A basic, reliable pie shell recipe. Great for sweet pies! Reduce the sugar, and use for savory pies, too!
Course: Dessert, Main Course
Keyword: pie
Author: Beth Cato
Ingredients
3cupsall-purpose flour
1Tablespoonsugar
1teaspoonfine salt
1cupunsalted butter2 sticks, cold, cut into cubes
3/4cupice water
Instructions
Make dough hours in advance or the night before. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold butter cubes, and either use a pastry blender or pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the butter is pea-sized.
Pour in the cold water and pulse/mix together until the dough forms a loose ball. I like to use my hands at this point. The dough may be sticky, but it will firm up well.
Pour dough onto a floured surface. Divide into two balls and fallen them into discs. Wrap each disc in parchment paper, then in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour before placing in pie dish, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Roll out the refrigerated dough into a 12-inch round. Press it into a 9-inch dish, trimming the excess and pinching the edges. Wrap loosely with plastic wrap and freeze at least two hours before using, or keep frozen up to three months.