Crustés

Crustés are a type of small, savory pastry, often served as an appetizer or canapé. They are typically made from puff pastry or a similar dough that is baked until golden and flaky. The defining characteristic of a crusté is its hollow interior, which is created by baking the pastry in a mold or by removing the soft interior after baking. This hollow space is then filled with a variety of ingredients.

Common fillings for crustés include creamy mixtures such as cheese spreads, seafood mousses, pâtés, or vegetable purées. Savory elements like finely chopped herbs, spices, and small pieces of meat or fish are often incorporated into the filling. The size of crustés can vary, but they are generally small enough to be eaten in one or two bites.

The name "crusté" is derived from the French word for crust, referring to the crisp outer shell of the pastry. They are a popular choice for cocktail parties, buffets, and other social gatherings due to their elegant presentation and convenient, bite-sized format. The preparation often involves pre-baking the pastry shells to ensure they are firm enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.