Hello, fellow pie lovers! Get your forks ready because February is officially #GreatAmericanPieMonth. Can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer deliciousness of pie? Pie is an ultimate comfort food, a cornerstone of American cuisine, and is endlessly versatile. From flaky crusts (more on that in a minute!) to sweet and savory fillings, pies hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!).

And speaking of flaky crusts… can we talk about the best pie crust ever? Flaky, buttery, sourdough starter or discard pie crust. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. It’s the perfect foundation for any pie you can dream up.

Comfort food isn’t just about eating something because you enjoy it. Instead, it is intertwined with other aspects of one’s life through emotions, memory, and culture. “Food can be nostalgic and provide important connections to our family or our nation.” 
The Importance of Comfort Food

Think about it: what’s more American than a slice of warm apple pie? Or maybe a hearty chicken pot pie? But the beauty of pie is that it goes way beyond the classics. Imagine creamy pumpkin pie on a crisp autumn evening or a tangy key lime pie transporting you to a sunny beach. And let’s not forget savory pies packed with meats and veggies—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Great American Pie Month is the perfect excuse to get your bake on! Dust off those recipes, experiment with new flavors, and share your pie-love with family and friends. But I know what you’re thinking… “Pie crust. shudder.” So many bakers are terrified of making pie crust, but it doesn’t have to be scary! That’s where this fantastic sourdough discard pie crust comes in. It uses simple ingredients – flour, butter, and sourdough starter discard – and it’s surprisingly easy to make. So, ditch the fear, and let’s get baking!

Best Ever Sourdough Pie Crust

This flaky, tender sourdough pie crust uses simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sourdough starter discard. Using discard adds a subtle tang, contributes to flakiness, and reduces waste.

Here are the baking steps for a flaky, tender sourdough pie crust:

Prep time: half an hourBake time: Yield: 2 pie crusts

This crust is great for pies, galettes, crostatas, quiches, and more.

Ingredients:

  • 2¾ heaping cups [350g] All-purpose or Pastry flour (This has a low protein content (8%), making it ideal for delicate pastries, such as pie crusts and scones)
  • I cup [226g] Butter, cold
  • 1 cup [240g] Sourdough starter or discard, cold
  • 5 Tbsp [75g] ice water
  • 1 Tbsp [17g] baker’s (castor) sugar* (This a superfine granulated sugar that dissolves quickly and evenly, creating smooth textures and preventing graininess in baked goods and frostings)
  • 1 tsp [6g] REAL™ Salt
    * omit sugar for savor pie crusts

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough, keeping all ingredients cold:
    • Grate the butter into a chilled bowl, then combine it with the flour, salt, and sugar.
    • Add cold sourdough starter or discard.
    • Mix with a fork just until the dough comes together
    • (Note: you may not need the ice water, but if the dough is not coming together, add it just one tablespoon at a time).
    • Handle the dough minimally and avoid adding excess liquid.
  2. Rest the dough:
    • Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Roll the dough:
    • Roll the dough evenly to the desired thickness (about 1/8 inch [.35 cm]).
    • Roll to 12 inches [30.5cm] for pies and fit into a pie dish.
    • For galettes, roll, add the filling, and fold the edges.
    • Chill the shaped crust for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
  4. Bake:
    • For single-crust pies or galettes, bake at 400°F [205°C] for 30–40 minutes.
    • For double-crust pies, bake at 425°F [218°C] for 30–40 minutes.
    • For wet fillings, blind-bake the crust at 400°F [205°C] for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling and baking as usual.

Additional tips:

  • Use cold discard from your starter.
  • Use other cold ingredients.
  • Roll the dough evenly.
  • Chill the crust before baking.
  • Blind bake for wet fillings.

Storage:

  • Store dough in the refrigerator for up to a week or freezer for six months.

Sourdough Pie Recipes to Help You Celebrate this Month

Whether you’re a seasoned pie pro or a nervous beginner, there’s a pie out there for everyone.

Why We Love Pie (and Why You Should Too):

  • Versatility: Sweet, savory, hot, cold—pie can do it all! From breakfast quiches to elegant desserts, the possibilities are endless.
  • Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of pie. It’s the perfect treat for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, and any occasion that calls for a little something special.
  • Creative Expression: Pie-making is an art! From the intricate designs on the crust to the perfectly balanced filling, it’s a chance to get creative in the kitchen.
  • Sharing is Caring: Pie is meant to be shared! Baking a pie for loved ones is a delicious way to show you care.

How to Celebrate Great American Pie Month:

  • Bake a Pie (or Several!): This is obvious! Try a new recipe or stick to your favorites. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crusts and fillings.
  • Host a Pie Party: Invite friends and family for a pie-tasting extravaganza. Everyone can bring their favorite pie to share.
  • Visit a Local Bakery: Support your local businesses and treat yourself to a delicious slice of pie from a professional.
  • Share Your Creations: Post pictures of your pies on social media using the hashtag #GreatAmericanPieMonth. Let’s spread the pie-love!
  • Learn About Pie History: Did you know pie has existed for centuries? Take some time to learn about the fascinating history of this beloved dessert.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rolling pin, gather ingredients, and celebrate #GreatAmericanPieMonth by using this hashtag on social media. Let the baking (and eating!) begin!

What’s your favorite kind of pie? Share in the comments below!