Abstract: A stable, self-standing, taco shell is provided. The taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element of defined width, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element; and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element. Methods of fabrication and use are disclosed.

Abstract: Filled dough products are provided having enhanced crispiness. In one aspect specific crispiness enhancing ingredients are added to either or both the dough composition and the filling composition to provide superior crust performance properties in the final filled dough product. In another aspect, a preferred extrusion die is provided that comprises a primary extrusion opening and a plurality of secondary extrusion openings and is positioned across an outlet of an extrusion passageway. The preferred die further includes at least one recessed region, which at least partially includes a portion of one or more secondary extrusion openings. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming filled food products.