5 Tips to Create the Perfect Pie Crust

by PCC Natural Markets

With just three required ingredients, pie crust is one of the simplest things to bake. However, its very simplicity means that the proper execution is the key. Chilling the fat and liquid is critical, as is the technique: the goal is uniform pea-sized pieces of butter with no big chunks. If you don’t have a food processor to do the mixing, your fingers will work just fine.

Here are our 5 tips to create the perfect pie crust, from the ingredients down to the container:

Fat

Butter and shortening are the most flexible choices; lard and coconut oil have stronger flavors which are excellent if matched with the filling or blended 50/50 with a second fat. All fats should be chilled firm, cut into very small pieces and chilled again.

Flour

Fresh-tasting flour is a priority, so if you don’t bake often, smell your flour first to make sure it hasn’t picked up off flavors from pantry storage. All-purpose is great, or mix in up to 50 percent whole grain (spelt and kamut are both good choices).

Liquid

Ice water is all you need! Use just enough for the dough to hold together. Not enough and it will be difficult to roll; too much and it will be sticky to roll (and not bake up crispy). Chilled vodka can be used in place of some of the water — there’s test kitchen proof that it slightly improves the flakiness of crusts as it is baked.

Options

Salt isn’t truly necessary, but can improve the flavor, particularly for a savory pie. All-shortening crusts don’t brown as well as butter, but a pinch of sugar can help.

Container

Depending on what you grew up with, you might call a pie-baking container a pie pan, plate, dish or tin. Whatever your preference, you’ll find these sturdy U.S.-made dishes from USA Pan useful. They’re shiny stainless steel, which is lightweight for taking to a friend’s house and will slow the browning of your crust edges a bit, compared to glass or ceramic.

What is your go-to pie crust recipe and baking technique? Try it with PCC’s Classic Pumpkin Pie recipe for your Thanksgiving feast, and use PCC Chef Jackie Freeman’s basic steps to creating perfect pie dough in this helpful video. Don’t fear using your fingertips!

Do you live in Seattle? Don’t forget to shop PCC Natural Market’s Holiday Favorites Department through Instacart to get all the groceries you need for this year’s Holiday celebrations delivered!