The Best Homemade Pie Crust Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making a homemade pie crust is easier than you think, and the results are so much better than store-bought. You’ll love how flaky and buttery it turns out, with just a few simple ingredients.
- Simple ingredients – Flour, butter, salt, and water are all you need for a perfect crust.
- Flaky texture – The secret is cold butter, which creates those irresistible layers.
- Customizable – Add a pinch of sugar for sweetness or herbs for a savory twist.
Recipe
A homemade pie crust is the foundation of any delicious pie, offering a flaky and buttery texture that elevates any filling. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough begins to come together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- When ready to use, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness and transfer it to a pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
Notes:
- Keep ingredients cold to guarantee a flaky crust.
- Do not skip chilling the dough, as it prevents shrinking during baking.
Equipment:
Mixing bowl, pastry cutter, rolling pin, pie dish, plastic wrap
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes 1 pie crust (9-inch pie)
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional content of homemade pie crust helps in making informed dietary choices. Below is a breakdown of its key nutritional values.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 22 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugars | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
What To Serve With It
When serving a homemade pie crust, I love pairing it with savory side dishes, like roasted veggies or a crisp salad, to balance the richness. On sweeter pies, I’ll often add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic treat. Experimenting with these options makes every slice feel just a little more special.
Savory Side Dishes
Pairing a homemade pie crust with the right savory side dishes can transform your meal into something truly special. I love serving garlic mashed potatoes—creamy, rich, and packed with flavor—they complement the crust perfectly. Roasted vegetables are another favorite of mine; tossing carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini with olive oil and herbs adds a hearty, caramelized touch. These sides balance the pie’s richness without overpowering it. Sometimes, I’ll even mix roasted veggies into the pie filling for extra depth. You can’t go wrong with these combos—they’re simple, delicious, and make the whole meal feel cozy and complete.
Sweet Pairing Options
While savory sides are fantastic with a homemade pie crust, let’s not forget the magic of sweet pairings. I love topping mine with warm fruit compotes—think apple-cinnamon or berry medleys—for a burst of flavor. A caramel drizzle adds a rich, gooey touch that’s hard to resist. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over a fresh-baked slice. Whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar works too, keeping it simple but delicious. Trust me, these combos turn a basic pie into something special, and your family won’t stop asking for seconds!
