Dessert

Corn, cheese & chilli empanadas Recipe

ByJack Voss November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

Introduction

These corn, cheese, and chilli empanadas are a deliciously crisp snack with a flavorful filling that combines sweetcorn, mature cheddar, and a hint of heat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a tasty treat anytime.

A light green plate sits on a white marbled table, holding six small golden-brown empanadas arranged casually. One empanada is broken open showing a creamy white and green filling inside. Nearby, there are two silver forks resting on a light green folded napkin. Behind the plate, on the white marbled surface, a white oval plate holds halved avocados and lime wedges garnished with fresh cilantro. To the right, a white rectangular dish contains fresh green salad leaves with thin white onion slices, with a silver spoon resting inside. The scene is bright and fresh, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ x 198g can sweetcorn, drained well
small handful coriander, leaves and stalks chopped
1 spring onion, finely sliced
25g extra mature cheddar, grated
½ green chilli, chopped
230g sheet ready-rolled all-butter shortcrust pastry
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Make the filling by mixing the sweetcorn, chopped coriander, finely sliced spring onion, grated cheddar, chopped green chilli, and a pinch of seasoning in a bowl.
Step 2: Unroll the pastry sheet and roll it slightly thinner with a rolling pin. Use a 10cm circle cutter to cut out circles of pastry—this should yield about 6 circles, then re-roll the trimmings for 2 more circles.
Step 3: Brush the edges of each pastry circle with a little beaten egg. Spoon about two teaspoons of the filling mixture onto one half of each circle.
Step 4: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pinching them firmly with your fingers, forming 8 small empanadas.
Step 5: Arrange the empanadas on a baking parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush their tops with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 6: Cover the empanadas and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Bake the empanadas for about 20 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Serve the empanadas with avocado and lime: halve a ripe avocado, remove the stone, and scatter with coriander leaves. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the avocado and serve alongside the empanadas for a fresh, creamy contrast.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of chilli or omit it entirely.
Try adding a little cooked bacon or chopped red pepper for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round table with a white marbled texture surface. On it, there is a light green plate holding seven golden-brown baked dumplings, each with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with seasoning, arranged neatly in a circle. One dumpling is cut open, showing a creamy white filling inside. To the side of the plate, two silver forks rest on a folded pale green napkin. In the background, a white rectangular bowl contains fresh green salad leaves mixed with thin white onion slices, and next to it, a white rectangular plate holds halved green avocados with their dark brown seeds and lime wedges, along with green cilantro leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once solid. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use different cheese for the filling?

Absolutely. While extra mature cheddar adds a sharp flavor, you can substitute with other firm cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.