Y’all, let me tell you about one of the most essential skills you need in the kitchen—a bomb pie crust! Whether you’re making a sweet sweet potato pie or a savory chicken pot pie, having the best flaky pie crust can elevate your dish to a whole new level. And guess what? I’m here to share the ultimate recipe for a no-shrink blind bake pie crust. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to it!
Flaky Pie Crust
First, let’s talk about the beauty of a flaky pie crust. It’s all about that perfect balance of butter and flour that creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, once you master this, your friends and family are gonna keep coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix it up so everything is well combined.
- Add in the diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want those little pieces of butter to stay intact; that’s what makes it flaky!
- Slowly add in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix it gently until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix it; you still want to see some butter pieces in there!
- Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for that flaky texture!
- Once it’s chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully place it into your pie pan, trimming the excess dough around the edges.
- To blind bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool completely before adding your favorite filling. You’re all set to show off your baking skills!
This flaky pie crust is versatile and ready to hold all sorts of deliciousness. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start rollin’ out that dough. Your taste buds will thank you!