Best Ever Pie Crust
Indulge in the creation of a flaky and buttery pie crust masterpiece using our recipe for the Best Ever Pie Crust. This foolproof guide will ensure that your crust shines as the centerpiece of any pie. With simple ingredients and valuable tips, you'll effortlessly achieve a light and tender crust that delicately crumbles with every delectable bite. Transform your homemade creations to new heights, whether it be sweet fruit pies or savory quiches, thanks to this versatile pie crust. Bid farewell to store-bought options and welcome the unparalleled taste of the Best Ever Pie Crust created right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening cut into small pieces and frozen for 30 minutes
- ½ cup ice-cold water or as needed
Instructions
- To prepare the dough, start by combining flour and salt in a spacious bowl. Use a pastry blender to incorporate chilled shortening until you achieve coarse crumbs resembling peas. Then, gently add 1/4 cup of ice-cold water, stirring with a fork only until it is just mixed in from the bottom. If you come across any lumps, press them down while working the dough around the bowl. Gradually introduce ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring that you mix only enough to make the dough hold together when molded. Be careful not to use excessive water; generally, 4 tablespoons are sufficient or even less might be needed. Avoid going overboard!
- Once the dough is fully combined, gently shape it into a ball. Next, divide the ball in half to form two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc that is approximately 1 inch thick. To maintain freshness and enhance results, wrap each disc tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for at least 30 minutes. For even better outcomes, allow it to chill for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 2 days.
- When the dough is ready to be used, it should be rolled out on a lightly floured surface. Take care not to overwork it and make sure that it is evenly spread. Afterward, fit the rolled dough into a pie plate. If it happens to crumble or tear during this process, gently pinch and press it back into shape. Once everything is done correctly, follow the instructions in your pie recipe using the prepared dough.