Golden on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, these Ripe Plantain Empanadas are a delicious twist on traditional empanadas. Instead of a regular flour-based dough, ripe plantains create a naturally sweet, tender, and comforting shell that becomes beautifully golden when fried.
The best part is the filling. You can make these empanadas with seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, plenty of melted cheese, or even ham and cheese for an easy variation.
These homemade plantain empanadas are perfect for a quick snack, family dinner, party appetizer, weekend breakfast, or fun finger food. The combination of sweet ripe plantain and savory cheesy filling makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with delicious savory goodness. These ripe plantain empanadas are perfect as a snack, dinner idea, party appetizer, or something fun to share with the family.
Sweet, cheesy, crispy, and comforting… this is the kind of recipe everyone loves.
Base Ripe Plantain Dough
Ingredients:
• 4 large ripe plantains
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch, only if the dough is too soft
• Oil for frying
Instructions:
Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into pieces.
Boil them in water with a pinch of salt until very soft.
Drain them very well.
Mash them while still warm with butter and salt until smooth.
Let the mixture cool slightly.
If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour or cornstarch until it is easier to handle.
Take portions of the dough, flatten them over plastic wrap or parchment paper, add the filling, fold, and seal like an empanada.
Ripe Plantain Empanadas with Ground Beef and Cheese
Filling Ingredients:
• 300 g ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red or green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 150 g shredded mozzarella or frying cheese
Instructions:
Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Add tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook until juicy but not too watery.
Let the filling cool slightly.
Fill each empanada with beef and cheese.
Seal the edges well and fry until golden and crispy.
Ripe Plantain Empanadas with Chicken and Cheese
Filling Ingredients:
• 300 g cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or pizza sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with delicious savory goodness. These ripe plantain empanadas are perfect as a snack, dinner idea, party appetizer, or something fun to share with the family.
For the Ripe Plantain Dough
- 4 large ripe plantains
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch, if needed
- Oil for frying
Beef & Cheese Filling
- 300 g ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ½ red or green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 150 g shredded mozzarella or frying cheese
Chicken & Cheese Filling
- 300 g cooked shredded chicken
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Ripe Plantain Empanadas
1. Prepare the Plantains
Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into smaller pieces. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil until they become very soft.
Drain the plantains thoroughly and mash them while they are still warm. Add the butter and salt, then mix until you have a smooth dough.
Allow the dough to cool slightly. If it is too sticky to handle, gradually add a small amount of flour or cornstarch until it becomes easier to shape.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat a little oil in a skillet and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook until the mixture is flavorful and juicy but not watery. Let it cool slightly before filling the empanadas.
3. Prepare the Chicken Filling
Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the shredded cooked chicken, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool.
4. Assemble the Empanadas
Place a portion of the plantain dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Flatten it into a round shape. Add a spoonful of your preferred filling and top with shredded cheese.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal.
5. Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve warm while the cheese is still melted and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Plantain Empanadas
- Use very ripe plantains for a naturally sweet and soft dough.
- Drain the boiled plantains well so the dough does not become too wet.
- Let the dough cool slightly before shaping.
- Don't overfill the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal.
- Make sure the filling is not watery.
- Seal the edges firmly before frying.
- Fry over medium heat so the outside becomes golden without burning.
Easy Filling Variations
One of the best things about these plantain empanadas is how versatile they are. Try different fillings depending on what you have available.
Ham & Cheese: Fill with diced ham and mozzarella for a quick and kid-friendly option.
Chicken & Cheese: Combine shredded chicken with mozzarella for a savory and satisfying filling.
Beef & Cheese: Seasoned ground beef with melted cheese creates a rich and flavorful combination.
Vegetable & Cheese: Use sautéed peppers, onions, corn, and cheese for a delicious meat-free option.
What to Serve with Plantain Empanadas
These golden empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. Try them with tomato salsa, avocado sauce, garlic sauce, or a fresh herb dip.
They also make a great addition to a party appetizer platter alongside fresh vegetables and other finger foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake ripe plantain empanadas instead of frying them?
Yes. You can bake them until the outside becomes golden and firm. The texture will be different from fried empanadas, but they can still be delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The plantain dough can be prepared ahead and stored properly in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the empanadas.
What type of plantains should I use?
Use ripe plantains with yellow skin and plenty of dark spots. They should be soft and sweet but not spoiled.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella, queso blanco, cheddar, or another melting cheese can work depending on the flavor you want.
Final Thoughts
These Ripe Plantain Empanadas are a delicious combination of sweet, savory, crispy, and cheesy flavors. The soft plantain dough creates a unique alternative to traditional empanada dough, while the beef, chicken, and cheese fillings make them hearty and satisfying.
Whether you're preparing a family dinner, looking for a fun snack, or planning a party appetizer, these golden plantain empanadas are sure to disappear quickly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every cheesy bite!