Pate Brisee (Pie Dough)
Andrea Potischman
Jul 2, 2017
Many people are fearful of making their own dough for pies and tarts, so don’t be. Pâte brisée is a French term referring to a type of shortcrust pastry used in various sweet and savory dishes. It is a versatile dough known for its delicate, crumbly texture and buttery flavor. The name “pâte brisée” translates to “broken pastry” in English, which alludes to the method of making this dough by cutting cold butter into flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then adding just enough cold water to bring the dough together.
This pâte brisée (pie dough) recipe can all be done in a kitchen mixer, making it fast and easy for all. The more classical French method of making a well in the flour and using a pasty scraper to incorporate the butter in is not required and the result is just as good. The key is to use good quality ingredients, the right amount of water, and be careful not to over-mix it. During the holiday season, this pate brisee holds up well in the refrigerator and can be frozen if needed. There truly is no substitute for homemade dough and it will make any pie or tart remarkably better.
Pate Brisee (Pie Dough)
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Dash of salt
- 1/4-1/3 cup cold water
Directions:
- Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor, such as a Cuisinart, fitted with a metal blade attachment. Pulse on/off to incorporate. Add the butter and continue to pulse till the dough resembles a coarse meal. Add the water a little bit at a time and pulse till the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water or over-mix. If the mixture looks dry add a little more water as needed.
- With your hands form the dough into a round flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Love the recipe for your Gruyère quiche so I followed link to homemade crust. Problem is I don’t have a food processor. Can I still make this?
Hi Mary- Thanks so much for reaching out. You can absolutely make this dough recipe without using a kitchen mixer, I do it often, it just takes a little bit more time and patience. I hope you enjoy. Be well.