Creating the perfect pie crust at home takes some practice, but it can truly elevate your pie game. With this recipe, you’ll achieve a buttery, flaky crust every time, with just four essential ingredients. It’s simple yet delivers on texture and flavor, making it a reliable option for both sweet and savory pies.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling time
• Servings: 1 pie crust

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses everyday pantry ingredients.
• Quick to prepare with minimal skill required.
• Produces a consistently flaky texture.
• Adaptable for both sweet and savory fillings.

Ingredients

• ½ cup vegetable shortening: Provides tenderness and flakiness. Substitute with cold unsalted butter if needed.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust, giving it structure.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• ½ cup cold water: Helps to bind the ingredients together into a pliable dough.

How to Make It

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed, providing consistent flavor throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cut in the Shortening

Add the vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This method incorporates small pockets of fat, which melt during baking to create flakiness.

Step 3: Add Cold Water

Gradually sprinkle in the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork. Stop adding water once the dough begins to clump together but is not overly sticky. The cold water keeps the shortening firm, again contributing to a flaky texture.

Step 4: Form and Chill the Dough

Gather the dough into a ball, and then flatten it into a disk shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough relaxes the gluten and maintains the dough’s structure for easy rolling and baking.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, cold unsalted butter can be used in place of shortening. It will give the crust a richer flavor with a slightly different texture.

Why should I chill the dough before rolling?

Chilling helps relax the gluten in the flour, which reduces the risk of the dough shrinking or becoming tough when baked.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.