Pies & Tarts

How to Make A Perfectly Flaky Savory Pie Crust

4.61 from 68 votes
A perfectly flakey pie crust recipe that will actually work for both sweet and savory pies — depending on what you'd love to make.
An empty savory pie crust recipe ready to be baked.

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Hi Bold Bakers!

Hi Bold Bakers!

I have yet to share my savory pie crust recipe with you until now but considering it’s the holiday season, and I’m going to be sharing my Thanksgiving Leftovers Pie, this is a perfect time. It has what I love in a pie crust — a generous amount of butter — yielding a perfect flake that will actually work for both sweet and savory pies. Before you get started, though, I strongly urge you to check out my 7 Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Pie Crust to get you started on the right track.

Why is My Pie Crust Soggy?

This can be for many reasons, but most commonly it comes down to what type of filling you have in your pie. A way to prevent a soggy bottom is to bake your pie on a preheated baking sheet AND on the bottom shelf of the oven close to the heat source. The pre-heated tray will ensure your dough is crisping from the bottom.

Do you need to blind bake your pie crust before the filling goes in? Follow my step by step instructions here.

Why is my Pie Crust Shrinking?

Shrinking pastry can often come down to too much water in your pastry. Think about it practically: when water heats up it evaporates. If it evaporated from your pastry that will cause your pastry to shrink. That is why I use egg instead of all water and I stress not to add all the liquid in at the one time as you might not need it. You just need enough for your dough to form a tight ball.

[ Want to make a Gluten-Free Pie Crust? Try my Flakiest Gluten-Free Pie Crust here! ]

How Do You Bake a Pie Crust From Frozen?

Do just as you would if it were fresh! Pop it into the oven and bake for the same amount of time. A fun baking fact: Freezing your pie crust in the pan and baking it off from frozen can eliminate the need to line with parchment and beans before blind baking.

Savory Pie Crust recipe with no filling, showing the holes in the bottom.

When is my Pie Done?

Regardless of what pie you are making, your pie is ready when you have a lovely golden brown color on your pastry.

How do I Store Savory Pie Crust?

Store your pie crust wrapped in the fridge or in the freezer.

A finished pie using a Savory Pie Crust.

How Long Does Savory Pie Crust Last?

In the fridge, the pie crust will last 48 hours. After this time you will notice the dough can go a grayish color and shouldn’t be used in baking. Personally, I love to freeze my pie crust and have a stash in my freezer around the holidays. You can freeze it well wrapped and labeled for up to 6 weeks.

How to Make A Sensational Savory Pie Crust Recipe

4.61 from 68 votes
A perfectly flakey pie crust recipe that will actually work for both sweet and savory pies — depending on what you'd love to make.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 10 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
A perfectly flakey pie crust recipe that will actually work for both sweet and savory pies — depending on what you'd love to make.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 10 people

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (12 1/2 oz/355g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (8oz/225g) butter, chilled and diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (4floz/115ml) water cold, roughly

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  • Rub in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. You can do this by hand or you can use a dough cutter.
  • In a sperate jug whisk together the egg and water.
  • Pour in most of the liquid (holding some back) and stir until mixture forms a tight ball. You might not need all of the water so add it slowly. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. (You can keep it in the fridge for 48 hours or freeze for up to 6 weeks)
  • Roll dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Place crust into buttered pie plate. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie plate.
  • Bake pastry as instructed in your recipe.
4.61 from 68 votes (57 ratings without comment)
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Gaston
Gaston
4 years ago

Haha. Separate jug? I think (hope) you meant bowl. I reserve jugs for moonshine 😉 Thanks for the recipe!

Nancy
Nancy
4 years ago

I made the other piecrust recipe numerous times (omitting the powdered sugar for a savory crust for pot pies / including it for apple pies) you previously posted and it is fantastic! I notice it called for an egg yolk while this one calls for a whole egg. Why the difference and how does this affect the crust?

Stella T
Stella T
4 years ago

Hi Gemma! I made this recipe before which gave beautiful result.
But tonight I made it again using the food processor and ended up with a very soft dough n even after 5 hours of rest , no change in texture.
Can I still use the dough as it is or should I add more flour?
Please advise. Thank you so much.
Stella

Chubby137
4 years ago

Is this recipe enough for a top and bottom crust? Or do I have to double it? Thanks Gemma

Marianne
Marianne
1 year ago

This isn’t a critique of the recipe,but of the site. So many ads that keep popping up and moving around I can’t see the recipe. Please offer a paid option so I don’t have to see those. Takes me so long to find the actual recipe it just isn’t worth it

Ellie
Ellie
3 years ago

Your instructions do not say so, but for those new to baking, this makes two pie crusts. After you pull your dough together, separate into two equal pieces before putting in fridge to rest. If you only need one, put the other in the freezer for another recipe, another time. 🙂

K SAN
K SAN
4 years ago

Dear Gemma,
Have been watching your very interesting and detailed recipes. A great help to beginners like me.
I live in Malaysia with a hot & humid tropical environment. Please advise how to mix butter and flour to get coarse breadcrumb texture as over-here butter softens & melts very quickly.
Many thanks.

Nirmla
Nirmla
4 years ago

Hi Gemma
I was going to pre-bake the crust to avoid a soggy apple pie. After 7-8 minutes in the oven, crust sides fell to base of pie pan and the butter was very visible.
Afraid I might ruin it, removed it, assembled apple pie per your recipe. It’s baking now.

When I was preparing the dough, it was firm but workable. Did I add too much liquid?
Thanks in advance!
Nirmla

Cyn
Cyn
11 months ago

Putting 4 hours in the prep time or title would have been a very nice heads up.

V. Gubler
V. Gubler
4 years ago

This looks great!

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About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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