Never Tell Pie Crust
A flaky, versatile pie crust with a tender texture, perfect for sweet or savory pies. Suitable for all skill levels and ideal for homemade baking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the shortening, salt, and flour until well combined.
- Add the beaten egg, vinegar, and cold water to the mixture.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a flaky crust, handle the dough as little as possible and keep your shortening cold. If you run out of shortening, you can substitute half the amount with butter for added flavor. For an even richer taste, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar. If the dough is too dry, add a little more cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pie crust can be used for sweet or savory pies. Serve it with a rich filling like chocolate cream or a fresh fruit filling for dessert. For a savory option, fill with a hearty chicken pot pie mixture. Pairs beautifully with Spring Vegetable Soup for a complete meal. Don't forget to add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top of sweet pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then roll out as needed. If you have a baked pie, cover it with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Tell Pie Crust contains roughly 1670 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 180g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% 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 all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe as it will create a tender crust. However, if you want a sturdier crust for savory pies, using bread flour will provide more structure due to its higher protein content.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly and doesn't come together, you may need to add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time. It's important to keep the mixture cold to achieve that flaky texture, so make sure your ingredients are chilled.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze it for later use. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
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).