Delicious Cheese Empadão Dough Recipe – Easy & Quick

Learn how to prepare a delicious empadão dough with cheese, perfect for any occasion. This empadão dough recipe is easy to make and will impress everyone. A homemade empadão dough makes all the difference!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’S Tips

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 150g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor in the empadão dough)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingertips, incorporate the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the egg and ice water, mixing until the empadão dough starts to come together.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and work it quickly until it forms a homogeneous dough.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. After chilling, roll out the empadão dough and use it to line your empadão dish.
8. Fill the empadão dough as desired and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.

Tips and Variations

• For a crispier dough, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the recipe.
• Vary the cheese: use meia cura, provolone, or gouda cheese for a different flavor in your empadão dough.
• Add dried fine herbs to the dough for a special touch.
• Try using the same dough to make mini empadas.

CHEF’S Tips

The key to a perfect empadão dough lies in the temperature of the ingredients and quick handling. The butter must be very cold so that, when mixed with the flour, it creates a crumbly texture that will result in a light and crispy dough after baking. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can develop the gluten and make it tough. Ice water helps keep the butter cold during the mixing process. Chilling the dough in the refrigerator is crucial to relax the gluten and make it easier to handle when rolling out. When rolling out the dough, do so on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin, pressing from the center to the edges, rotating the dough to ensure uniform thickness. Pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the filling can prevent it from becoming soggy. Use your creativity with the filling, combining shredded chicken with cream cheese, hearts of palm with olives, or even sautéed vegetables. For an impeccable presentation, brush the surface of the dough with beaten egg yolk before baking, which will ensure a uniform and appetizing golden color. Enjoy every step and customize the empadão dough recipe according to your preferences!