Empanada Mama’s Thanksgiving Twist: Meet the Limited-Edition Turkey Empanada in NYC
It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. You’ve wrapped up work, dodged midtown traffic, and survival-walked your way through Penn Station crowds. The chill hits your cheeks, the lights flick on, and suddenly your stomach remembers it has needs.
Not a two-hour sit-down. Not leftovers cold enough to double as an ice pack. You want something warm, portable, comforting, and very “NYC holiday hustle.”
Enter: the Turkey Empanada. A seasonal special from Empanada Mama that wraps Thanksgiving flavors into a golden, crisp shell you can eat one-handed while texting your cousins about who’s bringing dessert.
In this blog, we’re going to see what’s inside this limited-edition treasure, what to pair it with, how to order for your office crew or Friendsgiving, and a few tricks to keep every bite hot and happy on the go.
What Is the Limited-Edition Turkey Empanada?
Think of that holiday dinner plate you crave: the tender turkey, the warm savory edges, maybe a whisper of herbiness, and then imagine it tucked into a beautifully crisp pocket that’s ready whenever you are.
That’s the Turkey Empanada.
It’s a festive, limited-time creation that shows up when the leaves turn and disappears just as quickly, so you want to grab it while it’s hot (literally).
We built it for New Yorkers who:
Dash between offices and trains.
Host potlucks without ovens.
Need a pre-flight snack that isn’t a $17 airport pretzel.
If you’re the “I’ll bring something!” friend, it’s your hero move. If you’re the “I’m eating alone at my desk” friend, also your hero move.
Just check the menu for current availability because here at Empanada Mama, seasonal items move fast.
Flavor Notes: Let’s Talk Filling
The star is a savory, tender turkey that has a warm, familiar, holiday-leaning flavor without the need for gravy rivers or nine forks.
That first bite? You get that soft, juicy interior, the kind that stays hot thanks to its pocket-style wrap, and then the flaky golden shell delivers crunch, like the crispy edge of stuffing you fight for at Thanksgiving.
Ingredient details rotate depending on the season and kitchen, so check the live menu for specifics, but the vibe stays the same: holiday comfort without the heaviness.
Sides That Make It a Full Holiday-Mini-Meal
Because sometimes you want more than just a quick bite, you want a plate.
Here’s how to build yours:
Plantains
Maduros: caramel-sweet, dreamy with turkey.
Tostones: crunchy, salty, unstoppable with garlic sauce.
Rice & Beans
A classic anchor of one forkful between crispy bites keeps things balanced and filling.
Citrus-Cabbage Slaw
Bright, fresh, cuts through richness, your palate will thank you.
Mix and match to build your perfect “holiday in a box.”
When & Where To Find It
This seasonal baby isn’t here forever. Hours + availability vary by location, especially during Thanksgiving week when the city gets delightfully chaotic.
So before trekking to your spot, go to Empanada Mama’s page and:
Confirm hours + menu availability.
Order ahead if you’re on a tight schedule.
Planning to pick up on:
Parade day?
Pre-flight pit stop?
After-work rush?
Schedule it. Holiday weeks get busy, and hungry office crews travel in flocks.
Ordering For Groups: Office, Friendsgiving, Game Day
Here’s the cheat-sheet to feed your people without a spreadsheet meltdown:
With sides: 2 empanadas per person.
Without sides: 3 per person.
For mixed groups:
Build in 25-35% veg/vegan options.
Keep sauces on the side.
Label trays so people can grab + go.
Add a small “no-spice” section for heat-sensitive folks.
It’s portable, tidy, and surprisingly elegant. Yes, empanadas can be classy.
Perfect for:
Office potlucks.
Friendsgiving spreads.
Post-parade snacks.
Late-night game-day fuel.
No matter the group or the chaos level, this setup keeps everyone fed, happy, and moving.
Travel, Holding & Reheat: 15 Minutes or Less
Thanksgiving energy doesn’t wait. Neither should your food.
To keep your Turkey Empanadas crisp + dreamy:
Open the packaging as soon as you get home and let them breathe
Move them to a parchment-lined sheet or rack
Air fryer / Oven: 350°F, just a few minutes
Microwave for 20–30 seconds and put it in a pan or air fryer to make it good to go.
Crisp returns. Joy restored.
Serving Ideas: Desk to Dinner Table
Whether you’re the coworker hero or the friend who brings the good stuff, here are a few setups worth copying:
Office Platter
Wire rack on sheet pan
Small ramekins of sauces
Toothpick flags for flavor labels
Friendsgiving Add-On
Turkey Empanadas
Slaw
Cranberry-style chutney
Game-Day Board
Turkey + classic beef/chicken + veg
Plantain chips
Three-sauce bar
Each setup takes minutes to assemble, but looks (and tastes) like you planned ahead.
Dietary Notes
Corn-based crust styles can vary, so always check your local menu for specifics, especially if you’re ordering for dietary needs.
And if someone in your group has allergies or strict restrictions, a quick call or note on pickup never hurts. Sauces on the side keep things flexible for everyone.
How to Make It a Thanksgiving Ritual
New Yorkers love a tradition, especially one they can eat while hustling to the next thing.
Here’s how to make the Turkey Empanada part of your holiday playbook:
Save your favorites for one-tap reorders.
Schedule pickup for the exact minute you head out.
Stock up on sauces (trust us).
Add plantains for unexpected guests.
One less dish to worry about. One more thing to look forward to, so order from Empanada Mama now.
Grab the Seasonal Favorite While It’s Here
Thanksgiving in NYC moves fast; trains, crowds, cousins texting from Laguardia, but something warm + delicious in your hand makes everything better.
This is the holiday classic that doesn’t require plates, timers, or carving skills.
Imagine enjoying that pure, cozy flavor all by yourself. Browse our Empanada Mama Menu and order now because NYC’s holiday season has never tasted so easy.