5 Delicious Pastry Shell Recipes You Must Try

Are you looking to elevate your baking game? Pastry shells are a versatile and essential component in a baker's arsenal, whether you're crafting delicate tarts or hearty pies. In this post, we'll explore five unique and delightful pastry shell recipes that you can use as a foundation for your next dessert or savory creation. Each recipe brings a different texture and flavor, promising to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Sweet Almond Pastry Shell

The Sweet Almond Pastry Shell is perfect for those who love a touch of nuttiness in their sweets. This shell combines:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt.
2. Add Butter: Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the mix, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
4. Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Shape: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into your tart pan, trimming any excess.

🍰 Note: For a more pronounced almond flavor, use almond extract instead of water when mixing the dough.

Savory Parmesan and Herb Pastry Shell

For those who prefer savory over sweet, this Parmesan and Herb Pastry Shell is a delicious choice:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water

Steps:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add butter and blend until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually mix in cold water until the dough forms.
4. Chill: Wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Shape: Roll out the dough and press it into a tart or pie pan.

Butter Shortcrust Pastry Shell

The Butter Shortcrust Pastry Shell is a classic, offering a flaky and crumbly texture perfect for a range of fillings:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water

Steps:

1. Combine Flour, Sugar, and Salt: Mix these in a bowl.
2. Add Butter: Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Add Water: Slowly incorporate water until the dough comes together.
4. Rest: Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Fit: Roll out and line your baking dish.

Chocolate Hazelnut Pastry Shell

Indulge in the rich flavor of this Chocolate Hazelnut Pastry Shell:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup hazelnut meal
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tablespoons cold water

Steps:

1. Sift and Combine: Mix flour, cocoa powder, hazelnut meal, sugar, and salt.
2. Blend in Butter: Incorporate butter until crumbly.
3. Incorporate Egg and Water: Add the egg and water to form dough.
4. Chill: Wrap and chill for at least an hour.
5. Roll and Shape: Roll out on a floured surface and press into a tart pan.

🥜 Note: You can increase the nuttiness by adding more hazelnut meal or replacing part of the flour with it.

Rustic Whole Wheat Pastry Shell

For a healthier option or a rustic touch, try this Whole Wheat Pastry Shell:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
• 1/4 cup ice water

Steps:

1. Mix Flours: Combine flours and salt.
2. Add Butter: Cut in the butter until pea-sized.
3. Add Water: Gradually mix in water until the dough forms.
4. Chill: Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Shape: Roll out and fit into your baking dish.

The final section wraps up our journey through some delectable pastry shell recipes. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, or perhaps something with a hint of chocolate or nuts, these recipes offer a solid starting point for your culinary creations. Each type of shell brings a unique flavor profile and texture that can significantly enhance your dishes, making them suitable for various occasions from simple family dinners to grand festive celebrations. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and let the rich, comforting aroma of freshly baked pastry fill your kitchen.

Can I freeze these pastry shells?

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Yes, most of these pastry shells can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap well with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

How do I keep my pastry shell from shrinking when baking blind?

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Chill the shell before baking to help the butter firm up, and dock the bottom with a fork. Also, use pie weights or dry beans to keep the shell’s shape during baking.

What can I do with leftover pastry dough?

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Leftover dough can be used to make mini tarts, cookies, or decorative toppings for other baked goods. Alternatively, re-roll and freeze it for later use.

How can I tell if the shell is done?

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Check for a light golden color at the edges, and the base should be firm and not wet or doughy. An additional test could involve a slight lift at the bottom to check if it feels crispy.

Can I use these shells for both sweet and savory fillings?

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Yes, with the exception of the Chocolate Hazelnut Shell, which is best suited for sweets. The others can be adapted for either type of filling.