Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLa CañitaSpinach Empanadas Recipe

Spinach Empanadas Recipe

Inspired by La Cañita
Time1h 30m
Serves12

leeks & melting cheese

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Make the Dough

    In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. 2

    Add Water

    Gradually add water to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

  3. 3

    Rest the Dough

    Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation

  1. 4

    Sauté the Leeks

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 5

    Cook the Spinach

    Add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the leeks. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

  3. 6

    Combine Filling Ingredients

    Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, mix the sautéed leeks and spinach with the cream cheese and shredded cheese until well combined.

Empanada Assembly

  1. 7

    Roll Out the Dough

    On a floured surface, roll out the rested dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a round cutter or a glass.

  2. 8

    Fill the Empanadas

    Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.

  3. 9

    Seal the Empanadas

    Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp with a fork if desired.

  4. 10

    Prepare for Baking

    Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the egg wash over the tops of the empanadas.

Baking

  1. 11

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 12

    Bake the Empanadas

    Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  3. 13

    Cool and Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spinach empanadas!

More from La Cañita