If you’re in need of a quick and delicious dinner recipe, this dish is a game-changer. Using just one potato, tuna, cheese, and a few pantry staples, you can create a hearty, crunchy meal in just 10 minutes. These crispy potato empanadas use sliced bread as the crust, eliminating the need for dough or deep frying, making them a healthier and faster option. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 medium potato (~300g), boiled and mashed
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 can of tuna (80g), drained
• 1 can of corn (80g), drained
• Green olives and pickled gherkins (chopped, to taste)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 32 slices of bread
• 160g mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Flour Paste:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Water (enough to make a thick paste)

For Brushing:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Start by boiling the potato until it is tender. Once done, peel the potato and mash it in a large mixing bowl.
2. To the mashed potato, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Mix until the potato mixture is smooth and well combined. The cream cheese will give it a creamy texture while the seasoning adds flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn, chopped olives, pickled gherkins, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Stir the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
2. Fold in the prepared potato mixture into the tuna filling, ensuring everything is well mixed and seasoned to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread Slices

1. Take the bread slices and remove the crusts (optional). Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin. This step makes the bread slices easier to fold and creates a compact pocket for the filling.
2. Spoon the filling mixture onto the center of each flattened bread slice and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt inside the bread pockets, adding a deliciously creamy texture to every bite.
3. Fold the bread slice over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Press the edges of the bread together to seal them securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.

Step 4: Make the Flour Paste

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with enough water to create a thick paste. This paste acts as a “glue” to further secure the edges of the bread slices.
2. Brush a little bit of the flour paste along the edges of each bread pocket to make sure they are sealed tightly.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix in 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Brush the tops of each bread pocket with the egg mixture to help them achieve a beautiful golden brown color while baking.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the filled bread slices on it. Make sure they are spaced evenly apart so they bake uniformly.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
2. Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Air Fryer: If you prefer, you can cook the empanadas in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for about 7-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Pan Frying: For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly pan-fry the bread pockets in a little oil until golden on each side, then finish cooking in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Cheddar will give a sharper, tangier taste, while gouda adds a rich creaminess.
2. Can I make these empanadas vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the tuna with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this recipe. The possibilities are endless!
3. What if I don’t have canned corn? You can use frozen or fresh corn instead. Simply cook it before adding it to the filling mixture.
4. Can I freeze these empanadas? Yes! You can freeze the unbaked bread pockets for later. When you’re ready to eat them, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cooking Tips

• Customize the Filling: While tuna and corn work beautifully in this recipe, feel free to customize the filling to your taste. Add cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even leftover roasted vegetables.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley gives the filling a burst of flavor. You can also add other herbs like cilantro, dill, or basil to enhance the taste.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the bread slices, as it will make sealing the edges difficult and could cause the filling to leak during baking.
• Crispier Results: If you like extra crispy empanadas, brush the tops with a little olive oil instead of the egg wash.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked empanadas by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Calcium: 130mg
• Iron: 2mg

Conclusion

This crispy potato and tuna empanada recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. With its crunchy bread exterior and flavorful filling, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you bake, air fry, or lightly pan-fry these pockets, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried empanadas without sacrificing taste or texture. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and customizable filling options, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy!