NEW Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Pastry Discs

Large 14cm x 12 Units

Beautifully golden, wonderfully flaky, and ready for your favourite fillings.

Making delicious homemade Argentine empanadas has never been easier. Our Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Pastry Discs, Large 14cm bring the traditional Argentine art of empanada-making straight to your kitchen, without the time and effort of preparing pastry from scratch.

Known in Argentina as tapas para empanadas de hojaldre, these ready-to-use, circular pastry discs are designed to create delicious oven-baked empanadas with a delicate, layered texture and a beautifully golden, crisp finish.

Unlike traditional Criolla-style empanada dough, hojaldre pastry develops a flakier texture when baked, creating a satisfying contrast between its delicate exterior and the delicious filling inside.

Each pack contains 12 large pastry discs measuring 14cm in diameter, offering plenty of room for generous fillings. Whether you are preparing traditional Argentine beef empanadas, creamy chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, or experimenting with your own combinations, these convenient pastry wrappers make homemade empanadas wonderfully simple.

Perfect for family meals, dinner parties, entertaining friends, or preparing a delicious batch of empanadas for the week.

Why Choose Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Discs?

• Argentine-style hojaldre pastry: Enjoy the delicate, flaky texture traditionally associated with hojaldradas, a popular style of empanada pastry.
• Large 14cm diameter: Generously sized pastry discs, ideal for preparing substantial, satisfying empanadas with your favourite fillings.
• 12 ready-to-use discs: Conveniently pre-cut into uniform circles, saving preparation time and eliminating the need to roll and cut pastry.
• Designed for oven baking: Hojaldre pastry develops a deliciously crisp, golden exterior when baked.
• Sweet or savoury: Suitable for traditional meat and vegetable fillings, cheese combinations and creative sweet pastries.
• Perfect for homemade cooking: Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing and shaping your own empanadas without having to make pastry from scratch.
• Ideal for entertaining: Prepare a mixed selection of flavours for family gatherings, parties, celebrations and informal meals.
• An Argentine kitchen essential: Discover a popular pastry style used to make one of Argentina's most recognisable and much-loved foods.

What Is Hojaldre Empanada Pastry?

In Argentina, the word "tapas" refers to the individual pastry discs used to prepare empanadas. These circular wrappers are filled, folded into a half-moon shape and sealed before cooking.

"Hojaldre" is the Spanish word commonly used for puff pastry or flaky, layered pastry. In the context of Argentine empanadas, the term hojaldradas describes pastry designed to develop delicate layers and a crisp texture during baking.

Hojaldre pastry provides a different eating experience from the more uniform texture of traditional Criolla empanada dough. As the pastry bakes, its layers create a lighter, flakier crust that complements a wide variety of fillings.

This makes hojaldre particularly popular for oven-baked empanadas containing cheese, chicken, spinach, vegetables and other delicious combinations.

Although empanadas can be found throughout Latin America and beyond, Argentina has developed its own distinctive empanada traditions, with different doughs, fillings, seasonings and folding techniques.

From family kitchens to neighbourhood bakeries and traditional rotiserías, empanadas are an important part of everyday Argentine food culture.

Hojaldre vs Criolla Empanada Pastry: What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions when buying Argentine empanada pastry discs in the UK is whether to choose Hojaldre or Criolla.

Both styles are used for preparing Argentine empanadas, but they create noticeably different textures.

Hojaldre – Flaky, Layered Pastry

Hojaldre-style discs produce a more delicate, layered crust that becomes golden and crisp during baking. They are an excellent choice for those who particularly enjoy the texture of puff pastry.

Best suited to: Oven-baked empanadas, creamy fillings, cheese combinations, vegetable empanadas and sweet turnovers.

Criolla – Traditional, More Uniform Pastry

Criolla-style empanada dough has a more consistent, less flaky texture. It is widely used throughout Argentina and is particularly well suited to traditional savoury empanadas.

Depending on the specific product formulation, Criolla discs may be suitable for baking, frying or both.

Best suited to: Traditional Argentine beef, chicken and vegetable empanadas, particularly when you prefer a firmer pastry that holds the filling securely.

Which should you choose? If you enjoy a crispy, flaky pastry exterior, Casa Argentina Hojaldre is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more traditional, uniform empanada crust, consider our Casa Argentina Criolla pastry discs.

Why Does the Large 14cm Size Matter?

The size of an empanada pastry disc influences how much filling it can hold, how easily it can be shaped and the size of the finished empanada.

At 14cm in diameter, these large empanada wrappers provide additional space for generous fillings while leaving sufficient pastry around the edges for sealing.

They are particularly useful when preparing substantial empanadas for lunch or dinner, rather than smaller, bite-sized appetisers.

The larger format also makes them convenient for combining different ingredients, such as seasoned beef with olives and egg, or chicken with vegetables and a creamy sauce.

Each pack contains 12 discs, allowing you to prepare a traditional Argentine docena de empanadas – a dozen empanadas – with one flavour or a selection of your favourites.

How to Prepare Homemade Empanadas with Hojaldre Pastry Discs

Making empanadas is a wonderful cooking activity, and using pre-cut pastry discs makes the process straightforward.

Step 1 – Prepare the Pastry

If frozen, defrost the pastry discs according to the packaging instructions, preferably in the refrigerator, until they are flexible enough to separate and fold without breaking.

Keep the pastry cool while working, as excessively warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to shape.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Favourite Filling

Choose your preferred filling, whether traditional seasoned beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach, sweetcorn or roasted vegetables.

Cook any ingredients that require precooking, particularly meat. Allow cooked fillings to cool completely before assembling your empanadas.

Chef's tip: Avoid excessively wet fillings. A filling that contains too much liquid can soften the pastry and make the empanadas more difficult to seal.

Step 3 – Fill the Pastry Discs

Place one pastry disc on a clean work surface and spoon your chosen filling into the centre.

Leave a clear border around the edge so the pastry can be folded and sealed without the filling escaping.

Avoid overfilling, even with the larger 14cm discs.

Step 4 – Fold and Seal

Fold the pastry over the filling to create the traditional half-moon shape.

Press the edges together carefully, using a very small amount of water if necessary to help them seal.

You can finish the edges with a fork or create a traditional Argentine repulgue, the decorative hand-folded pattern that seals an empanada.

Step 5 – Bake Until Golden

Arrange the empanadas on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, leaving space between each one.

For an attractive golden finish, you can lightly brush the pastry with beaten egg before baking.

As a general starting point for assembled empanadas, bake in a preheated oven at approximately 190–200°C until the pastry is golden, crisp and thoroughly cooked. Cooking time will depend on the oven, filling, empanada size and whether the pastry is chilled or frozen.

Always follow any specific cooking instructions supplied with the product and ensure the filling is thoroughly cooked and piping hot before serving.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy

Allow the freshly baked empanadas to rest for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot.

Enjoy them on their own, with a fresh salad, or alongside traditional Argentine accompaniments such as chimichurri or salsa criolla.

Three Delicious Empanada Filling Ideas

Need some inspiration? These three combinations are particularly well suited to large, oven-baked hojaldre empanadas.

1. Traditional Argentine Beef Empanadas – Empanadas de Carne

A true Argentine classic.

For a batch of approximately 12 large empanadas, prepare a filling using:

• 400g minced or finely diced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• A handful of chopped green olives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gently cook the onion in olive oil until softened. Add the beef and cook thoroughly, then season with paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.

Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before adding the chopped eggs and olives.

Divide the filling between the pastry discs, fold, seal and bake until golden and thoroughly cooked.

Serving suggestion: Enjoy with homemade chimichurri and a fresh tomato salad.

2. Ham & Cheese Empanadas – Jamón y Queso

Simple, comforting and always popular.

Combine approximately 200g diced cooked ham with 250g grated or finely cubed mozzarella or another good melting cheese.

Divide the mixture between the pastry discs, taking care not to overfill. Fold and seal each empanada carefully to help prevent the melting cheese from escaping during baking.

Bake until the pastry is golden and the cheese filling is thoroughly heated.

The flaky hojaldre pastry provides a delicious contrast to the soft, melted cheese inside.

Serving suggestion: Perfect for family lunches, children's parties or a quick meal with a green salad.

3. Spinach & Ricotta Empanadas – Espinaca y Ricota

A delicious vegetable-based favourite.

Prepare a filling using:

• 300g cooked spinach, thoroughly drained
• 250g ricotta cheese
• 50g grated Parmesan or another suitable hard cheese
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Finely chop the cooled, drained spinach and combine it with the ricotta, grated cheese and seasonings.

Place the mixture in the centre of each pastry disc, fold and seal before baking until golden and thoroughly cooked.

Chef's tip: Remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach before mixing. This helps maintain the pastry's delicate, flaky texture.

Serving suggestion: Delicious with roasted tomatoes, a fresh salad or a spoonful of salsa criolla.

The Art of the Repulgue – An Argentine Tradition

One of the most recognisable features of an Argentine empanada is its repulgue, the decorative folded edge used to seal the pastry around the filling.

In Argentina, making empanadas is often a shared family activity. While one person prepares the filling, others assemble the pastry and fold the edges.

Every household seems to have its own preferred technique, and some families pass down their particular style of repulgue through generations.

The fold is not simply decorative. Its main purpose is to keep the empanada securely closed during cooking, helping retain the delicious filling inside.

Different folding patterns may also be used to distinguish between fillings, especially when preparing several varieties for the same meal.

With Casa Argentina's large 14cm pastry discs, you have plenty of room to practise this traditional technique.

And don't worry if your first few repulgues aren't perfect. Some of the best homemade empanadas have wonderfully individual shapes!

More Ways to Enjoy Hojaldre Pastry Discs

Although created for empanadas, these convenient circular pastry wrappers can also be used for a variety of other homemade pastries.

• Sweet apple turnovers: Fill with lightly cooked apple, cinnamon and a little sugar.
• Cheese and caramelised onion pastries: Combine caramelised onions with your favourite melting cheese.
• Chicken and mushroom parcels: Use cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms and a thick, creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean-style pastries: Combine roasted peppers, olives, cheese and herbs.
• Sweet quince pastries: Use Argentine dulce de membrillo for a delicious sweet filling.

Whatever filling you choose, avoid excessive moisture, seal the edges carefully and ensure the pastry and filling are properly cooked.

Product Information

• Brand: Casa Argentina
• Product: Hojaldre Empanada Pastry Discs
• Spanish name: Tapas para Empanadas de Hojaldre
• Pastry style: Hojaldre – flaky, puff-style pastry
• Size: Large
• Diameter: 14cm per disc
• Pack size: 12 individual pastry discs
• Recommended cooking method: Oven baking
• Suitable applications: Homemade Argentine-style empanadas, savoury pastries and sweet turnovers

Storage and Handling

Follow the storage and defrosting instructions printed on the product packaging.

If supplied frozen, keep the pastry frozen until required and defrost safely before handling. Keep the pastry covered during preparation to prevent it from drying out.

For the best results, work with cool pastry and cooled fillings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding storage after defrosting and whether refreezing is permitted.

Why Buy Empanada Pastry Discs from Casa Argentina?

At Casa Argentina, we believe that great food is about much more than ingredients. It's about sharing experiences, family traditions and the pleasure of bringing people together around the table.

With decades of experience in Argentine food, we specialise in bringing products, ingredients and flavours associated with Argentina to customers throughout the United Kingdom.

Our range includes traditional empanada pastry discs, ready-made Argentine-style empanadas, Argentine beef, cheeses, seasonings, dulce de leche and many other ingredients used in Argentine kitchens.

Whether you grew up enjoying empanadas in Argentina or you're discovering them for the first time, our aim is to make it easier for you to prepare and enjoy the food you love.

From our Casa Argentina family to yours – enjoy making your own empanadas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hojaldre Empanada Discs

1. What are Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Discs?

Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Discs are pre-cut, circular pastry wrappers designed for making Argentine-style empanadas at home. Each pack contains 12 large discs measuring 14cm in diameter. Hojaldre is a flaky, layered style of pastry particularly suited to oven-baked empanadas, savoury turnovers and sweet pastries.

2. What is the difference between hojaldre and regular empanada dough?

Hojaldre is a layered, puff-style pastry that develops a light, flaky texture when baked. Traditional Criolla empanada dough has a more uniform structure and generally produces a firmer crust. Both styles are used for Argentine empanadas, but hojaldre is particularly suitable for customers who enjoy crispy, layered pastry.

3. Are these empanada pastry discs suitable for baking or frying?

Casa Argentina Hojaldre pastry discs are recommended for oven baking, where their flaky layers can develop a golden, crisp finish. For deep-fried empanadas, choose a pastry specifically labelled as suitable for frying. Always follow the cooking recommendations on the product packaging.

4. How big are Casa Argentina Large Empanada Discs?

Each pastry disc measures 14cm in diameter. This large size provides room for generous fillings and is particularly useful for substantial homemade empanadas. The pack contains 12 individual pastry discs, enough to prepare one dozen empanadas.

5. Do I need to roll out the pastry before making empanadas?

No. These empanada wrappers are already cut into circular discs, so there is no need to prepare dough from scratch or cut individual pastry circles. Once ready to handle, simply add your favourite filling, fold the pastry in half, seal the edges and bake according to the cooking guidance.

6. What fillings work best with hojaldre empanada pastry?

Hojaldre works particularly well with seasoned beef, chicken, ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, sweetcorn, roasted vegetables and other savoury combinations. You can also use it for sweet fillings such as apple and cinnamon or Argentine dulce de membrillo. For the best results, use cool fillings without excessive moisture.

7. Can I make sweet empanadas with these pastry discs?

Yes. Although empanadas are often associated with savoury fillings, hojaldre pastry is also suitable for sweet turnovers. Popular combinations include apples with cinnamon, quince paste and other thick fruit fillings. Make sure the filling isn't too liquid, seal the edges securely and bake until the pastry is golden and cooked through.

8. What is a repulgue?

A repulgue is the traditional Argentine technique of folding and crimping the edge of an empanada to seal the filling inside. It creates the distinctive patterned border seen on many Argentine empanadas. Different folding styles are sometimes used to identify different fillings. Beginners can also seal their empanadas using a fork.

9. How should I store empanada pastry discs?

Store the pastry according to the instructions on its packaging. If purchased frozen, keep it frozen until required and follow the recommended defrosting procedure. Once the pastry is ready to use, keep it cool and covered while assembling your empanadas to help prevent drying and sticking.

10. Where can I buy large Argentine-style empanada pastry discs in the UK?

You can buy Casa Argentina Hojaldre Large 14cm Empanada Pastry Discs online at Casa Argentina, a UK specialist in Argentine food and ingredients. Each pack includes 12 pre-cut pastry discs, making it easy to prepare traditional Argentine-style empanadas in your own kitchen.

Bring the Tradition of Argentine Empanadas Home

From classic beef empanadas to delicious cheese, chicken and vegetable fillings, there are countless ways to enjoy the wonderful Argentine tradition of homemade empanadas.

With Casa Argentina Hojaldre Large 14cm Pastry Discs, the pastry is already prepared, leaving you free to focus on the best part: choosing your fillings, folding your empanadas and sharing them with the people you love.

12 large pastry discs. Your favourite fillings. A delicious taste of Argentina.

Order your Casa Argentina Hojaldre Empanada Pastry Discs online and enjoy making your own homemade empanadas.