• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Delicious Table ® logo

  • All Recipes
  • Holiday Recipes
    • July 4th Recipes, Memorial, & Labor Day Ideas
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve and Day
    • Superbowl Party & Game Day Food
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother's Day Recipes
  • Party Food
    • Cookout
    • Grill, BBQ, and Smoke Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Game Day Football Food
    • Appetizers & Snacks
  • Shop Kitchen Collection
  • About
    • Lisa Hatfield’s Bio
    • Work With Lisa
    • Press
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPE GUIDE
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT LISA
  • SHOP AMAZON
  • HOLIDAY RECIPES
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPE GUIDE
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • ABOUT LISA
    • SHOP AMAZON
    • HOLIDAY RECIPES
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving

    Empanadas ~ Turkey Leftover Recipe

    Published: November 22, 2020 | Last Updated: December 26, 2022 | Lisa 3 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links.

    9.3K shares
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Last Updated December 26th, 2022 at 01:29 pm by Lisa

    A recipe ad for empanadas showing how to make an empanada with a press using pie crust.Pin

    Grab a box of pie crust from the store, and make some empanadas with your holiday leftovers. You can use up roast turkey, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, stuffing, and more!

    Empanadas are also known as hand pies in America and are super easy, delicious, and freeze beautifully. Cute pie crust cutouts on top are optional but super fun. Empanadas are worldwide comfort food for a good reason...

    Golden brown baked empanadas decorated with pie crust leaves on a Fall tray.Pin

    You Will Love This Turkey Leftover Recipe!

    • Empanadas (hand pies) are easy to make. After the big day, simply fill the empanadas, fold them, and bake.
    • This Thanksgiving leftovers recipe is versatile. Want a savory empanada? A sweet empanada? A savory-and-sweet empanada? You can do all three... there are no empanada rules.
    • Mix n' match your leftovers as you like, and try combinations.
    • These will take care of your Thanksgiving leftovers.
    • You can dress them up with cute pastry leaf cut-outs.
    • They're freezable, making them perfect for meal prep.
    • You can also freeze these in airtight containers, and then bake for fast weeknight dinner meals or lunches.
    • Imagine digging into the flavors of Thanksgiving in January!
    Pin

    What Leftovers Can I Use?

    PRO TIP: You can fit about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per 6 " round pie crust circle. Be careful to not overfill or the edges are hard to seal closed. Have fun mixing savory and sweet.

    • 1 tablespoon turkey or ham - cut into 1 " pieces
    • 1 tablespoon dressing
    • 1 tablespoon mashed potatoes
    • 1 tablespoon sweet potato casserole
    • 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
    • 1 tablespoon roasted veggies
    • 1 tablespoon gravy

    Do I Need An Empanada Press?

    You really don't need an empanada press, but it does the job really fast and they are inexpensive.

    PRO TIP: If making your empanadas by hand, simply cut the pie dough into a 6-inch circle, place your filling, fold over the pie crust over your filling, and use a fork to seal the edges closed. 

    • 2 whole pie crusts
    • 3 tablespoons melted butter
    Pin

    How to Make Leftover Empanadas...

    Ready to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let's get started!

    Delicious Table logo
    Join Our List

    And receive a free Cookout Party Planner as our thank you!

    Step 1: On a floured board, roll out pie dough a little thinner than the average crust.

    Step 2: Cut dough into 6" circles: use the other side of the empanada cutter or a small upside-down bowl to cut the dough into circles.

    PRO TIP: The pie crusts will make 6 empanadas.

    Step 3: Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling (use my suggested filling or create your own based on your Thanksgiving leftovers) on one side of the pie dough.

    PRO TIP: Do not overfill your hand pies. If they are overfilled, the press won't close and seal.

    Step 4: Close the empanada maker, and seal the edges. Or, fold the dough in half with filling, and press the edges closed with the tips of a fork.

    Pin

    Pie Crust Leaf Decorations...

    Using small scraps of pie crust you can cut out small leaves and place them on top of each empanada. It just takes seconds but makes them so stunning...

    Pin

    Step 5: Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: Cut out leaf pie crust decorations, place them on top of empanadas.

    Step 6: Brush with melted butter.

    Step 7: Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes pie crust until edges are golden brown and baked.

    Pin
    What are Empanadas?


    Empanadas are small folded pastries with a filling and are either baked or fried. They look like a turnover or a small hand pie and are common in Southern European, Latin American, and the Philippines cultures. Their name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, and translates as "enbreaded", meaning wrapped or coated in bread.


    Almost all cultures and countries around the world have some version of a pastry or dough with sweet or savory fillings. Some of these you will know as dumplings, pierogis, samosas, turnovers, British or Cornish pasties, Brazilian pastel, Cuban pastelitos, bolanis, pastechis, and empanadillas.

    What Are Empanadas Filled With?


    They are made by folding dough over a filling and can be savory made from meat, cheese, tomato, cheese, corn, chiles, or other ingredients. They can also be a sweet dessert, and made from fruit, chocolate, sweet preserves, sugar, cinnamon, etc.

    Pin

    What are Hand Pies?

    A hand pie is simply the Southern U.S. term for an empanada. A hand pie is a piece of dough that is filled with a savory (savory hand pie) or sweet (sweet hand pie) filling and folded over and sealed shut... in other words, an empanada!

    What Else Can You Make With Turkey Leftovers?

    • Casseroles
    • Sandwiches
    • Chilis or Soups
    • Frittatas
    • Shepherd's Pies
    • Pot Pies

    Another Turkey Leftover Recipe

    And if you have a lot of leftovers, this Shepherd's Pie Casserole is so easy and delicious...

    Turkey Leftover Recipe: Shepherd's Pie
    A leftover turkey recipe for shepherd's pie to use turkey leftovers, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more from Thanksgiving dinner.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    A white dish filled with golden bubbly turkey shepherd's pie baked and ready to eat.Pin
    Golden brown baked empanadas decorated with pie crust leaves on a Fall tray.Pin
    Print Pin Recipe

    Empanadas - Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe

    Empanadas made with Thanksgiving leftovers: Use Thanksgiving leftover turkey, ham, mashed potatoes or stuffing, gravy etc baked into homemade or store-bought pie crust. Freeze empanadas for easy weeknight meals!
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 82kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Empanada Press
    Leaf Cookie Cutters For Thanksgiving

    Ingredients

    • 2 pie crusts
    • 3 tablespoons melted butter

    Thanksgiving Leftover Filling Ideas:

    • 1 tablespoon turkey or ham - cut into 1 " pieces
    • 1 tablespoon dressing
    • 1 tablespoon mashed potatoes
    • 1 tablespoon sweet potatoes
    • 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
    • 1 tablespoon roast veggies
    • 1 tablespoon gravy
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • On a floured board, roll out pie dough thinner than the average crust.
    • Cut dough into 6" circles: use the other side of empanada cutter or a small upside down bowl to cut the dough into circles.
    • One pie crusts will make 6 empanadas.
    • Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on one side of the pie dough. If they are overfilled, the press won't close and seal.
    • Close the empanada maker, and seal the edges. Or, fold dough in half with filling, and press the edges closed with the tips of a fork.
    • Place empanadas on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Brush with melted butter.
    • Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes pie crust until edges are golden brown and baked.

    Notes

    empanada press:

    You don't NEED an empanada press, but it does the job really fast and they are inexpensive. If making your empanadas by hand, simply fold over the pie crust over your filling, and use a fork to seal the edges. 
    TIP: Do not overfill your savory hand pies, if they are overfilled, the press won't close and seal.

    pie crusts:

    One pie crust will make 6 empanadas.

    leaf decorations:

    Use your extra pie crust to make pretty leaf decorations.

    freezable:

    Empanadas are freezable, making them perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze these in airtight containers, and then bake for fast weeknight dinner meals or lunches. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let's see it on Instagram! Follow us @Delicious.Table and tag us on your recipe photo with #delicioustable
    Need ingredients or equipment to make this recipe? Shop Now Every cooking product recommended I own, use, and love how they perform in my kitchen. Happy Cooking! Lisa
    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Delicious Table earns advertising fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stefanie says

      November 25, 2018 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      The best ever! Make them every year.... all sorts of ways. Turkey, ham, and all leftovers. Best part of the holidays!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        November 25, 2018 at 10:36 am

        I do love a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, but empanadas are awesome! I always freeze a couple too...thanks so much for stopping by and rating the recipe with a great comment. Wishing you the very best this holiday season!

        Reply
    2. Helen says

      March 09, 2018 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      My family and I do several turkey dinners each year, not just on holidays. I ran across this recipe recently and it is just a unique leftover idea! It is usch a simple idea and it was honestly better than our original turkey dinner! My family loved these and we will be making them again and having fun with the different combos.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    MEET LISA

    Hey Everyone! Let's throw a party in my Southern California kitchen. My favorite things include delicious food, travel adventures, and relaxing days by the pool. ♥

    Find out more →

    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    MOST POPULAR RECIPES

    • A rustic table with small bowls filled with toppings for a fall appetizer crostini bar.
      Fall Crostini Bar
    • Apple Crisp in a red bowl with a silver spoon, ice cream, and drizzled with caramel sauce.
      Apple Crisp
    • A white platter filled with crispy chicken wings and one dipping into buffalo sauce.
      Crispy Chicken Wings
    • A square collage of colorful grilled food, side dishes, desserts, and drink recipes to serve at an outdoor bbq cookout.
      75+ Cookout Recipes & BBQ Party Ideas
    • A white casserole dish with oven roasted pulled pork shredded and ready to eat in tacos or a recipe for dinner.
      Oven Roasted Pulled Pork
    • Tea sandwiches stacked on a 3 tiered glass tray at a tea party with assorted fillings and flavors.
      Tea Sandwiches

    ALL READER FAVES ►

    FALL & HALLOWEEN PARTY RECIPES

    • A ceramic dish full of golden brown roast pumpkin seeds.
      Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    • A glass mug filled with Pumpkin Spice Latte with whip cream and sprinkles.
      Pumpkin Spice Latte
    • A large glass jar filled with a Fall Snack Mix with candy corn and M&Ms with a small bowl of it nearby.
      Fall Snack Mix
    • A Halloween gingerbread house decorated with royal icing and candy in orange, black, and white candy with a ghost opening the front door.
      Halloween Gingerbread House
    • A Halloween candy board on a black tray loaded with cute candy for a party including pumpkins, licorice, mints, lollipops and gummy candy.
      Halloween Candy Board
    • A black platter filled with Halloween deviled eggs sprinkled with black sesame seeds.
      Halloween Deviled Eggs
    • A large Halloween Charcuterie cheeseboard loaded with stacks of crackers, cut and sliced meats, nuts, and Halloween candy for a Halloween party.
      Halloween Charcuterie Board
    • A Halloween party with candy corn martinis and a small black dish of candy corn nearby.
      Candy Corn Martinis
    • Two Halloween black drinks make with black vodka garnished with 3 red maraschino cherries and a black spider.
      Halloween Black Widow Martinis

    Footer

    Most Popular "Reader Favorite" Recipes

    A rustic table with small bowls filled with toppings for a fall appetizer crostini bar.

    Fall Crostini Bar

    Apple Crisp in a red bowl with a silver spoon, ice cream, and drizzled with caramel sauce.

    Apple Crisp

    A white platter filled with crispy chicken wings and one dipping into buffalo sauce.

    Crispy Chicken Wings

    A square collage of colorful grilled food, side dishes, desserts, and drink recipes to serve at an outdoor bbq cookout.

    75+ Cookout Recipes & BBQ Party Ideas

    A white casserole dish with oven roasted pulled pork shredded and ready to eat in tacos or a recipe for dinner.

    Oven Roasted Pulled Pork

    Tea sandwiches stacked on a 3 tiered glass tray at a tea party with assorted fillings and flavors.

    Tea Sandwiches

    A white casserole dish filled with mashed potatoes and squares of melted butter on top.

    Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    A football shaped cheese ball coated with crumbled bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese and white cheese to look like laces on the football surrounded by crackers on a platter.

    75+ Football Food Recipes

    A collection of Thanksgiving appetizers with recipe ideas, and party decorating tips for a Fall party.

    36 Thanksgiving Appetizers

    Three glasses of Aperol Spritz on a table with appetizers at a Fall party.

    Autumn Aperol Spritz

    Dozens of pictures of 200 Halloween recipes including adult drinks, appetizers, treats, snacks, desserts for kids and families all with a Halloween theme.

    200+ Best Halloween Recipes

    A full platter of Halloween salty snacks and candy decorated with candy eyeballs for an easy last minute Halloween Party Idea.

    Easy Halloween Snacks

    A large jar filled with apple pie filling with a lid and bow.

    Apple Pie Recipe Filling

    A wood bowl with green avocado salsa taco sauce and blue corn tortilla chips on the table.

    Avocado Salsa

    A large glass clamp jar filled with pickled eggs, fresh jalapeno slices, and spices.

    Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

    Showing how to remove seeds from roasted Hatch Chiles to use them in recipes.

    Hatch Chiles (80+ Recipes)

    A person pulling a dill pickle chip out of a clear glass canning jar of homemade pickles.

    Refrigerator Dill Pickles

    A large pork loin roast with a lot of dry rub seasoning pouring over the top.

    The Best BBQ Dry Rub

    Mexican pickled red onions in a clamp jar and white bowl with chiles and limes on a colorful striped cloth.

    Mexican Pickled Red Onions

    A white ceramic dog dish that says woof filled with homemade dog food.

    Homemade Dog Food Recipe

    A white plate filled with heart shaped lobster ravioli garnished with parsley.

    Lobster Ravioli

    Three golden crispy edged hash browns baked in a muffin tin on cutting board.

    Oven Baked Hash Browns

    A red bowl with fluffy vanilla frosting ready to frost a cake.

    Fluffy Buttercream Frosting

    A large white spoon scooping a serving of cowboy baked beans out of a casserole dish.

    Cowboy Beans

    More Delicious Recipes

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    As an Amazon Associate and Affiliate Marketer, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a product affiliate link on Delicious Table and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you, ever!  I own every cooking product I recommend and love how they perform. Happy Cooking! Lisa XO

    PLEASE FOLLOW US!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Reader Faves!

    A rustic table with small bowls filled with toppings for a fall appetizer crostini bar.

    Fall Crostini Bar

    Apple Crisp in a red bowl with a silver spoon, ice cream, and drizzled with caramel sauce.

    Apple Crisp

    A white platter filled with crispy chicken wings and one dipping into buffalo sauce.

    Crispy Chicken Wings

    Copyright © 2023 ♥︎ Delicious Table ® ♥︎ Privacy policy ♥︎ Accessibility Statement