If you’re looking to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family with homemade pies, mastering the art of creating the perfect pie crust is essential. But fear not, with our “Can’t Go Wrong Pie Crusts” recipe, you’ll be well on your way to making buttery, flaky pie crusts that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 5-7 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Some larger pea-sized butter pieces are okay.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, to the flour-butter mixture. Mix lightly with a fork after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough starts to come together. You may not need to use all the water.
4. Gather the dough into a ball and divide it in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter, making it easier to roll out.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove one of the dough disks from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter, and about 1/8 inch thick. Make sure to turn the dough occasionally and lightly flour the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
7. Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to a pie dish. Press it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges with a sharp knife.
8. Fill the pie crust with your favorite pie filling and follow the recipe instructions for baking.
9. For a pre-baked crust, prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming while baking. Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Once baked, let the pie crust cool completely before filling it.
Cant Go Wrong Pie Crusts are a versatile base for both sweet and savory pies. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie or a hearty chicken pot pie, this recipe will ensure your crust turns out perfectly every time. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious homemade pies that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off that rolling pin, and get ready to impress with your baking skills!
