Making a perfect pie crust is not as difficult as you might think.
With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious, flaky crust that will impress your family and friends.
Getting Started on Our Quest for Great Pie Doughs
Here’s what you need to know about handling, storing and using pie dough.
- Handling the Dough
The key to a perfect pie crust is handling the dough as little as possible. Once the dough comes together, gently shape it into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up. This will prevent the dough from shrinking when you roll it out.
- Storing the Dough
If you’re not ready to use the dough right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If you freeze the dough, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using it.
- Rolling Out the Dough
When you’re ready to roll out the dough, flour your work surface and rolling pin generously. Then, begin rolling from the center of the disc outward, rotating the dough a quarter turn after each roll. If the dough begins to stick to your work surface or rolling pin, add more flour as needed.
Once the dough is rolled out to your desired thickness, gently transfer it to your pie plate and trim any excess dough from the edges. Then, crimp or decorate the edges of your crust as desired.
- Baking the Dough
If you’re baking an empty crust (also known as a “blind” crust), preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line your crust with parchment paper or foil. Fill it with dried beans or pie weights and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before filling and baking according to your recipe instructions.
If you’re baking a filled crust, preheat oven according to your recipe instructions and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Pie Dough Making is for Everyone
Making a perfect pie crust is not as difficult as you might think!
With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious, flaky crust that will impress your family and friends. Just remember to handle the dough as little as possible, store it properly and roll it out evenly on a floured surface. With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect pie dough every time!
Wishing you only the best of luck, fellow pie baker!
As Chef Don Lim once famously said….
If you make your dough right, your pies will be perfect. Or else, it can’t be helped.
Famous Quotes
Chef Don Lim,
Head Chef of Chicken Pie Kitchen