If you’ve ever tasted a fried pie, you know the magic lies in its flaky, golden crust. The perfect fried pie crust combines crispy textures with a tender interior, creating a delightful contrast that holds any sweet or savory filling beautifully. In this article, we’ll guide you through a Fried Pie Crust Recipe that captures the essence of Southern comfort. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie or experimenting with savory fillings, this crust will become your go-to recipe.
Origins and Interesting Facts
Fried pies, often called “hand pies,” have their roots in Southern cuisine, where resourcefulness and simplicity were key. These portable treats were originally created to provide a convenient way to carry lunch for long days in the fields. The tradition of frying rather than baking gives these pies their distinctive crispy texture and rich flavor, making them a favorite across generations.
Ingredients
To create the best fried pie dough recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced (Fried pie dough with butter)
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Fried pie dough recipe without shortening)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Extra flour for rolling out the dough
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the Fats:
- Add the cold, diced butter and shortening to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures a flaky crust for fried pies.
- Add Cold Water:
- Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together. It should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the Dough:
- Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Roll the Dough:
- Divide the dough into equal portions (depending on how many pies you plan to make). Roll each portion into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Ensure even thickness for consistent frying.
- Cut the Circles:
- Use a round cutter or a small plate as a guide to cut perfect circles from the rolled dough.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies
- Add Filling:
- Place a small amount of your chosen filling (sweet or savory) in the center of each dough circle.
- Seal the Edges:
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during frying.
Step 4: Fry the Pies
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop a small piece of dough into it.
- Fry the Pies:
- Carefully place a few pies in the hot oil, ensuring they don’t touch. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pies and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Southern fried pie dough recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar for sweet pies or a sprinkle of salt for savory ones.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Chill the Ingredients: Keeping your butter and shortening cold is crucial for achieving that desired flakiness in the crust.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to avoid tough crusts.
- Test the Oil Temperature: A small piece of dough should sizzle and rise to the top when the oil is ready.
Variations
- Crisco Fried Pie Crust Recipe: Substitute butter for all shortening if you prefer a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Pan Fried Pie Crust: If you’re short on oil, you can pan fry the pies with less oil, flipping them to ensure even cooking.
- Sweet and Savory Fillings: Experiment with fillings like apple-cinnamon, cherry, or even savory options like cheese and spinach for a unique twist.
Substitutions
- Fried Pie Dough with Butter: For a richer flavor, increase the butter content and reduce the shortening.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 pie):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
This Fried Pie Crust Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a piece of Southern tradition in your own kitchen. Its versatility allows for endless creativity with fillings, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a fun and delicious experience that’s sure to impress. Try it out and share your favorite variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering ideas.