Beyond Pie: Creative Treats You Can Make With Pie Crust
Pie crust. It’s the foundation of so many delightful desserts, but its utility doesn’t have to end with just pies. This versatile dough, whether homemade or store-bought, can be transformed into a variety of tempting treats that are perfect for snacks, desserts, or even a sweet addition to breakfast. This article explores a world of possibilities beyond the traditional pie, offering creative and delicious recipes that utilize pie crust in exciting new ways.
Understanding Pie Crust: A Quick Review
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly revisit the basics of pie crust. A good pie crust is all about balance: a flaky texture with a buttery flavor. The key to achieving this lies in keeping the ingredients cold, minimizing gluten development, and handling the dough gently.
* **Ingredients:** The standard pie crust consists of flour, fat (usually butter, shortening, or a combination), salt, and ice water.
* **Fat is Key:** The type and amount of fat used greatly influence the crust’s texture. Butter provides flavor, while shortening contributes to flakiness. Lard, traditionally used, also creates a very flaky crust.
* **Cold is Crucial:** Cold ingredients prevent the fat from melting too quickly, creating layers of fat within the dough. These layers then separate during baking, resulting in a flaky crust.
* **Minimal Mixing:** Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Resting Period:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing shrinkage during baking.
Whether you prefer making your pie crust from scratch or using a store-bought version, understanding these basics will help you achieve the best results in all the recipes below.
Recipe Collection: Pie Crust Creations
Here’s a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the versatility of pie crust. Each recipe provides detailed instructions, tips, and variations to suit your preferences.
1. Pie Crust Cookies (Cinnamon Sugar Twists)
These simple yet satisfying cookies are a fantastic way to use up leftover pie crust. They’re quick to make and require minimal ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll and Brush:** On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pie crust to a slightly thinner rectangle.
3. **Butter and Sprinkle:** Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the pie crust. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered crust.
4. **Cut and Twist:** Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the crust into strips about 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip a few times to create a twisted shape.
5. **Bake:** Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flavor Variations:** Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. You can also add a pinch of salt to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to enhance the flavor.
* **Icing:** For a sweeter treat, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
* **Shapes:** Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes instead of strips.
* **Nutty:** Sprinkle chopped nuts over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar.
2. Mini Pie Crust Quiches
These bite-sized quiches are perfect for appetizers, brunch, or a light lunch. They’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or your choice)
* 2 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. **Cut and Press:** Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crust that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cavities. Gently press each circle into a muffin tin cavity.
3. **Prepare Filling:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese and any optional fillings like bacon, ham, or vegetables.
4. **Fill and Bake:** Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust-lined muffin tin cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are set and the crust is golden brown.
6. **Cool:** Let the quiches cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Vegetarian Options:** Use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers as fillings.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
* **Seasoning:** Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
3. Pie Crust Pizza Bites
These pizza bites are a fun and easy snack or appetizer. They’re a great way to get creative with toppings and satisfy your pizza cravings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 1/4 cup pizza sauce
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, etc.)
* Italian seasoning (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cut and Shape:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to a slightly thinner rectangle. Cut the crust into small squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
3. **Add Toppings:** Spread a small amount of pizza sauce on each crust piece. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add your favorite pizza toppings.
4. **Season:** Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, if desired.
5. **Bake:** Place the pizza bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Cool:** Let the pizza bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Sauce Variations:** Use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan.
* **Topping Combinations:** Try classic combinations like pepperoni and mushroom, or get creative with unique toppings like pineapple and ham.
* **Garlic Butter:** Brush the crust with garlic butter before adding the toppings for extra flavor.
4. Pie Crust Straws
Pie crust straws are a savory snack that’s perfect for dipping in soups, sauces, or dips. They’re easy to make and can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 tablespoon melted butter
* 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, or a combination)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll and Brush:** On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pie crust to a slightly thinner rectangle.
3. **Brush and Season:** Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the pie crust. Sprinkle with dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. **Cut into Strips:** Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the crust into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide.
5. **Bake:** Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Cool:** Let the straws cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Cheese Please:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the crust before baking for a cheesy flavor.
* **Garlic Infusion:** Mix minced garlic into the melted butter for a garlicky flavor.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Use Everything Bagel seasoning instead of herbs and spices for a savory flavor.
5. Pie Crust Hand Pies
Hand pies are miniature pies that are perfect for a portable dessert or snack. You can fill them with your favorite pie fillings, such as fruit, chocolate, or custard.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 sheets of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 cup of your favorite pie filling (apple, cherry, blueberry, chocolate, custard, etc.)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cut and Fill:** Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pie crust. Place a spoonful of pie filling in the center of half of the circles.
3. **Top and Seal:** Top each filled circle with another circle of pie crust. Crimp the edges of the circles together with a fork to seal them tightly.
4. **Egg Wash and Sprinkle:** Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
5. **Cut Vents:** Cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. **Bake:** Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
7. **Cool:** Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Filling Variations:** Experiment with different pie fillings to create your own unique hand pie combinations.
* **Shape Variations:** Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes for your hand pies.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle the cooled hand pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
* **Savory Hand Pies:** Fill the hand pies with savory fillings like meat, vegetables, or cheese for a savory snack or meal.
6. Pie Crust Croutons
Turn leftover pie crust into crunchy, flavorful croutons to top salads, soups, or casseroles. This is a fantastic way to minimize food waste and add a unique texture to your dishes.
**Ingredients:**
* Leftover pie crust (from any recipe)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cut into Cubes:** Cut the pie crust into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size.
3. **Toss with Oil and Seasonings:** In a bowl, toss the pie crust cubes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. **Bake:** Spread the croutons in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. **Cool:** Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before storing in an airtight container.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
* **Cheese Croutons:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the croutons before baking for a cheesy flavor.
* **Spicy Croutons:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Croutons:** For sweet croutons to top desserts, use cinnamon sugar instead of savory seasonings.
7. Pie Crust Chips and Dip
These savory chips are a simple and delicious alternative to traditional potato chips. Serve them with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
* Sea salt or other seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)
* Your favorite dip (hummus, guacamole, salsa, spinach artichoke dip, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Roll and Brush:** On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pie crust to a slightly thinner rectangle.
3. **Brush and Season:** Brush the melted butter or olive oil evenly over the surface of the pie crust. Sprinkle with sea salt or other seasonings.
4. **Cut into Triangles:** Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the crust into triangles or other desired shapes.
5. **Bake:** Place the chips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. **Cool:** Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with your favorite dip.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Herb Variations:** Use dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a flavorful twist.
* **Spicy Chips:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet Chips:** Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and savory snack.
* **Cheese Chips:** Grate Parmesan cheese over the crust before baking for a cheesy flavor.
8. Pie Crust Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
Palmiers, also known as elephant ears, are classic French pastries made from puff pastry. However, pie crust can be used as a simpler substitute to create a similar treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
* Cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Sugar the Surface:** Spread half of the granulated sugar evenly on a clean work surface. Place the pie crust on top of the sugar and sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the crust. Add a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
3. **Roll and Fold:** Gently roll the sugar into the pie crust using a rolling pin. Starting from one side, fold the crust towards the center. Repeat on the opposite side, so the two folds meet in the middle. Then, fold one half over the other, like closing a book.
4. **Chill:** Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
5. **Slice and Bake:** Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices.
6. **Place and Bake:** Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Brush lightly with melted butter if desired.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized, flipping halfway through. Watch carefully as they can burn easily.
8. **Cool:** Let the palmiers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Savory Palmiers:** Use grated Parmesan cheese and herbs instead of sugar for a savory version.
* **Spice Variations:** Add different spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the sugar for a unique flavor.
* **Chocolate Palmiers:** Spread melted chocolate over the crust before folding for a chocolatey treat.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled palmiers for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Pie Crust Lattice Toppers
While this still involves pie, this is using pie crust *creatively* on a pie. Lattice tops are beautiful and can be applied to more than just the standard fruit pie. This technique can be used on savory pot pies, individual tarts, or even to decorate a galette.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet of pie crust (homemade or store-bought), chilled
* Your favorite pie filling (fruit, savory, etc.)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Pie Filling:** Prepare the bottom pie crust and filling in your pie dish or individual tart pans.
2. **Roll and Cut:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie crust into a rectangle or circle, depending on the shape of your pie. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the crust into strips about ½ inch wide.
3. **Create Lattice:** Lay half of the strips parallel across the top of the pie filling, spacing them about an inch apart. Fold back every other strip halfway. Place a strip perpendicular to the folded strips, near the center of the pie. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Fold back the strips that you didn’t fold back before, and place another perpendicular strip next to the first. Continue this process, alternating which strips are folded back, until the entire pie is covered with a lattice pattern.
4. **Trim and Crimp:** Trim the excess pie crust from the edges of the pie dish. Crimp the edges of the lattice and the bottom crust together to seal them.
5. **Egg Wash and Sprinkle:** Brush the top of the lattice with beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
6. **Bake:** Bake according to your pie filling recipe’s instructions.
7. **Cool:** Let the pie cool completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Patterns:** Experiment with different lattice patterns, such as a diamond pattern or a woven pattern.
* **Leaf Cutouts:** Use leaf-shaped cookie cutters to create decorative cutouts to place on top of the lattice.
* **Savory Lattice:** For savory pies, brush the lattice with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs instead of sugar.
* **Pre-Made Lattice:** There are pie crust lattice rollers available that help to create a perfect lattice quickly.
Tips for Working with Pie Crust
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when working with pie crust:
* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** This is the most important tip for achieving a flaky crust. Use ice water and cold butter or shortening.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, making it easier to roll out and prevents shrinkage during baking.
* **Roll Out Evenly:** Roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that it bakes evenly.
* **Prevent Shrinkage:** To prevent shrinkage during baking, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before baking.
* **Blind Baking:** If you’re making a pie with a pre-baked crust (like a custard pie), you’ll need to blind bake the crust. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
* **Use a Pastry Blender or Food Processor:** These tools can help you incorporate the fat into the flour quickly and efficiently.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Pie crust is a forgiving dough, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques.
Storing Pie Crust Treats
The best way to store your pie crust treats depends on the type of treat:
* **Cookies and Straws:** Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Quiches and Hand Pies:** Store these in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Pizza Bites and Chips:** Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose their crispness over time.
* **Croutons:** Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
* **Palmiers:** Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh.
Conclusion
As you can see, pie crust is a remarkably versatile ingredient that extends far beyond the confines of traditional pies. These recipes offer just a glimpse into the creative possibilities that await. So, the next time you have leftover pie crust, or simply want to explore new culinary adventures, give these recipes a try. From sweet to savory, simple to sophisticated, there’s a pie crust treat for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!