Standard One-Crust Pastry
A versatile homemade pie crust that yields a flaky, tender base perfect for sweet or savory fillings, suited for bakers of all skill levels seeking classic pastry perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut shortening into flour and salt until particles are the size of small peas.
- Sprinkle in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl.
- Add one to two teaspoons of cold water if necessary.
- Gather pastry into a ball and roll out on a floured board.
- Roll pastry 2 inches larger than pie plate.
- Prick bottom and sides thoroughly with a fork.
- Bake at 475°F until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes, and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your shortening is cold and handle the dough as little as possible. You can substitute lard or butter for the shortening if preferred, but this will alter the flavor and texture slightly. If you want to try a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Remember to chill your water for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This one-crust pastry pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings, whether savory or sweet. Consider filling it with a homemade quiche or a fruit pie, like apple or cherry. Serve alongside a light salad, such as a refreshing Cranberry-Mandarin Salad, for a complete meal. It's versatile enough for both dinners and desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, place the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Standard One-Crust Pastry contains roughly 396 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1745mg 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 pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry in advance. After rolling it out, place it in your pie plate and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for longer storage. Just ensure to thaw it in the refrigerator before using if frozen.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly and doesn't hold together, try adding an additional teaspoon of cold water. Incorporate it slowly while mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the crust tough.
How do I prevent my crust from shrinking while baking?
To prevent shrinking, make sure to chill your dough before rolling it out and again after placing it in the pie plate. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough when fitting it into the plate, as this can cause it to shrink during baking.
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).