Easy step-by-step photo instructions for how to make pie crust from scratch that will have you making homemade pie dough in minutes!
All it takes is four basic ingredients and a little patience to make this pie crust from scratch.
But it's worth the effort because you'll find it typically flakier and more tender than pre-made crusts, adding an extra layer of indulgence and flavor to your homemade pies.
Ditch the bland, store-bought crust and check out all the other easy desserts made with my foolproof homemade pie dough recipe!
For some people making homemade pie crust is a scary process. It was for me also until a few years ago when I decided I was going to conquer my fears and learn to make my own pie crust.
I found a video online and set my computer on the kitchen counter and worked right alongside the video and my pie crust came out terrific...the very first time.
I'm hoping that after today you'll know how to make pie crust and see for yourself how easy this recipe is.
And then you can check out my post on how to decorate a pie using cookie cutters and fancy crust techniques.
Table of Contents
- How to Make Pie Crust
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the Ice Water
- Top Tip
- Chill the Pie Crust
- How to Roll Out the Pie Crust
- Before You Begin!
- Prep Ahead Tips
- How to Freeze Pie Dough
- More Recipes to Love
- Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
How to Make Pie Crust
Homemade pie, whether sweet like my Apple Crumb Pie or savory like my Chicken Pot Pie Recipe tastes so much better with homemade pie crust.
And yes, I have used refrigerator pie dough plenty of times. I use it always for my Mini Quiche Recipe.
I'm hoping that after today you'll know how to make pie crust and see for yourself how easy this recipe is.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!
- Flour
- Salt
- Shortening
- Ice cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the shortening to the flour and salt. Then using a pastry cutter work the shortening into the flour until it resembles cornmeal.
Add the Ice Water
Step 2: Beginning with one tablespoon slowly start to incorporate the water into the flour and shortening mixture. Keep adding the water one tablespoon at a time until it begins to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it doesn't, you need to add more water. Do not dump everything on the counter and try to knead the dough into a shape.
Top Tip
For a flaky pie crust, it is crucial to use water that is very cold. This will help achieve the desired texture and consistency in the crust.
Chill the Pie Crust
Step 3: Once you have a ball of pie dough, flatten out the ball into a disc shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. You can also freeze the pie crust at this point.
How to Roll Out the Pie Crust
Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough from the center outwards, rotating occasionally, until it's slightly larger than your pie plate.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate using the rolling pin. Gently press it into place, trim any excess, leaving about a ½-inch overhang for crimping. You are now ready to bake your favorite pie!
Before You Begin!
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Prep Ahead Tips
- Once the dough comes together, divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk.
- Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap.
- Label the wrapped dough with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When you're ready to use the dough, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to roll out.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, trim any excess, and shape the edges as desired.
- Fill the crust with your desired pie filling and bake according to your recipe's instructions.
How to Freeze Pie Dough
One of the most often asked questions is "Can I freeze pie dough?" The answer is YES!
- Put together the above recipe for your pie crust.
- Form the dough into a flatten disc.
- Wrap the disc in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe plastic bag.
- Store the pie dough in the freezer for up to three months.
- Remove the pie dough from the freezer to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
- Roll out the dough as directed above.
More Recipes to Love
Looking for more yummy recipes? Try my Homemade Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie Recipes for Thanksgiving, Peach Pie Recipe or you might enjoy this Banana Cream Pie Recipe.
Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
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How to Make Homemade Pie Crust Recipe - Pie Crust Basics Part One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup shortening
- Ice cold water about three to four tablespoons
Instructions
- Combine the flour and salt together.
- Using a pastry blender or two forks combine the shortening into the flour until it looks like cornmeal.
- Using a fork, add the water one tablespoon at a time and incorporate the water into the flour/shortening mixture.
- Keep adding the water, one tablespoon at a time, and keep stirring until the dough begins to come together, pulling away from the sides of the bowl and forming a ball of dough.
- Remove the ball of dough from your bowl and shape it into a flat disc.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour before using.
How to Roll Out the Pie Dough:
- Place the chilled dough in the center of your counter that has been dusted with flour.
- Dust the rolling pin with flour also.
- Place the rolling pin in the center of the disc of pie dough and begin rolling the dough away from you.
- Turn the disc a little and continue rolling it out.
- Continue turning and rolling until the dough is a little bigger than the pie plate you want it to fit into.
- Roll the dough up around the rolling pin to make it easier for you to transfer the dough to the pie plate.
- Gently fit the dough into the pie plate pressing the dough in place.
- Trim any excess dough with a paring knife making sure to leave enough overhang so you can crimp the edge of the dough.
- Your pie dough is now ready to bake and be used in your favorite recipe.
Notes
- For a flaky pie crust, it is crucial to use water that is very cold. This will help achieve the desired texture and consistency in the crust.
- I like to have a bowl of water with ice cubes in the refrigerator ready to use once the shortening and flour is combined completely. That way I know the water is as cold as it can be.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
You make this look so easy. I need to make a pie this year for Thanksgiving so I have pinned this for tips. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Lois says
Thank you for visiting!
Anita Trippi says
My mom made the best pie crust ever and I have not been able to duplicate. I am going to try again. Thanks for the clear directions and inspiration!
Lois says
I hope you have success using this recipe. Please let me know and come back to leave a followup comment. Thank you for visiting!
Erica says
I almost never make pies because I hate making pie crust. My goal this fall is to change that. Thanks for all of the tips I am saving this post to try later. Thanks for sharing to Mix It Up Monday.
Lois says
I hope you have success making your own pie dough using this recipe! Thanks for visiting and for your weekly parties.
Michelle James says
OK I so want to impress my guests at Thanksgiving by trying this! The addition of the fall leaves is so cool! Thanks so much for sharing at #merrymonday Hope you will link up with us again!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
I have never tried making my own pie crust because it always seemed tricky. But this doesn't look so hard! Thank you for linking up with our Merry Monday party this week - I pinned your recipe to try it for myself soon!
Sarah Jean @ Pretty Simple Ideas says
As an experienced pie maker, but with a husband who loves them, I needed this. 🙂
Tiffany McKay says
YUM! I'm glad I found this post before I attempt making pie for Thanksgiving!
mickeydownunder says
G'day! Always great hints and tip Lois provided from you!
All greatly appreciated and bookmarked too!
Cheers! Joanne
http://www.whatsonthelist.net
Miz Helen says
A great pie crust tutorial, it looks awesome! Hope you are having a great day and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon
Miz Helen
Sugar Cookies to Peterbilts says
I am so looking forward to the fancy tips!
Patty Anderson says
We have the same cutting board. I was in your boat and finally discovered how to make silky smooth, easy to roll crust. You must have patience galore, I do mine in a food processor with great results.
Beth says
I used to make homemade pies when my kids were young. This post has inspired me to try again.
Cranberry Morning says
I can't eat wheat, but I still love making a crust like that. There is something so therapeutic about feeling the dough, rolling it out, turning it, placing it in the pan, crimping the edges, etc. etc. I love it - and still do it. I just don't eat it. 🙂 There is no GF crust that has the same elasticity and feel of a real pie crust.