain intact.
   • Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out 6 circles from each pie crust.
   • If available, utilize the Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal for this step (see note below).

5. Assemble Empanadas:

   • Place approximately 2 teaspoons of the sausage filling onto each of the 6 cutout circles.
   • Top each filled circle with another pie crust circle, ensuring the edges are sealed tightly.
   • Use a bit of water to moisten your fingers and seal the edges securely.
   • Repeat this process for all 12 empanadas.

6. Egg Wash and Bake:

   • Lightly beat the egg white and gently brush it over the tops of each empanada.
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Place the assembled empanadas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked to perfection, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
   • Serve these delectable sausage empanadas as appetizers or snacks, and watch them disappear in no time!

Notes:

• Pampered Chef Cut-N-Seal: This kitchen tool simplifies the process of cutting and sealing the pie crusts. If you don’t have one, you can manually cut and seal the crusts using a cookie cutter and your fingertips.
• These empanadas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. However, they can also be reheated if made in advance. Simply pop them back into the oven for a few minutes until heated through.

With their savory sausage filling and flaky pastry crust, these empanadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy the festive flavors of the holiday season with this delicious recipe! 🥟🎉