Never Fail Hot Water Pie Crust
A simple, reliable hot water pie crust that is easy to make and yields tender, flaky crusts perfect for sweet or savory pies, suitable for all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the shortening.
- Stir until melted and combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir until absorbed and the mixture forms a ball.
- Roll out between sheets of waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pie crust is perfectly flaky, make sure the shortening is fully melted before adding the dry ingredients. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. It's important to use boiling water to help the flour absorb moisture effectively. For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of sugar or herbs depending on your pie filling.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile hot water pie crust can be used for various sweet and savory pies, making it a staple in your kitchen. Consider filling it with a classic apple filling or a savory chicken pot pie. It pairs beautifully with Sliced Green Tomato Pie, showcasing its versatility. Serve your pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll out as needed. Avoid reheating the crust alone, as it is best baked fresh with your pie filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Hot Water Pie Crust contains roughly 1847 calories, with 37g protein, 278g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (99% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1932mg per serving (84% 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 this crust for both sweet and savory pies?
Absolutely! This hot water pie crust is versatile enough for both sweet pies, like fruit or custard, and savory options, such as quiches or meat pies. Adjust the sweetness of the crust by adding a bit of sugar if desired for sweet fillings, or leave it out for savory dishes.
How do I prevent my crust from shrinking while baking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill the crust before baking. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after rolling it out. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough too much while fitting it into the pie dish, as this can also lead to shrinkage during baking.
What can I do if my pie crust cracks while rolling?
If your pie crust cracks while rolling, don’t worry! Simply patch the cracks with extra dough, pressing it gently to seal. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a little flour on your work surface to help the dough roll out more smoothly. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water to bring it back together.
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).