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Turkey Empanadas

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These golden turkey empanadas offer a clever and delicious way to transform leftovers from a Sunday roast or festive feast into a satisfying high-protein meal. By combining succulent white and dark turkey meat with savoury gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and herby stuffing, these pasties capture all the flavours of a traditional dinner in a portable, flaky puff pastry parcel. They are perfect for those looking for a comforting yet substantial lunch that minimises food waste while maximising taste.

Ideal for a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe is straightforward to assemble and provides a wonderful balance of textures. The crisp, buttery pastry contrasts beautifully with the moist, savoury filling, while a side of tangy cranberry sauce provides the perfect touch of sweetness. Serve them warm from the oven for a homemade treat that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Turkey Empanadas

  • 300g diced cooked turkey (white and dark meat)

  • 120ml chilled gravy

  • 1 1/2 17.90g packages frozen puff pastry (3 sheets), thawed

  • 150g mashed potatoes, divided

  • 240ml stuffing, divided

  • 1 egg white, beaten to blend with 1 teaspoon cold water (for glaze)

  • Cranberry sauce

How to make Turkey Empanadas

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Mix turkey with chilled gravy in small bowl. Roll out 3 pastry sheets to 12-inch long rectangles on floured work surface. Cut out 2 six-inch rounds from each pastry sheet, using small plate as guide (6 rounds total). Place each round on one 8- to 9-inch parchment square.

Spoon 2 1/2 tablespoons mashed potatoes onto half of each pastry round; press lightly to flatten, leaving 1/2-inch border. Top with 2 to 45ml stuffing, then about 80ml turkey mixture.

Brush glaze around filling on 1 pastry half. Fold plain pastry half over filling, stretching dough to cover. Seal edges with fork tines. Repeat to form 5 more empanadas. Transfer empanadas (still on parchment squares) to 2 rimmed baking sheets (3 on each sheet), spacing 2 inches apart. Chill empanadas 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Press edges of empanadas again with fork tines. Brush empanadas with egg-white glaze and cut small slits in top to allow steam to escape. Bake empanadas 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 177°C and bake empanadas until puffed and golden, 25 to 35 minutes longer. Serve empanadas, passing cranberry sauce alongside

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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