Delia's Kitchen: Where to Find Handmade Empanadas in South Carolina

What Delia's Kitchen offers

Delia's Kitchen is a small-batch empanada maker operating in South Carolina, known for handcrafted fillings and made-to-order production. The business focuses on traditional recipes and fresh ingredients rather than mass production, which means you're ordering from someone who treats each empanada as a finished dish, not a commodity.

The operation runs primarily through direct orders and local pop-ups rather than a permanent storefront. This model lets Delia control quality and respond to what her customers actually want in a given week, whether that's beef, chicken, cheese, or seasonal vegetables. You won't find frozen inventory sitting in a case; instead, you place an order and receive empanadas made shortly before pickup or delivery.

Pricing reflects the handmade nature of the work. A single empanada typically costs more than a mass-produced version from a grocery store, but the difference in texture, filling ratio, and crust quality is immediate when you bite into one. Most customers order by the half-dozen or dozen rather than singles.

Key Takeaways

• Delia's Kitchen makes empanadas to order rather than keeping frozen stock, so you need to plan ahead and contact them directly to place an order.
• The business operates through pop-ups and direct sales, not a permanent location, so finding current availability requires checking their social media or calling ahead.
• Fillings rotate based on season and ingredient availability, so what's available this week may differ from next week.
• Orders are typically filled by the half-dozen or dozen, and pickup or delivery timing depends on when you place your order.

How to place an order

Contact Delia's Kitchen directly through their social media pages or phone number to find out what fillings are currently available and when you can pick up or receive your order. Most small-batch makers operate on a weekly or bi-weekly production schedule, so availability changes regularly.

When you reach out, have a sense of how many empanadas you want and whether you prefer pickup or delivery. Delivery may be limited to certain areas or require a minimum order, so confirm those details upfront. Payment methods vary—some makers accept Venmo or cash only, while others use Square or PayPal—so ask what works for them.

Timing matters. If you order on a Monday for Wednesday pickup, that's usually feasible. If you order on Wednesday for Thursday, you may miss that week's production window. Ask what their lead time is when you call.

Typical fillings and seasonal options

Handmade empanada makers typically rotate their fillings based on what's fresh and what customers request. Common options include ground beef with onions and spices, shredded chicken with peppers, cheese and vegetable combinations, and sometimes spinach or potato fillings. Some makers offer a signature blend that's always available, while others change the menu weekly.

South Carolina's growing season means spring and summer often bring vegetable-forward options—fresh corn, tomatoes, squash—while fall and winter may emphasize heartier meat and root vegetable fillings. If you have a preference or dietary restriction, mention it when you order; many makers will accommodate requests if you give them notice.

Where to find Delia's Kitchen

Delia's Kitchen operates through pop-up events, farmers markets, or direct orders rather than a fixed address. Check their social media accounts—Facebook and Instagram are the most common platforms for small food makers—to see where they'll be selling in your area and when.

If you can't find them online, ask at local farmers markets, community centers, or neighborhood social media groups. Word-of-mouth is how many home-based food businesses build their customer base, so someone in your area likely knows how to reach them or when they're selling next.

Pricing and payment

Expect to pay between $3 and $5 per empanada, depending on the filling and your location within South Carolina. Orders are usually sold by the half-dozen ($18–$30) or dozen ($36–$60), though some makers offer smaller quantities if you ask. Specialty fillings or custom orders may cost slightly more.

Payment is typically cash, Venmo, or a mobile payment app. Confirm the method when you place your order so there's no confusion at pickup. Some makers offer a small discount if you order regularly or buy in larger quantities, so it's worth asking if you become a repeat customer.

Storage and serving suggestions

Freshly made empanadas are best eaten within a day or two of pickup. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crust's crispness. Microwaving works but softens the pastry.

If you want to freeze them, most empanadas hold well for up to a month in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as you would fresh ones. Some makers include reheating instructions with your order, so read those first.

Why order from a small maker instead of a restaurant

Small-batch empanada makers like Delia often use recipes passed down through family or refined over years of home cooking. The filling-to-crust ratio is usually higher than in commercial versions, and the crust itself is often made fresh rather than from a pre-made dough. You're also supporting a local business owner rather than a chain.

The trade-off is convenience. You can't walk in and grab one on impulse; you have to plan ahead and place an order. But if you value quality and connection to the person making your food, that planning is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order just a few empanadas, or do I have to buy a whole dozen?

Most small makers prefer orders by the half-dozen or dozen because of production efficiency, but it's worth asking. Some will sell you three or four if you're willing to pick them up at a pop-up event or farmers market. Call and explain what you need.

What if I have a dietary restriction or allergy?

Tell Delia's Kitchen when you order. Many makers can accommodate gluten-free requests, vegetarian fillings, or nut-free preparations if you give them notice. They may charge a bit more for specialty orders, but they'll work with you if possible.

How far in advance do I need to order?

Most small-batch makers need at least a few days' notice, though some can turn around an order in 24 hours if you're lucky. Ask about their lead time when you first contact them. Holiday seasons and weekends may require longer notice.

Do they deliver, or is it pickup only?

That depends on the maker and your location. Some deliver within a certain radius for a small fee; others are pickup only. Ask when you place your order, and confirm the delivery area and any minimum order requirements.

Are the empanadas baked or fried?

Most handmade versions are baked, which makes them slightly less heavy than fried empanadas but still crispy. Some makers offer both options, so ask which style Delia's Kitchen uses or whether they can do either.