Excellent Pie Crust

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A flaky, tender pie crust perfect for sweet or savory fillings, combining simple ingredients for a versatile base suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup Wesson shortening
  • 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier crust, avoid overmixing the dough; combine the ingredients just until they come together. If you don't have Wesson shortening, you can substitute it with butter or a vegan alternative for a different flavor profile. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can also improve texture.

Serving Suggestions

This pie crust serves as an excellent base for sweet or savory pies. Consider filling it with seasonal fruits for a classic dessert or using it for a hearty quiche. It pairs beautifully with Johnna'S Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftover pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out. Avoid refreezing after thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Excellent Pie Crust contains roughly 218 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1746mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

218 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 45.8g 17% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1745.7mg 76% DV
Potassium 64.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 12.1mg 1% DV
Iron 2.8mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked crust, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Just ensure to thaw it in the fridge before using.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try adding a bit more flour to your work surface and your rolling pin while rolling it out. You can also chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes, which can help firm it up and make it easier to handle.

Is this pie crust suitable for gluten-free diets?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to follow the specific instructions on the blend for best results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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