If you're wanting to serve Spanish cuisine or just easy-to-eat, handheld food at your next special event, you should consider empanadas. Either baked or fried, empanadas are dough turnovers that are filled with a variety of both sweet and savory ingredients. Since they traditionally feature a variety of fillings, empanadas are sure to please everyone on your guest list. 

Empanadas are perfect party food, since guests can enjoy them as they mix and mingle. You can serve them at any type of casual or fancy events, including kids' and adults' birthday parties, holiday celebrations, bridal or baby showers, wedding receptions, corporate get-togethers, and anniversary or graduation soirees. 

It's easy to tailor the empanadas for people with specific food allergies or dietary concerns, since you have so many options from which to choose. For instance, you can provide non-dairy and meat-free empanadas for the vegans and vegetarians in the crowd.

You can either make the empanadas yourself or save time and possibly even money by purchasing them through a wholesale supplier. You'll simply need to heat them up on the day of the event.

Here are some ideas for serving empanadas at a special event:

1. Buffet-Style 

The most convenient way to serve empanadas at a special event is buffet-style. Start by purchasing or making empanadas featuring a variety of different fillings, including savory ground beef and cheese, spicy chicken, shredded pork and even shrimp. Traditional vegetarian filings are spinach and feta, sweet corn and bechamel sauce, peppers, caramelized onions and mozzarella, and black beans and cheddar. 

You can round out the dinner with a selection of sweet empanadas, such as apple cinnamon, pineapple and chocolate. Serve the warmed-up dessert-style empanadas with a scoop of ice cream as a decadent treat.

2. Plated Lunch or Dinner 

Serving empanadas as part of a formal plated lunch or dinner is another option. If the empanadas are hearty, you can serve them as a main course with a variety of sides. Some ideas include tossed salads, soup, sauteed or grilled vegetables, or Spanish rice and beans to keep with themed cuisine. 

Lighter vegetarian empanadas can serve as the side dishes to steak, pork chops, grilled chicken or shrimp, or any other type of protein. They will make a more creative alternative to typical carbs such as rice or potatoes. 

As with the buffet-style dinner, consider serving sweet empanadas for dessert. They also make fun party favors when you box them up to send home with guests. 

Contact a company like Interstate Caterers to learn more.