You’re probably on the wrong food blog if you do not know what an empanada is. But, with the thought that I can turn you onto them, an empanada is a stuffed pastry popular in Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino cuisines.
These tasty fellas contain a filling enclosed in dough, typically folded or crimped to seal the edges. The filling can include ingredients like beef, chicken, pork, cheese, and vegetables.
Empanadas can be baked or fried, resulting in a crispy or flaky outer crust, depending on the cooking method. They’re mostly served as appetizers or snacks.
There are also sister foods like a Jamaican Patty or a hand pie in the Southern United States. Hey, I’m a fan of all of them!
Their versatility and portability have made empanadas one of the most convenient foods to eat when you’re on the go. I’ve never said no to an empanada for the ride home.
Now, that you’re well-versed in everything empanada, is there anything left to discuss other than who makes the best empanadas in Miami? I thought so too!
Best Empanadas in Miami
Apocalypse BBQ
I’m a brisket kind of guy, so when you wrap some up with cheese and deep fry, only good can from it. The empanadas are so good that they will almost make me skip out on the brisket at Apocalypse BBQ, but then I come to my senses. There’s no need for that kinda of talk on here.
Apocalypse BBQ
9980 SW 104th Street
Miami, FL
Breadman Bakery
If you wanna talk about an empanada that I lose my mind over, it’s the ham & cheese from Breadman. Those chunked ham pieces with that nutty Swiss cheese are a pair made in deep-fried heaven.
Breadman Bakery
5804 W 20th Avenue
Hialeah, FL
(305) 273-2362
Empanada Harry’s
The Chipotle Chicken Empanada from Empanada Harry’s is peerless. We’re talking shredded chicken baked in a beautiful, flavorful vessel. Eat one there and take one for the ride home, trust me.
Empanada Harry’s
4009 SW 152nd Avenue
Miami, FL
(786) 313-3888
Graziano’s
Graziano’s has many empanadas, but the spicy beef is my go-to. There’s just something about that well-seasoned beef with a bite that hooks me every time.
Graziano’s
9227 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 225-0008
La Camaronera
If you told me twenty years ago that I’d enjoy a shrimp empanada, I would have called you a liar. Yet here we are, and I love this hot pocket of La Camaronera shrimpy tastiness.
La Camaronera
1952 W Flagler Street
Miami, FL
(305) 642-3322
Mendez Fuel
Before you say anything, Mendez Fuel isn’t your regular gas station, and their beef empanada isn’t your typical empanada. It could be the largest one served in town, luckily it’s also one of the best.
Mendel Fuel
3201 Coral Way
Miami, FL
(305) 443-2976
Pollo Campero
I didn’t have high hopes for the empanada from Pollo Campero, but I was wrong. This fella is filled with freshly pulled chicken, roasted corn, peppers, onion, and Monterey Jack cheese. Do you know why it sounds good? Cause it is good.
Pollo Campero
2800 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL
(833) 226-7376
Sergio’s
Sergio’s began its life in Westchester, my hometown, so I’m very familiar with their food. The empanada selection includes beef, beef + sweet plantain, ham + cheese, chicken, spinach + ricotta, ropa vieja, vaca frita, and chorizo. It’s tough to pick one, so I don’t; I buy one of each, but I’m partial to the chorizo.
Sergio’s
9330 SW 40th Street
Miami, FL
(305) 552-9626
No love for Don Domingo?! lol
Grazianos has them on variety but I think Don Domingos r superior Argentina style empanada’s. But they’re both fire! Cheers!