For the dough, combine the flour and salt, then add the melted butter or lard. Gradually pour in the water. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Dice the bacon into small pieces. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Also finely chop the parsley.
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain. In the remaining fat, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
Combine the cooled bacon pieces, sautéed onion and garlic with the cream cheese, pepper, and parsley. The consistency should be spreadable but not too runny.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3 mm. Cut out circles with a diameter of 10–12 cm. Place a tablespoon of bacon filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough in half, sealing the edges with a fork or a twisted pattern to prevent them from opening during baking.
Place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little water or egg wash (egg is optional) to give them a nice color.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. The goal is a crispy exterior and a creamy interior.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm. Excellent served with a fresh green salad or a sour cream dip.
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