Chorizo Manchego Empanada Bites with Smoked Paprika Aioli

Recipe Introduction

Ready to Party? Empanadas Are Calling!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good party? Especially when there’s amazing food. Our recipe for party success? These Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites. Trust me; they're a total game changer.

These easy party snacks are inspired by sunny Spain. Imagine savory chorizo and nutty Manchego, all wrapped in flaky pastry.

These Spanish tapas recipes will whisk you away! They're surprisingly easy to make and are a guaranteed hit.

Quick Overview: Empanada Edition

Empanadas have been a staple in Spanish culture for ages. They are simple, hand held snacks packed with flavor. It is a medium difficulty recipe that will take you a little under 2 hours.

This recipe makes around 30 little bites. Perfect to appetizers for a crowd !

Main Benefits: Flavour Explosion

These little bites of joy are packed with protein and flavor. Plus, they're just the thing for any occasion, from watching the footy to a fancy cocktail bash.

What makes these chorizo appetizers so special? The perfect balance of spicy, savory, and flaky! You can even make-ahead party appetizers .

Calling all the Foodies: Empanada ingredients

Let's get real. You’ll need flour, butter, chorizo, and Manchego cheese recipes . Oh, and don't forget the smoked paprika for that extra oomph .

step-by-step: Let's Make Empanadas!

First, get your dough sorted. Then, whip up that flavour packed chorizo filling. Next, assemble those cute little party appetizers and bake them until golden brown.

Finally, prepare the aioli for dipping. Chef's kiss !

Empanada Tips and Tricks

Keep that butter ice-cold for the flakiest pastry. Do not overwork the dough; a little chill time works wonders. Baking paper is your best friend for easy cleanup.

Empanada Variations: Get Creative!

Go vegetarian with mushrooms and spinach. Craving heat? Add a pinch of chilli flakes. Swap out Manchego for cheddar if you're feeling cheeky.

You can check more finger food recipes for parties to get other ideas.

Empanada: Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp white wine or a simple green salad. For a full-on tapas experience, add olives and pan con tomate.

If you want other party food ideas maybe you can check some online resources!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Party Prep HQ

Okay, so you wanna throw the best bash ever? Let's talk ingredients and gear for these Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites trust me, they are the ultimate recipe for party .

It's like bringing a little bit of Spain, with delicious Spanish tapas recipes , to your living room. These are also amazing party appetizers and will be a sure HIT.

They're not just food; they're a conversation starter.

Main Ingredients: Get the Good Stuff!

We're talking quality here, people! Forget the sad supermarket chorizo. Go for the real deal.

• Empanada Dough:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 1 cup (227g) cold unsalted butter, cubed. Honestly, the colder the butter, the flakier the crust. Trust me.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water. Seriously, ice water.

• Chorizo & Manchego Filling:

  • 8 ounces (225g) Spanish chorizo, diced. Look for a chorizo that's firm, with a good, deep red color.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces (115g) Manchego cheese, shredded. Manchego cheese recipes are amazing for parties.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional!)
  • 1 large egg, beaten

• Smoked Paprika Aioli:

  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning Notes: The Secret's in the Spice!

Smoked paprika is THE star. The flavor it gives the chorizo appetizers is out of this world. A little bit of cayenne is optional, but it adds a lovely kick.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but it won't have that same depth. And remember, salt and pepper is there to enhance those flavors.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!

I'm all about easy party snacks and using what you've got. Here's what you actually need.

• Food processor (optional, for dough) Honestly, you can make the dough by hand, it takes a bit longer.
• Rolling pin.
• 2.5 inch round cookie cutter.
• Baking sheets. I recommend a pack of two
• Parchment paper. Game changer for easy cleanup.
• Small mixing bowls.

These mini empanada recipe bites are perfect finger food recipes for parties . Plus, most of the ingredients are stuff you likely already have! You can even make-ahead party appetizers by prepping the dough and filling the day before.

Talk about party food ideas !

Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites: Your New Party Go-To

Honestly, if you're searching for the perfect recipe for party snacking, you've just hit the jackpot. Forget those boring cheese and crackers! These Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites are little flavor bombs.

Think sophisticated finger food recipes for parties that even your fanciest mates will rave about. This empanada recipe is easier than it looks, I promise.

Prep Like a Pro: Setting Up for Success

First, get your mise en place sorted. Dice the chorizo and onion. Shred the Manchego. Mince the garlic. It may sound like a lot of effort, but it saves time later.

Cold butter is KEY to flaky pastry. Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes before you start! Safety first! Wash your hands after handling raw chorizo.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

1. Make the dough: Combine flour, salt, and cold cubed butter in a food processor (or by hand) until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together. Don't overmix!
3. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour .
4. Sauté diced chorizo until browned. Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Mix in Manchego, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
5. Roll out the dough and cut circles. Fill each with chorizo mixture. Fold and crimp with a fork.
6. Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 18- 22 minutes . Look for that golden brown colour!
7. Make the aioli by whisking mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Season to taste.

Pro Tips: Making These Empanadas Epic!

Don't overwork that dough. It will get tough! Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. It relaxes the gluten. You can totally make these ahead.

The empanadas can be assembled and frozen before baking. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time. A make-ahead party appetizers for the win!

These little morsels are fantastic party appetizers ! You can't go wrong with this recipe for party . Plus, who can resist Spanish chorizo appetizers and Manchego cheese recipes ? Whether you're after easy party snacks or elegant appetizers for a crowd , these empanadas are a hit.

Perfect party food ideas !

Recipe Notes

Right, let's chat about these amazing Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites. Honestly, they are so much more than just party appetizers ; they're a little taste of sunshine!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This Party Started!

Okay, so how do we make these easy party snacks look the business? I reckon, stack 'em high on a rustic wooden board. Think Spanish market vibes.

These chorizo appetizers are incredible with a chilled glass of Albariño, or even a light, crisp lager. A simple green salad is always a good shout for balancing the richness.

Think of presenting these along with other Spanish tapas recipes like some olives.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right then, got loads left over? (Highly unlikely, if you ask me!). They'll keep in the fridge for 3 days .

Make sure they're in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them before baking. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag.

They’ll last up to 1 month .

Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes , or until heated through.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a change? If you are having a vegetarian friend round, ditch the chorizo and use mushrooms. Trust me, it works a treat.

Got little ones? Maybe skip the cayenne pepper, unless you want some fiery mouths!

This empanada recipe is just so flexible!

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Each bite is roughly 150 calories. They've got protein from the chorizo and Manchego, and some carbs to keep you going.

These are perfect finger food recipes for parties , but maybe don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting!

They are great appetizers for a crowd , so that means there will be some for everyone to have a tasty treat.

This recipe for party has been a banger since I made it!

Making these make-ahead party appetizers is a total game changer. These party food ideas are guaranteed to impress! Honestly, these are the absolute bomb for any gathering.

Give them a go, and let me know what you think! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the empanada dough ahead of time? I'm as busy as a bee, you know!

Absolutely! Making the dough ahead is a great time saver. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.

Help! My empanada dough is too sticky. What am I doing wrong?

Sticky dough usually indicates that there's too much moisture. First, ensure your kitchen surfaces are properly floured. Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable. Also, make sure your butter was very cold before you started, and remember not to overwork the dough.

If all else fails, wrap the dough and chill for another 30 minutes.

I'm looking for a great recipe for party appetizers, and these Chorizo & Manchego Empanada Bites sound amazing! Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can definitely freeze these empanadas! You have two options: freeze them before baking or after. To freeze before baking, assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If freezing baked empanadas, let them cool completely, then freeze as above. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Any tips for making these empanadas healthier? I'm trying to watch my waistline like Gemma Collins!

You can lighten these up a bit. Try using reduced fat cream cheese for the dough (although this may affect the texture). Choose lean chorizo or even chicken chorizo, and use a lighter cheese option.

Also, you could bake them in an air fryer to reduce the need for oil and consider swapping the mayo in the aioli for Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier alternative.

What are some interesting variations I can make to this recipe? I fancy myself a bit of a culinary Jamie Oliver!

Get creative! You could swap the Manchego for another cheese like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. For a spicy kick, add some finely chopped jalapeños to the chorizo mixture or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough.

You can also experiment with different fillings altogether ground beef with taco seasoning, spinach and feta, or even a sweet apple and cinnamon filling would be delicious!

How long will the smoked paprika aioli last in the fridge? I’ve got more mayo than I know what to do with!

The smoked paprika aioli will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, as long as it's stored in an airtight container. The lemon juice helps to preserve it. Just give it a good stir before serving. It's great on sandwiches, as a dip for fries, or even as a dressing for a potato salad.

Don't be afraid to experiment!