Excellent Pie Crust(Single Crust)
A flaky, buttery pie crust perfect for sweet or savory pies, combining simple ingredients for a tender, crisp texture that suits all baking skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar together.
- Cut in shortening (Crisco).
- Add water and mix until all flour is moist.
- Form into a ball.
- Roll out about 1 1/2 inches larger than the pan.
- Put the crust in the pan and flute the edges.
- Use a fork to punch holes in the bottom and around the sides of the crust.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crust is as brown as you want it.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your butter flavored Crisco is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you prefer a butter flavor, you can substitute half of the Crisco with unsalted butter. Additionally, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent shrinkage during baking. This pie crust pairs beautifully with Best Strawberry Shortcake.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is perfect for both sweet and savory fillings. For a classic dessert, fill it with your favorite fruit filling or custard. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For savory options, consider using it for quiches or pot pies, which are great additions to any meal. Browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftover pie crust, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Pie Crust(Single Crust) contains roughly 350 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1751mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust in advance. After forming it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
What can I do if my pie crust cracks while rolling?
If your pie crust cracks, don't worry! Simply pinch the edges together to seal and smooth out any rough spots. You can also dust a bit of flour on the rolling surface or the dough to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much, as it could toughen the crust.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust?
Pre-baking is recommended if you're filling the crust with a custard or a filling that doesn’t require baking, as it helps to prevent a soggy bottom. For baked fillings, you can skip pre-baking, but keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn't over-brown.
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).