Flaky, buttery, and irresistibly tender, Leigh's Basic Pie Crust is the ultimate foundation for any homemade pie, whether sweet or savory. This foolproof recipe combines just five simple ingredients—cold unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, salt, optional sugar, and ice water—to create a perfectly balanced dough that rolls out effortlessly every time. The key to success lies in keeping the butter cold and working it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, guaranteeing a crust that's light and crisp. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time and designed to suit both single- and double-crust pies, this versatile dough is your go-to recipe for endless pie possibilities. From classic apple to a hearty chicken pot pie, Leigh's Basic Pie Crust ensures every bite is a golden, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix well to ensure an even distribution.
Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork after each addition. Add just enough water for the dough to come together when pressed – it should still be slightly crumbly but hold its shape.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together with your hands. Divide it into two equal portions if making a double crust. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
When ready to use, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter for a standard 9-inch pie dish.
Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges as desired. Fill and bake your pie according to your recipe.
Serving size | (642.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2840.8 |
Total Fat 194.9g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 122.0g | 0% |
Cholesterol 516.7mg | 0% |
Sodium 1218.1mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 241.7g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 8.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 13.4g | |
Protein 33.0g | 0% |
Vitamin D 116.7IU | 0% |
Calcium 90.9mg | 0% |
Iron 14.1mg | 0% |
Potassium 371.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories