Gary Crowder'S Favorite Pie Crust
A buttery, flaky pie crust that’s quick to make, perfect for savory pies, quiches, and sweet tarts—ideal for home bakers craving a classic American base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt and shortening together until coarsely crumbled.
- Add cold water and mix until dough is easily handled.
- Divide dough and roll into 3 pie crusts.
- Makes 3 (9‑inch) crusts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before mixing. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for added flavor. If you're in a pinch, use pre-made pie crusts from the freezer section. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is versatile and can be filled with sweet or savory fillings. For a delightful dessert, consider filling it with fresh fruit and serving it alongside Blueberry Sauce For Pancakes, Waffles. For a savory option, try it with quiches or pot pies. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pie crusts, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Thaw frozen crusts in the refrigerator overnight before use, then roll out as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gary Crowder'S Favorite Pie Crust contains roughly 2428 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 241g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can use an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute. Keep in mind that butter will add a rich flavor, while coconut oil will make it dairy-free.
How do I prevent the crust from shrinking while baking?
To prevent shrinking, chill the rolled-out crust for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough when fitting it into the pie pan, as this can cause it to shrink during baking.
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).