Amazing Thanksgiving Turkey and Sweet Potato Empanadas
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious handheld treats with these Turkey and Sweet Potato Empanadas. This recipe is perfect for using up extra turkey and sweet potato mash, creating a flavorful and convenient meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 package empanada discs (about 10-12)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil, for frying or baking
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Lay out the empanada discs. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the turkey and sweet potato mixture onto one half of each disc, leaving a small border.
- Moisten the edges of the empanada disc with water. Fold the other half of the disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork or create a decorative edge.
- If frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- If baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- You can add a tablespoon of cranberry sauce to the filling for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have empanada discs, you can use pie crust or puff pastry cut into circles.
- Leftover empanadas can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (will vary based on cooking method and ingredients)
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies