Southern Fried Pie Dough Recipe: How to Make Flaky and Delicious Crusts

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The Basics of Southern Fried Pie Dough Recipe

Southern Fried Pie Dough is a classic and delicious sweet treat that’s easy to make. As suggested by its name, it requires frying a pie with a homemade pie crust. In this section, I’ll outline the essential steps to create a Southern Fried Pie Dough recipe.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Southern Fried Pie Dough recipe are simple and easy to find. You will need flour, butter or shortening, sugar, salt, and water. You can also use store-bought pie crusts if you don’t want to make your own.

Recipe

To make Southern Fried Pie Dough, you need to start by making the pie crust. You can use a homemade pie crust recipe or a store-bought one.

To make the homemade pie crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Add water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal parts and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet. Fry the pies until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Time

The total time it takes to make Southern Fried Pie Dough is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes the time it takes to make the pie crust, chill the dough, and fry the pies.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Pie Dough is a delicious dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought one, the result is a crispy and flaky pie that is filled with your favorite fruit or filling. With a little bit of time and patience, you can make your own Southern Fried Pie Dough at home and impress your family and friends.

Preparing the Dough and Filling

To make delicious Southern fried pies, you need a great dough and filling. In this section, I will guide you through the process of preparing the dough and filling for your pies.

Preparing the Dough

For the dough, you can use homemade pie crust or canned biscuits. If you prefer homemade pie crust, you can find an easy recipe at Ronalyn T Alston. If you choose canned biscuits, make sure to use the flaky kind for a better result.

To prepare the dough, you will need a rolling pin and a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a small bowl or cookie cutter.

Preparing the Filling

For the filling, you can use a variety of fruits such as apples, peaches, or dried fruit. Granny Smith apples work great for a classic apple pie filling. If you prefer chunky applesauce, you can use fresh apples and cook them down with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

To prepare the filling, mix your chosen fruit with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and any other desired spices. Simmer the mixture on the stove until the fruit is soft and the liquid has thickened.

Filling the Dough

To fill the dough, place 2-3 tablespoons of fruit mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Now that your dough is filled, it’s time to fry them up! Check out Southern Plate for a great recipe on how to fry your pies to perfection.

Use homemade pie crust or flaky canned biscuits for the dough
Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness and cut out circles
Mix your chosen fruit with sugar, lemon juice, and spices to make the filling
Simmer the mixture until the fruit is soft and the liquid has thickened
Fill the dough with 2-3 tablespoons of fruit mixture and press the edges together to seal.

Frying the Pie

To achieve a crispy and flaky crust, frying is the way to go when it comes to making Southern-style fried pies. There are two ways to fry a pie: shallow frying and deep frying. Shallow frying is when you cook the pie in a skillet with a small amount of oil, while deep frying is when you submerge the pie in hot oil.

When shallow frying, you’ll need to use a skillet with a lid and heat up enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Once the oil is hot, place the pie in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Make sure to crimp the edges of the pie to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Deep frying is a faster method, but it requires more cooking oil and a deep fryer or a pot. Heat up the oil to the right temperature, which is around 350°F to 375°F, and carefully place the pie in the oil. Fry the pie for a few minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown. Once the pie is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

When deep frying, it’s important to maintain the oil temperature to prevent the pie from becoming greasy and soggy. You can use a food thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If the oil temperature is too low, the pie will absorb more oil, resulting in a greasy pie. If the oil temperature is too high, the pie will cook too quickly on the outside, leaving the inside raw.

Whether you choose to shallow fry or deep fry, make sure to use a pastry dough or pie crust that’s sturdy enough to hold the filling. You can use a food processor to make the pastry dough or make it by hand. Lard is a popular fat to use in the pastry dough, but you can also use butter or shortening.

In summary, frying is the key to making a crispy and flaky Southern-style fried pie. Shallow frying and deep frying are the two methods to choose from, depending on your preference. Make sure to use a sturdy pastry dough or pie crust, and maintain the oil temperature when deep frying to avoid a greasy pie.

Here’s a quick summary of the key points to keep in mind when frying a pie:

Shallow frying and deep frying are the two methods to choose from.
Use a skillet with a lid for shallow frying and a deep fryer or pot for deep frying.
Crimp the edges of the pie to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Use a sturdy pastry dough or pie crust that can hold the filling.
Lard is a popular fat to use in the pastry dough, but you can also use butter or shortening.
Maintain the oil temperature when deep frying to avoid a greasy pie.

Nutritional Information

As with most fried foods, Southern fried pies are not exactly health food. However, if you’re looking to indulge in a sweet treat every once in a while, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for a typical fried pie:

Calories: A single fried pie can contain anywhere from 200 to 400 calories, depending on the size and filling.
Protein: Fried pies are not a significant source of protein.
Saturated fat: The dough used to make fried pies is typically made with shortening or lard, which are high in saturated fat.
Cholesterol: Because of the high fat content, fried pies are also high in cholesterol.
Sodium: Depending on the filling and dough, a single fried pie can contain anywhere from 100 to 300 milligrams of sodium.
Carbohydrates: Fried pies are high in carbohydrates, with most of them coming from the dough and filling.
Potassium: Fried pies are not a significant source of potassium.
Fiber: Fried pies are not a significant source of fiber.
Calcium: Fried pies are not a significant source of calcium.
Iron: Fried pies are not a significant source of iron.
Vitamin A: Depending on the filling, fried pies may contain some vitamin A.
Vitamin C: Fried pies are not a significant source of vitamin C.

It’s important to note that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content of your fried pies, you can try making them at home with healthier ingredients, such as whole wheat flour and fresh fruit fillings. However, keep in mind that even homemade fried pies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Serving and Storage

When it comes to serving Southern Fried Pies, there are a few options to consider. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, and you can also sprinkle them with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. Some people like to serve them with a scoop of ice cream on top, which can be a delicious way to enjoy this classic dessert.

If you’re making a large batch of Southern Fried Pies, you may want to consider storing them in the freezer. This will help them stay fresh for longer periods of time and make them easy to grab whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. To freeze your pies, simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them.

If you’re using canned biscuits to make your pies, keep in mind that they may not be as flaky or tender as homemade dough. However, they can still be a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to make your own dough from scratch.

When it comes to making the dough for your pies, using cold water is key to creating a flaky, tender crust. You can also experiment with different types of apples to find the perfect flavor for your fried apple pies. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice, as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a tart, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the filling.

To serve your pies, you can arrange them on a platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, you can serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Here is a list of key takeaways to keep in mind when serving and storing Southern Fried Pies:

Serve your pies warm or at room temperature, and consider sprinkling them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
If you’re making a large batch, consider storing your pies in the freezer to keep them fresh.
Canned biscuits can be a good option if you’re short on time, but homemade dough will give you the best results.
Use cold water when making your dough to create a flaky, tender crust.
Experiment with different types of apples to find the perfect flavor for your fried apple pies.
Serve your pies on a platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or top with ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Alternate Methods and Variations

When it comes to making Southern Fried Pies, there are a variety of methods and variations to choose from. As a home cook, I have experimented with several different recipes and techniques over the years, and I have found a few that I particularly enjoy.

One alternative method that I love is using refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making my own pastry dough from scratch. This shortcut saves time and effort, and the resulting pies are still delicious. Simply roll out the biscuit dough, add your filling, and seal the edges with the tines of a fork before frying or baking.

Another variation that I enjoy is using fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for fried apple pies, as they hold their shape well during frying and provide a tart contrast to the sweet crust. To make the filling, simply peel and chop the apples, simmer them in a mixture of brown sugar, lemon juice, and nutmeg until tender, and then let the mixture cool before filling the pies.

If you prefer a flaky crust, try using a food processor to make the pastry dough. Simply pulse together flour, unsalted butter, and lard until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, and then add cold water a little at a time until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and use it to make your pies as usual.

Finally, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried pies, consider baking them instead of deep frying them. This method results in a less greasy pie that is still crispy and delicious. You can also experiment with using tortillas or phyllo dough instead of traditional pastry dough to create a lighter, flakier crust.

Overall, there are many ways to make Southern Fried Pies, and it’s worth experimenting to find the method that works best for you. Whether you prefer crispy or tender pies, canned or fresh fruit, or fried or baked pies, there is a recipe out there that will help you create delicious fried hand pies that will bring back memories of old-fashioned Southern cooking.

Use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making your own pastry dough from scratch.
Use fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling for a more natural taste.
Use a food processor to make the pastry dough for a flakier crust.
Consider baking the pies instead of deep frying them for a healthier option.

“Southern Fried Pie Dough Recipe: How to Make Flaky and Delicious Crusts”