A little reason to celebrate
National Empanada Day
Food ยท April 8
A food day for empanadas, the folded, filled pastries baked or fried across Latin America, Spain and the Philippines, and loved in many US kitchens.
National Empanada Day falls on Thursday, April 8, 2027. That is 163 days away.
An empanada is a half moon of dough folded around a filling and sealed shut, then baked or fried until the crust turns golden. The name comes from the Spanish word for wrapping something in bread.
Fillings change from place to place and from cook to cook. Seasoned ground beef with onions is common, and so are chicken, cheese, potatoes, spinach or tuna. Some versions add olives or hard boiled egg. Sweet empanadas exist too, filled with fruit or guava paste. The dough can be flaky and buttery, or made with corn masa for a crisper bite.
The crimped edge is part of the charm. Many cooks fold the rim over itself in a rope pattern, and in some kitchens that pattern quietly signals which filling is inside, which saves a lot of guessing at a crowded table.
In the United States, empanadas turn up at food trucks, bakeries, family gatherings and freezer aisles. They travel well, eat cleanly by hand and are easy to make in big batches, which is why a tray of them tends to empty fast.
Making them at home is mostly patience. Roll the dough, spoon in a filling that is not too wet, fold, press and crimp. A beaten egg brushed on top gives baked ones a shiny finish.
Ways to celebrate
- Try an empanada from a local bakery or food truck.
- Make a small batch at home with leftover fillings.
- Practice a rope crimp on the dough's edge.
- Share a family empanada recipe with a friend.
- Taste a sweet fruit empanada alongside a savory one.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, April 8 |
| 2027 | Thursday, April 8 |
| 2028 | Saturday, April 8 |
| 2029 | Sunday, April 8 |
| 2030 | Monday, April 8 |
Also on April 8
Categories: Food days