Pastry - Perfect Every Time(For A One Crust Baked Pie Shell)
A flaky, buttery single-crust pie shell perfect for baked desserts or savory fillings, suitable for beginners and experienced bakers alike seeking a classic homemade touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening (Crisco) to a crumbly consistency.
- Sprinkle cold water onto the mixture.
- Toss with a fork until all ingredients are moistened.
- Form the dough into a ball.
- Roll out onto a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Place into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp edges.
- Prick the bottom and sides with a fork several times.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Set on a rack to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your butter flavored Crisco is very cold. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. If the dough is too dry, add an extra teaspoon of cold water. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
Serving Suggestions
This pie crust is perfect for a variety of fillings, from savory quiches to sweet fruit pies. Pair it with Any Fruit Cobbler(So Easy And So Fast) for a delightful dessert. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad like Gayle'S Pasta Salad for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent base for tarts and custards.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have baked the crust, let it cool completely before covering. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This will maintain its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastry - Perfect Every Time(For A One Crust Baked Pie Shell) contains roughly 112 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1746mg 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 dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling it out. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked crust for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly and not holding together, it's likely too dry. Gradually add more cold water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it, as that can make the crust tough.
How do I know when my pie crust is done baking?
Your pie crust is done when it is golden brown and firm to the touch. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning while the rest continues to bake. This ensures an evenly cooked crust.
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).