Making a delicious pie crust is an essential skill for any home baker. A good crust should be flaky and tender, with a buttery flavor that complements the filling. Here’s a simple recipe for making a basic pie crust:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4-1/2 cup ice water
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to add too much water, or the crust will be tough.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- When ready to use, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Roll out one of the dough discs on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Carefully transfer the crust to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Add your desired filling and top with the second crust.
- Crimp the edges to seal the crust and make a nice design on the edges using the tines of a fork.
- Bake the pie according to the recipe for the filling you are using.
Tips:
- To ensure a flaky crust, keep the butter and water cold at all times.
- If your dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- For a crispier crust, brush the crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
This recipe makes a basic pie crust that can be used for any type of pie, sweet or savory. Experiment with different flours and fats to find your perfect crust recipe. Happy baking!