If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm, flaky empanada and found yourself wondering, “Where did empanadas originate?”, you’re not alone. These beloved hand-held pastries are now a staple across Latin America and beyond—but their roots go back much further than many people think.
Let’s explore the origin of empanadas, how they traveled across the world, and how each region developed its own signature twist, now enjoyed at Empanadas Factory, a Latin restaurant in Jacksonville.
The Origin of Empanadas: Spain’s Influence
The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to coat in bread” or “wrap in dough.”
Empanadas are believed to have originated in Galicia, Spain, around the 12th or 13th century. Early Spanish cookbooks described meat- or seafood-filled dough pockets, often baked and served in large pie-style portions that could be sliced and shared.
These early empanadas were influenced by Middle Eastern and Moorish cuisine, which included similar stuffed pastries such as sambousek and fatayer.
How Empanadas Spread Across Latin America
Spanish colonizers brought the concept of empanadas to the Americas, where they quickly took root in diverse culinary traditions. As the dish spread across the continent, each country and region adapted it using local ingredients, cooking styles, and cultural preferences.
Here’s a look at how empanadas evolved across Latin America:
- Argentina: Baked empanadas with fillings like beef, olives, and hard-boiled egg—regional varieties are celebrated throughout the country.
- Colombia & Venezuela: Fried empanadas made with cornmeal dough, often filled with beef, chicken, or cheese.
- Peru: Slightly sweet dough, usually baked and often dusted with powdered sugar.
- Chile: Empanadas de pino filled with ground beef, onion, raisins, olives, and hard-boiled egg.
- Cuba & Puerto Rico: Typically fried and sometimes filled with tropical ingredients like guava and cheese.
So, Where Did Empanadas Truly Begin?
Empanadas originated in Spain, but they became what we know and love today thanks to their transformation throughout Latin America. From the Andes to the Caribbean, each country shaped the empanada to reflect its own identity.
At Empanadas Factory in Jacksonville, FL, we celebrate this global diversity by offering empanadas inspired by recipes from Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and more. Try them all and taste how a simple concept can take on so many unique, delicious forms.
Want to Taste Empanadas from Around the World?
You don’t need a passport to explore empanadas from different countries—just visit Empanadas Factory or order online to enjoy our international menu.
📍 8060 Phillips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256
📞 (904)-374-8939
View Full Menu