✨ Introduction
Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Empanadas are the ultimate crispy seafood comfort snack packed with juicy shrimp, gooey melted cheese, buttery garlic flavor, and golden flaky pastry. Every bite delivers rich savory seafood filling wrapped inside a perfectly crisp empanada shell. Warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, these handheld seafood pastries are perfect for appetizers, game nights, parties, or comforting homemade meals.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp Filling
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 green onions, sliced
For the Empanadas
• 10 empanada dough discs or pie dough rounds
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Oil for frying or baking spray for baking/air frying
Optional Add-Ins
• Crab meat
• Jalapeños
• Spinach
• Bacon bits
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley
• Chili flakes
• Parmesan cheese
• Lime wedges
Optional Dipping Sauces
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chili sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Salsa queso
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
2️⃣ Season the Filling
Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and tender.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine cooked shrimp, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and green onions until creamy.
4️⃣ Fill the Empanadas
Place filling into the center of each dough disc. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
5️⃣ Add Egg Wash
Brush empanadas lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6️⃣ Cook the Empanadas
Bake, air fry, or deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
7️⃣ Cool Slightly
Allow empanadas to cool briefly before serving.
8️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Top with parsley, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese, or lime wedges.
9️⃣ Add Dipping Sauces
Serve with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, or queso dip.
🔟 Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot for a crispy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying seafood snack.
❓ FAQ
Can I air fry them?
Yes, air frying keeps them crispy with less oil.
What shrimp works best?
Medium shrimp chopped small work perfectly.
Can I make them spicy?
Add jalapeños or extra Cajun seasoning.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar create the perfect melt.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze before cooking and bake directly from frozen.
🦐 Final Thoughts
Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Empanadas are the perfect crispy seafood comfort snack packed with buttery shrimp, gooey cheese filling, and flaky golden pastry. Warm, savory, and deeply satisfying, they’re a crowd-pleasing homemade favorite full of bold comforting flavor.
