Plain Pastry
A versatile and flaky pastry perfect for pies and tarts, made with simple ingredients like flour, shortening, and ice water. Its crisp texture and neutral flavor complement a variety of sweet or savory fillings, making it ideal for home bakers seeking a classic homemade crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix salt, sifted flour, shortening, and ice water well and form into a ball.
- Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
- Cut the ball in half and roll each half just thin enough to handle.
- Place the bottom crust into a pie plate with the filling in place.
- Roll out the top crust to the same thickness and place it over the filling.
- Bake the pie at 450°F for about 10 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and continue baking until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is very cold before mixing. You can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor, though it may alter the texture slightly. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more ice water, a tablespoon at a time. Consider using this pastry for savory pies like chicken pot pie or pairing it with a sweet filling for a dessert pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this plain pastry with a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Raspberry-Rhubarb Salad for a delightful contrast. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of fruit pies or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie before baking. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, to keep the crust crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Pastry contains roughly 448 calories, with 12g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg 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 the pastry dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance. Wrap the formed ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can use unsalted butter or margarine as a substitute. Keep in mind that butter will give the crust a richer flavor, but may not achieve the same level of flakiness as shortening.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If using a fruit filling, it should be visibly simmering. Use a thermometer to check that the filling reaches at least 165°F for safety.
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).