How to Make Pie Crust - Pie Crust Basics

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.

Check out all the other easy dessert recipe ideas for even more delicious recipes.

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.

Looking for more Easy Desserts? Try my Homemade Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie Recipes for Thanksgiving or my Peach Pie Recipe

Table of Contents

• How to Make Pie Crust
• Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Combine the Dry Ingredients
• Add the Ice Water
• Chill the Pie Crust
• How to Roll Out the Pie Crust
• ⏲Prep Ahead Tips
• ❄️How to Freeze Pie Dough
• 🌟Try these recipes next...
• 📇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

Combine the Dry Ingredients

• Step 1: Add the shortening to the flour and salt.
• Step 2: Then using a pastry cutter work the shortening into the flour until it resembles cornmeal.

Add the Ice Water

• Step 3: Beginning with one tablespoon slowly start to incorporate the water into the flour and shortening mixture.
• Step 4: 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.
• Step 5: Do not dump everything on the counter and try to knead the dough into a shape.

📌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 6: Once you have a ball of pie dough, flatten out the ball into a disc shape.
• Step 7: 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

• Place the chilled dough in the center of your counter that has been dusted with flour.
• Dust the rolling pin with flour also.
• Turn the disc a little and continue rolling it out.

• Place the rolling pin in the center of the disc of pie dough and begin rolling the dough away from you.
• 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.

⭐Before You Begin! If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

⏲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.

🌟Try these recipes next...

Now that you know HOW to make homemade pie dough, let's learn how to make it pretty with Pie Crust Basics Part Two.

 Thanksgiving Planner with Recipes and Printables to help you have a GREAT celebration!Click HERE for More Information

 

📇Recipe Card

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!