Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe. Bahama Breeze Empanadas are crispy pastry pockets filled with seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, and a creamy dipping sauce.

If you’ve ever enjoyed appetizers at Bahama Breeze, you already know how tropical, warm, and flavorful every bite feels.

I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delicious recipe right in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 empanadas
Cuisine: Caribbean
Category: Appetizer

History and Origin

Empanadas have deep roots in Spanish and Latin American culture. They spread throughout the Caribbean, where each island customized them using regional spices and meats.

Bahama Breeze introduced a restaurant version that mixes bold Caribbean spices with creamy textures, making this snack both comforting and exciting.

What Does Bahama Breeze Empanada Taste Like

These empanadas taste crispy outside and warmly seasoned inside. The filling has tender chicken, peppers, and onions mixed with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce.

They are savory, mildly spicy, and incredibly satisfying with every bite.

By the way, you can also try the Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Recipe.

Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe:

Ingredient	Quantity
Shredded cooked chicken	2 cups
Empanada dough discs (store bought or homemade)	12
Red bell pepper (diced)	½ cup
Yellow onion (finely diced)	½ cup
Minced garlic	2 cloves
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)	¾ cup
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon
Paprika	½ teaspoon
Cream cheese (softened)	¼ cup

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe:

• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan or skillet
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Deep fryer or pot with oil (if frying)
• Pastry brush

How to Make Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Heat oil in a pan. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and paprika, and mix well. Turn off the heat and fold in the cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Step 2: Fill the empanadas

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold into a half-moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges tightly.

Step 3: Cook the empanadas

You can fry or bake.
To fry: Heat oil and fry until golden.
To bake: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe:

Nutrition	Amount (per empanada)
Calories	215
Protein	11 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fat	10 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	290 mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve these empanadas hot with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce or salsa. They are perfect for parties, snacks, or weekend dinners.

Add fresh lime on the side for extra brightness. These pair wonderfully with iced tropical drinks or simple lemonade.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat, bake them in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily customize these empanadas based on your taste preferences. Swap chicken for shrimp, add sweet corn, or make a vegetarian version with black beans and cheese.

Each variation keeps the crispy texture and allows you to explore new flavor combinations.

Tips For Perfectly Crispy Empanadas

To achieve maximum crispiness, avoid overloading the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork.

Chill the empanadas for a few minutes before cooking. Whether baking or frying, start with hot oil or a preheated oven for ideal results.

Dipping Sauces To Serve With Empanadas

The dipping sauce enhances every bite. Try cilantro lime sauce, jalapeno ranch, chipotle mayo, or classic salsa.

These creamy or tangy dips balance the warm spices, making the empanadas more exciting. Offering multiple dips makes this recipe perfect for parties.

Why This Recipe Is Better Than Restaurant Style

This homemade version gives you complete control over ingredients, spices, and freshness. You avoid preservatives and adjust flavors to your liking.

The empanadas come straight from your kitchen, hot and crisp, making them even better than ordering from a restaurant.

Best Occasions To Serve Empanadas

Empanadas are perfect for game nights, holiday gatherings, picnics, or casual family meals. They are easy to carry, simple to serve, and always popular with guests.

Since they stay crispy for long, they fit both planned menus and quick last-minute appetizers.

Make-Ahead Instructions

If you like planning ahead, this recipe is ideal. You can prepare the filling one day earlier and refrigerate it.

The dough can be shaped and refrigerated, too. When ready, just fill, seal, and cook for fresh empanadas anytime.

Air Fryer Instructions

Air frying is a great option if you want a healthier version without sacrificing crispiness.

Simply place the empanadas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook until perfectly golden. You will still enjoy that irresistible crunch.

Conclusion

This Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe brings the flavorful Caribbean restaurant taste straight to your kitchen. Every bite is crispy, creamy, and full of bold flavor, making it the perfect appetizer to impress family or guests.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You will also like the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe.