Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce
Golden fried empanadas filled with melting queso blanco, served with a vibrant Venezuelan avocado and herb guasacaca dipping sauce. This latin american-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes blends pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), warm water, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 oz, shredded queso blanco or mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, and 1 1/4 cups warm water until a smooth, pliable dough forms, about 3 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: For the guasacaca sauce, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Divide dough into 8 equal balls. Flatten each ball into a 5-inch circle on a piece of plastic wrap, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 4: Place 1 oz shredded queso blanco in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to form a half-moon and seal edges firmly by pressing and crimping.
- Step 5: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: Serve hot empanadas immediately with guasacaca sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Crisped Cornmeal Empanadas with Cheese and Guasacaca Sauce?
Latin American snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
