Introduction:
A pie is only as good as its crust, and this buttery, flaky, and golden pie crust is the perfect foundation for all your favorite fillings. Whether you’re baking a sweet dessert pie or a savory quiche, this easy-to-make crust will elevate your dish. Follow this recipe for a homemade crust that will make you ditch the store-bought versions for good.
Recipe for Homemade Pie Crust:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweet pies)
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter pieces are about the size of peas.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just holds together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust flaky.
- Form the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days).
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish, pressing it gently into place. Trim excess dough, leaving about ½ inch overhang.
- Crimp the Edges: Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork.
- Blind Baking (Optional): If your recipe calls for a pre-baked crust, line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Fill and Bake: Add your desired filling and bake according to your recipe’s instructions.
Tips for Success:
- Keep all ingredients as cold as possible to ensure a flaky crust.
- Handle the dough minimally to prevent overworking it, which can lead to a tough crust.
- For added flavor, replace some of the water with cold vodka or buttermilk.
Enjoy your homemade pie crust as the base for any sweet or savory masterpiece!
