Empanadas in Florida: Spanish Bakery’s Unique Appeal

Spanish Bakery & Café has carved a niche in the heart of St. Augustine, Florida’s historic district. The bakery’s empanadas are unmatched in demand, with trays often selling out as soon as they’re prepared.

Carol Miller, the bakery manager, remarked, “There are times when we’ll sell through three trays within an hour.”

Tourists, social media recommendations, and local fame have contributed to the empanadas’ popularity. However, their history within St. Augustine dates back to the bakery’s inception in 1965 .Spanish Bakery & Café is a viral sensation, especially for these empanadas.

Production involves meticulous craftsmanship. Everything is made by hand, from dough preparation to final assembly. The process originally took up to eight hours to produce 10 trays. Introduction of a rolling machine has streamlined this to four hours, allowing up to 160 empanadas at once.

The location is advantageous, sitting amidst St. Augustine’s historic ambiance. The bakery taps into the city’s Spanish heritage, offering a baked alternative to the traditional fried empanada.

Miller noted, “We are a healthier version since we are baked instead of the traditional fried.” This choice appeals to visitors seeking nutritious options in Florida’s warm climate.

Despite misconceptions about spice levels, the bakery ensures its offerings suit a wide customer base. Spanish Bakery & Café attracts both hype-driven and casual visitors alike.

Among the casual patrons was Alexis Rapchak, a young tourist from Ohio, experiencing the empanadas without prior knowledge of their fame. Her impression was concise: “I really like the dough and the inside; it’s perfect.”

Peter Burke, a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital, emphasizes culinary experiences through his coverage.