Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling

If you love Fig Newtons, then you will definitely enjoy the delicious fig taste in an empanada. Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling are both delicious and an impressive appetizer. The pastry dough is filled with fresh figs that are simmered in spices and combined with the delicious flavor of the tangy goat cheese. The walnut gives the fig empanadas a nice added crunch and texture. 

Sweet figs make this a dessert empanada recipe however it can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or anytime of day. 

Be sure to check out these other tasty appetizers: Street Size Crispy Baked Shredded Chicken Tacos , Cherry Dessert Empanadas with Pre-Made Pie Crust, and Tasty Loaded Carne Asada Fries (Whole 30 Option)

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Ingredients

• Fresh figs. If fresh figs are not available, fig jam can be used as a substitute. 
• Water. 
• Honey. This is for sweetening the figs a tad more. You can use maple syrup as well. 
• Sea salt.
• Walnuts. This recipe is written with walnuts but it can always be omitted if there is an allergy or you don’t like walnuts. 
• Goat cheese. Goat cheese pairs perfectly in this fig empanada recipe. Cream cheese could work too.
• Pie crust. Store bought pie crust makes this recipe simple. You can make a homemade one as well. 
• Eggs.
• Butter. This is for greasing the sheet pan. Olive oil works too. 
• Spices such as ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and allspice. You can use cinnamon only if you don’t have all the other spices. 

How to make Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling

1. Start with preheating the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. For preparing the figs: in a small saucepan over medium high heat, add the chopped figs, water, salt and honey. Bring it to a boil and then turn down the heat to low. Stir in the spices and let the figs simmer on low heat until cooked down, about 20-25 minutes. Figs will burst open and the sauce will thicken when it is done.

3. Remove from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes and stir in 1/2 cup of the walnuts.

4. For the empanada dough: Grease the sheet pans with the butter. Carefully remove the dough from the package (if using store-bought) and unroll it onto a floured work surface. Using the cookie cutter, cut out 8 circles dough circles. (16 equal portions total)

5. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of the fig mixture and 1/2 teaspoon of the goat cheese to the middle of the circle. 

6. Fold the circles of dough over to a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the dough gently with the prongs of a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush egg wash over the empanadas.

7. Bake in the oven 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven when done and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack or serving.

9. Serve with the remaining fig reduction along with the remaining walnuts. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.

Helpful Tips

Use a biscuit cutter that is 3 1/4 inches to make dough circles.

You can take dough scraps and roll them out more with a rolling pin to make additional hand pies. 

Seal the empanadas gently. 

Always work on a lightly floured surface. 

A trick I have is to have 2 large sheet pans ready. Have one with parchment paper and some flour on it for the assembled empanadas (as you make them) and one greased (ready for baking in the oven).

The reason is that you don’t want the dough to get soggy from sitting on the grease too long.  Once you got all the empanadas to the greased baking sheet, that is when you will brush them with the egg wash.

When they are done in the oven, let them cool for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack (or eating) Remove them carefully using a spatula. 

Empanadas are tasty warm or at room temperature.

​Many empanada recipes are fried so that is an option. Brushing the empanadas with the egg mixture will help give it a golden brown color. Baking them will still give a nice crusty texture minus the extra fat from frying.

Serving suggestions and other alternatives

No matter what your favorite fillings are, empanadas are always love at first bite! They can be enjoyed savory with beef, green olives or caramelized onions. Vegetarian or cheese empanadas are to die for! For sweet empanadas you can play around with different kinds of fruit. 

Storing Instructions

You can store in an airtight container for 24 hours on the counter and up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat by placing them in the microwave. 

Recipe inspiration for Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling

I love all empanadas, both savory and sweet. My family enjoys my empanadas as an easy snack. 

I also love to entertain with different tapas inspired menus so I’m always on a mission to create the best empanadas. I like to experiment with different flavors. Figs and goat cheese together are always a winning combo, especially with fresh figs in season. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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