Forktionary

Pastry Shell

N/A (prepared food) Baked Goods (Component)

Pastry Shell Baked Goods (Component)

At a Glance

  • Category Baked Goods (Component)

The Forktionary Angle

"Pastry shells offer a convenient shortcut, providing a crisp, buttery foundation for countless sweet and savory culinary creations."

Definition

A pre-formed, often partially baked, base of pastry dough, ready to be filled for sweet or savory tarts and pies.

Common Fillings Custards, fruits, quiches.
Storage (frozen) Up to 6-12 months (unopened).
Types Available Pâte Brisée, Shortcrust, Puff Pastry.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pastry Shell are:

Buttery Flaky Neutral Slightly Salty (savory) or Sweet (dessert)

Chef’s Secret

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, blind bake the pastry shell, then brush the inside with a thin layer of egg wash before filling and baking.

Best Substitutes

Homemade pie crust

more effort
Ratio 1:1

Phyllo dough

layered, for flakiness, different texture

Puff pastry sheets

cut to size, , different texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Available frozen or refrigerated. Choose types like shortcrust for pies/tarts and puff pastry for flakier options. Check for cracks.

Culinary Pairings

Sweet: fruit fillings custard chocolate mousse lemon meringue. Savory: quiches pot pies tarts with vegetables or meat

Recipes Using Pastry Shell

Asparagus Bacon Quiche image
Time To Make Low Carb Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Bacon Quiche

This delicious Asparagus Bacon Quiche recipe, submitted by a Georgia reader, is a savory masterpiece! Flaky pastry crust is filled with tender asparagus, crispy bacon, and a creamy egg custard. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Apple Sausage Quiche image
Pork Time To Make Main Dish Comfort Food

Apple Sausage Quiche

This savory-sweet Apple Sausage Quiche boasts a perfectly crisp crust and a delightful blend of creamy cheese, juicy apples, and savory sausage. Inspired by a Southern Living cookbook, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Pre-baking the crust ensures a flawlessly golden bottom, while the perfectly cooked filling is a symphony of textures and flavors. Get ready for a taste of the South!

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Baklava Minis image 132
Nuts Main Ingredient Nuts Course

Baklava Minis

Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of baklava without the sticky mess! These adorable mini baklavas are perfect as a delightful dessert or elegant appetizer. Crisp, buttery shells filled with a warm cinnamon-nut mixture and a touch of honey – pure baklava bliss in bite-sized portions. While the specialty shells make these extra special, you can experiment with other small pastry shells if needed.

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Best Ever Lemon Pie image 125
Desserts Desserts Low In Something Time To Make

Best Ever Lemon Pie

This Thanksgiving favorite lemon pie recipe is guaranteed to impress! A creamy, tangy lemon filling, topped with a dreamy meringue, this recipe is a classic for a reason. Prepare to be amazed by its irresistible flavor and perfect texture. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

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