Recipe: Shortcrust Pastry Baskets for an Irresistible Appetizer
Total Time: 35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 25 minutes bake)
Difficulty: Easy
If you love quiche, these shortcrust pastry baskets are a delightful twist, offering an easy, customizable appetizer that’s ready in no time. Here’s a guide to creating these simple yet impressive bites using shortcrust pastry, a creamy egg-ricotta custard, and your choice of fillings.
Ingredients Needed
- Shortcrust pastry: Make your own or use store-bought.
- Egg custard: Eggs and ricotta for a smooth, flavorful base.
- Fillings: Choose from a range of options (see tips below).
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Base: Cut shortcrust pastry into circles that fit a muffin tray to create “baskets” for the filling. Press each circle into the tray, forming a shell.
- Add Fillings and Custard: Pour a spoonful of egg custard into each basket, then add your chosen fillings.
- Bake: Bake until the pastry is golden and the custard is set.
Expert Tips
- Pastry Options: While shortcrust pastry works best, Bisquick or puff pastry (homemade or store-bought) are great alternatives.
- DIY Shortcrust Pastry: For homemade pastry, blend 1 ¼ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp sugar, ¼ cup vegetable shortening (or lard), ¼ cup cold butter (cubed), and ¼ cup ice water in a food processor.
- Make Ahead: These baskets can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat before serving.
- Vegan Variation: Replace the egg custard with a mixture of 14 oz firm tofu, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp nutritional yeast blended until smooth. Leave out the cheese or use a vegan variety.
- Add Meat: For meat lovers, try adding chopped hot dogs, smoked chicken, cooked bacon, ham, or smoked salmon.
- Cheese Alternatives: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, experiment with feta, goat cheese, Swiss, or gruyere.
- Vegetable Fillings: This recipe is ideal for vegetarians. Use any leftover vegetables like spinach, broccoli, roasted peppers, sweetcorn, carrots, or caramelized onions.
- Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Ensure all ingredients are dry. Pre-cook and squeeze moisture out of high-water vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before adding.
Perfect for parties or as a savory snack, these pastry baskets bring versatility and flavor to any occasion. Customize them to your taste, and enjoy an appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious.
