These are essentially hand-held pies, combining the portable convenience of a savory turnover with the familiar flavors of a classic Italian-American dish. Think of it as pizza, but encased in a flaky or savory dough pocket, baked or fried to a golden brown. Common fillings include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives.
The appeal lies in its portability and customization. It offers a convenient and satisfying meal or snack option, perfect for on-the-go consumption. Furthermore, it presents a creative way to repurpose leftover pizza ingredients or to introduce novel flavor combinations not typically found on a traditional pizza. Its origins are likely a fusion of culinary traditions, combining the empanada’s widespread presence in Latin American cuisine with the globally recognized flavors of pizza.