Oh, Halloween! A time for spooky decorations, creative costumes, and, of course, delightfully eerie treats! One of my all-time favorite recipes to whip up for this ghoulish holiday is my Vampire Bat Empanadas. They are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, savory filling, and a fun bat shape that’s bound to impress your friends and family at any Halloween gathering.
I remember the very first time I made these for a Halloween party—my sister was convinced they were just for show until she took a bite and was instantly hooked! Now, every year, I find myself making a double batch because everyone wants to take some home. With their rich flavors and spooky appearance, they’re the ultimate addition to your Halloween feast! Let’s dive into the delicious details of this recipe.
What’s in Vampire Bat Empanadas?
When it comes to making these delightful bat-shaped empanadas, the ingredients are as important as the spooky presentation! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll be using:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our empanada dough, all-purpose flour gives the pastry its structure. I love using King Arthur Flour for a consistently great result.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor and tenderizes the crust. Make sure it’s cold for that perfect flaky texture!
Eggs: These not only help bind the dough but also give it a beautiful golden color when baked. I like to use organic eggs for that fresh taste.
Ground Beef (or Chicken): This savory filling is the heart of the empanada. I often use lean ground beef marinated with spices for depth of flavor.
Onions: Chopped finely, they add an aromatic sweetness that complements the meat perfectly. I usually opt for yellow onions since they’re versatile.
Garlic: Because what’s a savory filling without a little garlic? It adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the flavor profile.
Olives (Green or Black): Sliced olives provide a salty, briny kick. I prefer green olives for their tanginess, but black works beautifully too!
Spices: A mix of cumin, paprika, and oregano to give the filling a succulent kick. You could also throw in some chili powder if you like things a bit spicy!
Egg Wash: A simple mixture of egg and water to brush on the empanadas for a shiny finish.
Is Vampire Bat Empanadas Good for You?
Now, who says Halloween treats can’t have some redeeming qualities? Here’s the scoop on the health benefits of our Vampire Bat Empanadas:
Beef or Chicken: Packed with protein, either option provides the building blocks for muscles and helps keep you full and satisfied. Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option!
Olives: They’re a source of healthy fats and provide antioxidants that are great for heart health. Plus, they add that irresistible salty note!
Onions and Garlic: Both are known for their health properties, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, making them excellent additions to your recipe.
Of course, you’ll want to be mindful of portions—these little delights can be quite filling! But on a special occasion like Halloween, I think enjoying them with friends balances out any indulgence!
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 12 bat-shaped empanadas, perfect for sharing at your Halloween party!
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 large egg
– 1/3 cup cold water
– 1 pound ground beef (or chicken)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ cup sliced olives (green or black)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Vampire Bat Empanadas?
Ready for a fun time in the kitchen? Let’s get these batty treats ready!
1. **Make the Dough**: In a big bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, beat one egg in a small bowl, then pour it and the cold water into the flour mixture. Mix until everything just comes together into a dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling**: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and stir in the sliced olives. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. **Roll Out the Dough**: After chilling, take the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
4. **Cut Out Bat Shapes**: Use a bat-shaped cookie cutter (or any round cutter if you don’t have one) to cut out shapes.
5. **Stuff the Empanadas**: Add a spoonful of the meat mixture to each bat shape. Fold over and crimp the edges to seal.
6. **Egg Wash**: Beat the last egg and brush it over the top of each empanada for a shiny finish.
7. **Bake**: Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve**: Let them cool slightly, and then serve warm. They’re perfect alongside a spooky dipping sauce like a ghostly ranch or a fiery salsa!
Batty Tips for a Spooktacular Experience!
Here are a few extra tips for creating the most fang-tastic empanadas:
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance. Just refrigerate the dough and filling separately until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
– **Spooky Presentation**: Use a bit of food coloring to paint spooky eyes on your empanadas with a dab of cream cheese or a dot of red sauce. It adds a fun flair!
– **Variations**: Feel free to experiment with fillings! Cheese, spinach, or even roasted veggies can make a delicious alternative to the traditional meat filling.
So there you have it! Dive into the Halloween spirit with these Vampire Bat Empanadas that are as fun to make as they are to eat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl and when you do, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Happy Halloween, my spooky kitchen friends!
