Two-Cheese Shrimp Tarts
Delightful shrimp and cheese tartlets with a flaky pastry shell, infused with herbs and garlic, perfect as appetizers or party snacks for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup semi-soft cheese with garlic and herbs or 3 oz. cream cheese with chives ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg yolk ⓘ
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons finely snipped fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 ounces frozen peeled and cooked shrimp, thawed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, let semi-soft cheese or cream cheese and margarine or butter soften at room temperature. Stir together.
- Stir in flour. Divide into 12 pieces.
- Place one piece in the center of a seasoned 2 1/2-inch sandbakkelser mold. Press pastry evenly and thinly over bottom and up sides of mold. Repeat with remaining pastry.
- Place molds on a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 375° F oven for 15 minutes or until lightly brown around edges.
- Cool.
- Using a toothpick, carefully remove the pastry shells from the molds and place in an airtight container or return pastry shells to the jelly roll pan and cover with foil.
- Seal, label, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using a blend of cream cheese and ricotta cheese. If you don't have semi-soft cheese, a herbed goat cheese can work well too. When preparing the dough, make sure the margarine is softened properly to achieve a tender crust. For a flavor twist, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the cheese mixture. Serve with a side of Dilly Dip For Vegies for a fresh contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These shrimp tarts make a delightful appetizer for gatherings. Serve them warm alongside a light green salad or pair with a refreshing cocktail for a fantastic starter. They also pair beautifully with Foolproof Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting meal. Garnish with extra dill or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two-Cheese Shrimp Tarts contains roughly 213 calories, with 3g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be substituted for frozen. Just ensure they are peeled, cooked, and properly drained before using. Fresh shrimp will give a slightly different texture but will be equally delicious.
How can I make these tarts ahead of time?
You can prepare the pastry shells in advance and freeze them as directed. Simply fill and bake them the day you plan to serve. This makes them a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as alternatives. Both will provide a creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly. Ensure to blend them well for a smooth filling.
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).