There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky empanada and hitting that perfect balance of salty ham and melted cheese. It’s simple food, yes—but when done right, it’s unforgettable. I still remember standing at a small counter in Buenos Aires, watching a baker pull trays of golden empanadas from the oven. One bite, and I understood why locals treat them like a daily ritual.
If you’re searching for the Best Empanada de Jamón y Queso Near Me, you’re probably craving something comforting, quick, and genuinely delicious. The good news? This dish has travelled far beyond Argentina and Spain, and incredible versions now exist across the world.
This guide will help you find, taste, and even make Empanada de Jamón y Queso better than ever.
World’s Best Restaurants for Empanada de Jamón y Queso
El Sanjuanino
In the heart of Recoleta, this iconic spot is known for its traditional Argentine empanadas. Their ham and cheese version is baked to perfection—crispy edges, soft centre, and just the right saltiness. Locals swear by it, and after trying it myself, I get why.
La Cocina
A community-driven food hub that showcases Latin American cuisine. Their empanadas lean slightly modern, with high-quality cheeses and artisanal dough. It’s not traditional in the strictest sense—but it works beautifully.
Café San Juan
Chef-driven and slightly upscale, this place elevates humble empanadas into something refined. Expect richer fillings, premium ham, and a buttery crust that almost melts in your mouth.
Pabellón Criollo
Spain’s take on empanadas tends to be larger and more pie-like, but this restaurant offers smaller, Argentine-style versions too. Their jamón y queso filling uses Iberian ham—adding a deeper, nutty flavour.
El Gaucho
Known primarily for steaks, but their empanadas are a hidden gem. A surprising find in Asia, with excellent pastry work and generous fillings.
La Empanada House
A go-to for Latin American expats. Their empanadas are authentic, hearty, and baked fresh daily. The ham and cheese option is one of their bestsellers.
Food lovers who’ve tried both traditional and modern versions agree that the magic lies in balance—too much cheese overwhelms, too little ham feels empty.
Best Restaurants in USA for Empanada de Jamón y Queso
Empanada Mama
Open late and always buzzing, this NYC favourite delivers consistently great empanadas. Their jamón y queso version is creamy, slightly smoky, and perfectly sealed in a golden crust.
Tip: Visit late evening—fresh batches come out and the vibe is unbeatable.
Venga Empanadas
A modern twist on Latin classics. Their dough is slightly thicker, giving a more satisfying bite. The filling is rich but balanced.
Tip: Order a mix box—you’ll want to compare flavours.
Puerto La Boca
Authentic Argentine flavours in a relaxed setting. Their empanadas taste like they came straight from Buenos Aires.
Tip: Pair with a glass of Malbec for the full experience.
Lola’s Argentinean Restaurant
A hidden gem. Their empanadas are handmade and slightly rustic, which adds charm.
Tip: Go for lunch—less crowded and quicker service.
In my experience, the best spots in the US are often family-run places where recipes haven’t changed in decades.
Best Places in UK for Empanada de Jamón y Queso
Argentinian Grill
A solid choice for authentic flavours. Their empanadas are baked fresh and rated highly on Google (4.5+). The cheese blend is especially creamy.
Buen Ayre
One of London’s most respected Argentine restaurants. Their empanadas are small but packed with flavour.
TripAdvisor ratings consistently sit around 4.5 stars.
Chango Empanadas
Casual, affordable, and surprisingly authentic. Their jamón y queso is a crowd favourite.
Google rating: around 4.6.
Casa Argentina
A cosy spot offering traditional recipes. Their empanadas feel homemade in the best way.
How to find the best near you in the UK:
Search “Empanada de Jamón y Queso near me” on Google Maps, then:
- Filter by 4.5+ ratings
- Check recent photos (not just reviews)
- Look for places with Spanish or Argentine staff—often a good authenticity signal
What is Empanada de Jamón y Queso & Ingredients
At its core, Empanada de Jamón y Queso is a stuffed pastry filled with ham and cheese, folded into a half-moon shape and baked or fried. It’s hugely popular across Argentina, Spain, and much of Latin America.
Historically, empanadas date back to Spain, but Argentina truly made them iconic—each region adding its own twist.
Main Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (for dough)
- Butter or lard
- Ham (preferably cured or smoked)
- Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or a blend)
- Milk or water
- Egg (for brushing)
What makes a great one?
- Flaky, not dry dough
- Melted cheese that stretches—not clumps
- Balanced saltiness from the ham
A bad version? Usually soggy, overly greasy, or stuffed with low-quality cheese that doesn’t melt properly.
How to Make Empanada de Jamón y Queso at Home — Step by Step
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8–10 empanadas
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix flour, a pinch of salt, and cold butter. Rub until crumbly, then add water gradually to form a soft dough.
Tip: Don’t overwork it—this keeps it flaky.
2. Let it Rest
Wrap the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
3. Prepare the Filling
Chop ham into small pieces and mix with shredded cheese.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for better melt and flavour.
4. Roll and Cut
Roll dough thin (about 3mm). Cut into circles using a bowl or cutter.
5. Fill and Fold
Add filling to the centre, fold over, and press edges. Crimp with a fork or twist for a traditional look.
6. Brush with Egg
This gives that beautiful golden finish.
7. Bake
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Common Mistakes:
- Overfilling → causes leaks
- Wet filling → makes dough soggy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with:
- Chimichurri sauce
- A fresh salad
- Or even just on their own—they’re that good
FAQ Section
What is the difference between Spanish and Argentine empanadas?
Spanish versions are often larger and pie-like, while Argentine ones are smaller, individually portioned, and more diverse in fillings.
Can I freeze empanada de jamón y queso?
Yes. Freeze them uncooked, then bake straight from frozen. Just add 5–7 extra minutes.
Where can I find the Best Empanada de Jamón y Queso Near Me?
Use Google Maps and filter by high ratings. Look for Latin American or Argentine restaurants for authentic versions.
What cheese works best for empanadas?
Mozzarella is ideal for melt, but mixing it with cheddar or provolone adds more flavour.
Are empanadas baked or fried?
Both exist. Baked versions are lighter and more common for ham and cheese fillings.
How do I keep empanadas crispy after baking?
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate—this prevents steam from softening the crust.
Conclusion
The beauty of Empanada de Jamón y Queso lies in its simplicity—just a few ingredients, but endless comfort. Whether you’re grabbing one from a street-side bakery or baking your own at home, the experience is always rewarding.
If you’ve been searching for the Best Empanada de Jamón y Queso Near Me, now you know exactly where to look—and what to expect when you find it.
Go on. Take that first bite. You might just discover your new favourite comfort food.
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