We love handheld treats and these empanadas fit the bill nicely, especially when there is a delicious salsa crema to dip. Pork is a lean, nutritious source of protein, making it the perfect contribution to a power snack. This is also a great way to use up any extra pulled pork from your latest big gathering or family dinner. Easy to assemble and fun to take anywhere, empanadas are perfect for crushing hunger while meeting up with friends at the local park or hiking your first fourteener. Try this recipe and tell us where you are enjoying your empanadas!
There are many fantastic local pork producers across the state contributing to one of the most important industries in Colorado. The Colorado Pork Producer Council details the significant value that pork contributes to the agricultural economy and to the overall Colorado economy. The size and structure of the Colorado pork industry has changed over time and in 2021, sales generated from hog marketing and pork processing supported a total economic contribution of $58.2 million in personal income, $123.0 million in value added, and more than 1,166 jobs in the Colorado economy (National Pork Producers Council).
Finding a pork producer near you is easy with ColoradoProud.com - just hit search. Colorado Proud’s website includes producers like High on the Hog Farm in Johnstown or Rise N’ Shine Ranch in Colorado Springs.
Each month the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different ag product to highlight the variety and quality of products grown and raised in the state. For May, Chef Jason Morse of 5280 Culinary brings us pork empanadas.
Chef Jason says, “My family loves to take these on our adventures around the state. If you don’t want to use pork, you can easily substitute any other protein or filling you like. Happy Cooking!”
Bake and Take Colorado Pork Empanadas with Salsa Crema Dipping Sauce
Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware Grill Expert
Yield: Serves 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pulled pork mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce. Try Chef Jason’s Pulled Pork recipe here!
- 8 tbsp – Sweet BBQ Sauce
- 16 tbsp – Mexican Blend Cheese
Salsa Crema Ingredients:
- 1 cup salsa, fresh
- 1/2 cup mexican crema
- 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro
Empanada Dough
Try making from scratch with this simple pastry dough recipe using Colorado Proud products like flour, eggs, and butter.
If you’re in a hurry, substitute pre-made biscuit dough from a standard 8-biscuit tube.
Directions:
- Wash all tools prior to use
- Clean and sanitize all cutting boards and prep surfaces prior to use
- Read all manufacturer’s instructions before using grills, starters and any cooking tools
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven or grill to 400˚ (if using grill be sure to cook on the INDIRECT setting) and spray a cookie sheet pan with cooking spray
- Flatten each dough ball or biscuit and stretch out to a small pancake size
- Place 1 tbsp of bbq sauce and 2 tbsp shredded cheese into the middle of the pocket
- Top sauce and cheese with 2 oz (approx. 2 heaping tbsp) of pulled pork
- Lightly brush edges of dough with water using finger
- Fold the pocket like a taco
- Crimp the center of the taco fold
- Crimp all the edges with fingers or use a fork to seal and make a decorative edge
- Using a paring knife, poke a small vent hole in the top of the empanada
- Place onto the greased cookie sheet pan
- Space 1” apart to allow room for expanding as they bake
- Place the cookie sheet of empanadas on the center rack
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden
For more golden crust, brush lightly with melted butter and dust with garlic and herbs
For the salsa crema:
- Place ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Serve on the side as a dipping sauce.
If you are of legal drinking age and would like to add a wine with your meal, bring a bottle of Tempranillo from Vino Salida Wine Cellars. For a non-alcoholic option, check out OliKo Ginger Beer based in Denver. Try their many flavors like blackberry mint, classic ginger, apple cardamom, and watermelon hibiscus.
Visit ColoradoProud.org for more ideas and a complete list of recipes.
