Cheese Pastry Shells
Delicate cheese pastry shells with a flaky texture, perfect for filling with savory salads or hot fillings, ideal for entertaining or finger food gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt; cut into shortening.
- Stir in cheese. Sprinkle one tablespoon water over part of the mixture; toss gently with fork.
- Push aside the mixture.
- Repeat, adding enough of the water so entire mixture is moistened.
- Form into a ball.
- Roll dough into a 12 x 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into 36 (2 x 2-inch) squares.
- Grease mini-muffin cups.
- Press dough squares into the cups, allowing points to stick up.
- Prick the dough with a fork.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden in color.
- Remove shells from pans and cool on wire racks.
- Fill shells with egg, tuna and/or ham salad, or with hot or cold fillings of your choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, make sure your shortening is very cold before mixing. You can substitute butter for shortening, but it may yield a richer flavor. If you prefer a whole wheat version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, adding herbs or spices to the dough can enhance the flavor profile, complementing fillings like tuna salad or ham.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese pastry shells are perfect as appetizers or snacks, filled with a variety of options like egg salad or ham salad. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a light meal. For a delightful dessert, consider following up with Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastry shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If filled, keep them refrigerated and consume within 24 hours to maintain freshness. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the filled shells on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Pastry Shells contains roughly 66 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out. This helps maintain its texture and makes it easier to handle.
What can I use as fillings for these shells?
You can fill the pastry shells with a variety of mixtures. Popular choices include egg salad, tuna salad, or even a mix of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. For a twist, try using leftover meats or a creamy cheese filling for a savory bite.
Can I freeze the pastry shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked pastry shells. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for an additional 2-3 minutes when you're ready to use them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).