These Fig and Cheese Empanadas are baked until golden and filled with fig jam, salty cheese, and toasted almonds. A sweet and savory appetizer perfect for parties, holidays, and brunch.
Updated May 2026: This post has been refreshed with clearer tips, updated serving ideas, and better recipe guidance.
Fig and Cheese Empanadas
When we think about fancy appetizers, empanadas do not always come to mind. Usually, they are seen as casual portable food. However, these Fig and Cheese Empanadas are proof that empanadas can absolutely dress up for the party.
They are flaky, golden, sweet, salty, and just a little nutty from the toasted almonds. Basically, they are tiny appetizer pockets of happiness.
Why You’ll Love These Fig and Cheese Empanadas
- Sweet and savory flavor
- Baked instead of fried
- Perfect appetizer size
- Great for parties and holidays
- Can be made ahead
- Easy to customize
Sweet and Salty Appetizer
The filling combines fig jam, salty cheese, and toasted almonds. The fig jam brings sweetness, the cheese balances it with saltiness, and the almonds add texture.
If you love sweet and savory bites, this recipe is definitely for you.
Best Cheese for Fig Empanadas
Cotija cheese gives these empanadas a salty, crumbly filling. It does not melt like mozzarella, so think of it as a bold sweet-and-salty appetizer.
If you prefer a creamier filling, you can use queso fresco, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese instead.
Make-Ahead Tips
These empanadas are great for entertaining because you can prepare them ahead of time.
- Assemble them earlier in the day and refrigerate until baking
- Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag
- Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
How to Seal Empanadas
Crimping can be as simple or as decorative as you want. If you enjoy working with dough, fold the edges over for a traditional look.
However, if you want the easiest method, use a fork to press and seal the edges. Either way works beautifully.
Finishing Touch
Before baking, brush the empanadas with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This gives them a golden finish and a beautiful appetizer-style look.
Serving Ideas
Serve these empanadas warm as an appetizer for:
- Holiday parties
- Brunch
- Cocktail parties
- Cheese boards
- Game night
- Family gatherings
They also pair beautifully with wine, sparkling drinks, or a simple salad.
Easy Filling Variations
You can easily customize the filling depending on what you have at home.
- Swap fig jam for apricot preserves
- Use guava paste for a Latin-inspired twist
- Try goat cheese for a tangy flavor
- Omit the almonds if needed
- Add a tiny pinch of rosemary for a savory note
If you try these Fig and Cheese Empanadas, tag @LivingSweetMoments. I love seeing your creations!
Fig & Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients
For empanada Dough
- 4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Water
- 3/4 cup Corn Oil
- 2 teaspoons Salt
For Filling
- 16 oz Cotija Cheese crumbled
- 17 oz Fig Spread
- 1 cup Slivered Almonds toasted
Topping
- 1 Egg slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Sesame Seeds
Instructions
For empanada Dough
- Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a mixer, add the flour and salt. Mix to combine
- Add water and mix until a dough is formed
- Pour in oil and mix until combined
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes
- Place the dough on a flat surface and roll thinly
- Cut out circles with a 4" diameter cutter
- Fill with 2 teaspoons of fig jam, 2 teaspoons Cotija Cheese and slivered almonds
- With your fingers, spread a little water on the edges of the dough. This will help the 2 halves seal together
- Fold your dough in half and crimp the edges
- Brush the surface with the egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are golden
- Remove from oven and enjoy!
Notes
- These fig and cheese empanadas are the perfect sweet-and-savory appetizer for holidays, brunches, or cocktail parties.
- Cotija gives a salty, crumbly texture. For a creamier filling, substitute queso fresco, mozzarella, or soft goat cheese.
- If the dough feels dry while mixing, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until smooth and workable.
- Don’t overfill the empanadas, or they may burst during baking.
- Seal edges well with water and crimp with a fork if you want a simpler finish.
- Unbaked empanadas can be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–8 extra minutes.
- Fig jam can be swapped for apricot preserves, guava paste, or onion jam for a different flavor profile.
- Best served warm, when the filling is at its most flavorful.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make fig and cheese empanadas ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, or freeze them unbaked for later.
What cheese goes well with fig jam?
Cotija, queso fresco, goat cheese, mozzarella, and brie all pair well with fig jam.
Can I freeze these empanadas?
Yes. Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes.
Are these empanadas sweet or savory?
They are both. The fig jam adds sweetness, while the cheese adds a salty, savory balance.
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