Miniature Hors d'oeuvres Crust for Dips aka Tart Shells

24 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 20 m Total: 1 h Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
These are wonderful tiny crusts to put your favorite sweet or salty filling in. This versatile cream cheese pastry can be filled with shrimp dip or crab dip, or go sweet with fig preserves or pecan pie filling. Hors d’oeuvres would be much more popular if they weren’t so hard to spell and pronounce.

Ingredients

24 servings
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter and flour until well combined. Chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Roll the chilled dough into 24 walnut-size balls.
  3. Using a 24-cup miniature muffin pan, press and shape each dough ball into the cups to form miniature pie crusts, making sure to press the dough up the sides.
  4. Bake at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
  5. Cool completely in the pan. Serve on a platter next to the dip of your choice and let your guests fill these tasty treats.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my dough too sticky to work with?

A: Make sure you chill the dough for the full 30 minutes before shaping. If it's still sticky, you can chill it a bit longer or lightly flour your hands when rolling the balls.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! The unfilled shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Fill them just before serving to keep them crisp.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing - this helps them blend smoothly with the flour. Don’t overbake these shells or they’ll become too hard; watch for a light golden color, not deep brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • cream cheese: mascarpone or Neufchâtel
  • butter: margarine or shortening

Equipment Needed

  • 24-cup miniature muffin pan
  • mixing bowl