Short Pie Tart Shells
Delicate tart shells with a buttery, tender crumb, perfect for sweet or savory fillings. Easy to customize and ideal for elegant desserts or appetizer presentations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F (hot).
- Blend Bisquick and butter in a bowl.
- Add boiling water and stir vigorously with a fork until dough forms a ball and cleans the bowl.
- Dough will be puffy and soft.
- Divide into 6 parts.
- Pat out each piece on a 5 inch circle of heavy-duty aluminum foil (use lid of coffee can to measure foil).
- Fold up an inch of foil and pinch in 4 corners to make tart shells.
- Place tarts on baking sheets.
- Bake 7 to 9 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool.
- Remove foil carefully.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have Bisquick, you can substitute it with a homemade mix of 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the boiling water is truly hot to help the dough come together smoothly. Avoid overworking the dough to keep your tart shells tender.
Serving Suggestions
These short pie tart shells can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, making them versatile for any occasion. Consider filling them with fruit preserves or a creamy filling for a dessert treat. They also pair beautifully with savory fillings like quiche. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or a side of Dusty Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tart shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short Pie Tart Shells contains roughly 75 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 8g 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 tart shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart shells ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, they can be stored as mentioned above. Fill them just before serving for the best texture, especially if using moist fillings.
What can I use if I don't have aluminum foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use silicone tart molds or greased muffin tins to shape the shells. Just ensure they are well greased to prevent sticking, and adjust baking time if necessary.
Can I flavor the tart shells?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of salt, a bit of vanilla extract, or even some lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor. This can enhance the overall taste, especially if you're filling them with something like a sweet custard.
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).