There are many cheese recipes out there, but few bring the same comfort and flavor as a warm, golden empanada ham and cheese recipe. Flaky pastry wrapped around smoky ham and rich cheddar is the kind of food that makes a gathering feel special.
In this recipe, we feature our Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar, a cheese made slowly and carefully on our farm. It’s an artisan cheddar aged for three full years to bring out depth, creaminess, and a satisfying sharp bite that lingers—perfect for melting into empanadas.
Recipe: Empanada Ham and Cheese
Servings & time
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Servings: 8 empanadas
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
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2 sheets empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup cooked ham, diced
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1 cup shredded Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 tbsp butter
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Black pepper, to taste
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Optional: ½ tsp paprika or pinch of mustard powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling. Melt butter in a skillet, sauté the onion until soft, then stir in diced ham. Let cool slightly, then mix with shredded cheddar.
2. Assemble empanadas. Roll out dough circles about 5–6 inches wide. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each. Fold dough into half-moons and crimp edges with a fork.
3. Brush and bake. Place empanadas on a parchment-lined sheet, brush tops with egg wash, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Serve. Enjoy warm, with mustard or fresh tomato salsa on the side.
About Our Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar
Our Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar is one of the truly fine aged farmstead cheddars in the United States. It is:
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Aged: 36 months in our cave
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Texture: Smooth, medium-bodied, semi-hard white cheddar
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Flavor: Rich and creamy with a savory sweetness, balanced by a well-rounded sharpness and a lingering true cheddar bite
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Milk type: All-natural raw cow’s milk from the Esh family farm in Nittany Valley, Pennsylvania
This handmade cheddar is pressed into 40-lb blocks, carefully salted, and aged until it reaches its peak flavor. It’s versatile enough for recipes like empanadas, fondues, and casseroles, but also shines on cheeseboards paired with nuts, apples, pears, dried apricots, and crisp wines or ciders.
Why Choose Our Cheese
When you use our cheddar, you’re not just adding flavor—you’re sharing in the story of farms and families who care deeply about the food they make. At Goot Essa, our cheesemaker has spent years refining this recipe, drawing from traditional German-Swiss methods to create a cheddar that is creamy, nutty, and sharp all at once.
Along with our artisan cheeses, we also prepare thoughtful gift baskets for holidays, offer wholesale partnerships for shops and restaurants, and handle custom orders for family events and gatherings.
If you’d like help choosing the right cheese for your table or your next special occasion, we welcome you to give us a call—we’d be glad to talk with you.
Conclusion
This empanada ham and cheese recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The flaky pastry, savory ham, and our carefully aged cheddar come together in a way that feels both comforting and gourmet. Whether you’re making these for your family or setting them out for guests, they’ll carry the taste of patience and tradition in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking?
Yes, fry in hot oil until golden brown. Baking is lighter and easier, but both are delicious.
Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?
Yes, our Der Alpen Cheese offers a smoother melt, while Felsa Yehr adds an earthy complexity.
Can I freeze empanadas?
Definitely. Freeze unbaked empanadas, then bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
What pairs well with these empanadas?
Fresh fruit like pears or apples, tangy mustard, and a crisp cider or dry white wine.
