Jean'S Pie Crust(Makes 13 Double Pie Crusts Or 26 Individual Crusts)
A versatile, flaky pie crust recipe suitable for double or individual pies, made with shortening, flour, salt, and cold water, perfect for sweet or savory fillings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together Crisco, salt, and cold water.
- Gradually add the mixture into the flour.
- Work the dough in well with hands.
- Can freeze in individual balls or roll into single shells or double crusts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your Crisco is very cold before mixing. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water mixture can also enhance the dough's texture and prevent it from becoming tough. For a hint of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is versatile and can be used for both sweet and savory pies. Serve it with a classic apple filling for a delightful dessert or fill it with savory ingredients like chicken pot pie. Pair your finished pie with a side of Green Pepper Relish (Jelly) for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crusts in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the individual balls of dough, making sure to label them with the date. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll out as needed for your pies.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Pie Crust(Makes 13 Double Pie Crusts Or 26 Individual Crusts) contains roughly 195 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. 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 use butter instead of Crisco for this pie crust?
Yes, you can use cold unsalted butter instead of Crisco, but the texture of the crust will differ. Butter will create a richer flavor, while Crisco provides a flakier texture. If using butter, consider using a combination of butter and shortening for the best results.
How do I know when the dough is mixed enough?
The dough is ready when it is combined into a cohesive ball and no longer sticks to your hands or the mixing bowl. Avoid overworking the dough to ensure a tender crust. If it feels too dry, add a little more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Can I make this crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie crust ahead of time. Once mixed, you can either roll it out and place it in pie pans or form it into individual balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator before using.
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).