Pizza Empanadas/Pastelitos Recipe

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

pepperoni

🥗Healthier: turkey pepperoni

💰Cheaper: salami

Turkey pepperoni is lower in fat and calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a cost-effective alternative for frying.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Cut red bell peppers, green bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.

Mix the chopped vegetables together in a mixing bowl.

Add pizza sauce (or pasta marinara sauce) to the vegetable mixture.

Incorporate Kobe Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture.

Cut pepperoni with scissors and add it to the mixture, then mix everything together.

Adjust the mixture with more sauce and olive oil until it's not too watery or dry.

Assemble the empanadas using store-bought dough, stuffing them with the mixture and sealing with a fork.

Ensure the empanadas are sealed well to prevent leaking during frying.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium to high heat.

Fry the empanadas until golden brown on both sides.

Remove the empanadas and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens