Holiday Recipe Ideas to Try and Share: Homemade Tartlet Shells
When it comes to festive entertaining, presentation matters just as much as flavor. Tartlets are one of the most versatile holiday appetizers—tiny, elegant bites that can be filled with savory mousses, seafood, vegetables, or even sweet treats. While store-bought shells are convenient, making tartlet shells from scratch adds an extra touch of freshness and pride to your holiday spread.
Crisp, buttery, and golden, homemade tartlet shells are the perfect canvas for your holiday creations. With just a few pantry staples, you can prepare shells that elevate your appetizers into something truly memorable.
Why Make Your Own Tartlet Shells?
- Freshness & Flavor: Homemade shells have a richer, buttery taste that pre-made ones can’t match.
- Customization: You can adjust the size, shape, and thickness to suit your recipe.
- Impress Your Guests: Serving tartlets in shells you’ve made yourself is guaranteed to wow.
Recipe: Homemade Tartlet Shells
Yield: 12 tartlet shells
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a food processor, combine flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water, pulsing until dough just comes together. (Add another tablespoon of water if needed.)
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Shape dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Tartlet Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles slightly larger than your tartlet pan molds.
- Gently press dough circles into tartlet pans, trimming any excess. Prick bottoms lightly with a fork to prevent puffing.
Step 4: Blind Bake
- Place parchment paper or foil in each shell and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and bake an additional 2–5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow shells to cool completely before filling.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per tartlet shell)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients and fillings.)
The Perfect Canvas for Holiday Appetizers
Once cooled, these tartlet shells are ready to be filled with endless holiday-inspired creations. Try them with salmon mousse and shrimp for a seafood twist, brie and cranberry for a festive pairing, or even chocolate ganache for a sweet dessert bite.
By making your own tartlet shells, you bring both elegance and flavor to your appetizer spread, ensuring your holiday gathering shines with a homemade touch.
