Indulge in the rich flavors of ham and Roquefort cheese with these delectable empanadas. The flaky pastry crust encases a savory filling that combines cooked ham, Roquefort cheese, and a blend of aromatic spices. These empanadas make for a perfect appetizer or a satisfying snack. With a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can easily whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing treats. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious treat, these ham and Roquefort empanadas are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely diced
- 1 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough gently until smooth, then shape it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced ham, crumbled Roquefort cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough, approximately 4 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the empanada together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious ham and Roquefort empanadas warm or at room temperature.