You Can Always Use Extra Pie Dough—Here’s How to Make the Most of Those Scraps
One might argue you can never go wrong with a little extra pie dough. Whether you’re prepping pie shells in advance for the holidays or need a quick crust for a last-minute quiche, having extra dough on hand is always a bonus. But what about the scraps and leftover pieces that don’t quite fit into a full pie?
Instead of tossing them, you can transform those bits of dough into a variety of delicious treats, both savory and sweet. From mini tarts and pot pies to cheese twists, using up leftover pie crust is even more versatile than you might think—and a great opportunity to reduce waste.
Ready to get creative in the kitchen? Here are our favorite ways to use up all of those leftover bits.
**1. Mini Pies and Tarts**
Love pecan pie, lemon tarts, or s’mores-inspired bites? Leftover pie dough works perfectly for miniature tart shells. Simply use a muffin pan or specialty tart pan for even baking, and fill with anything from curd to custard to chocolate ganache. These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, gifting, or as a way to use up leftover fillings.
**2. Hand Pies**
Hand pies are a portable version of your favorite pies and are one of the most versatile ways to repurpose pie dough. Fill them with savory mixtures like meat and veggies, or opt for sweet fillings such as spiced fruit compote or cherry preserves. A quick crimp of the edges and brush of egg wash gives them a beautifully crisp, golden crust.
**3. Appetizers**
Think beyond dessert! Leftover pie dough makes a sturdy base for delicious appetizers. Try caramelized onion tarts, spinach-feta bites, or savory pinwheels made with sausage, buffalo chicken, pesto, and more. The dough bakes up tender but robust, making it perfect for flavorful fillings.
**4. Mini Pot Pies**
Prepare comforting, individualized mini pot pies with leftover dough. Cut out rounds and use them to top ramekins filled with creamy chicken, turkey, or veggie fillings. Bake until golden and bubbly for a satisfying meal that makes the most of your scraps.
**5. Cookies**
Pie dough can stand in for puff pastry in simple cookies such as palmiers, cinnamon-sugar twists, pinwheels, or even leaf-shaped cookies. Serve them with tea or coffee, or use as a garnish for other desserts. It’s a sweet and eye-catching way to repurpose those bits of dough.
**6. Layered Desserts**
Bake pie dough scraps plain or with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar until golden and crisp, then crumble into sundaes, parfaits, trifles, and more. The buttery crunch adds a homemade touch and elevates your favorite layered desserts, whether pie-inspired or not.
**7. Breakfast Pastries**
Transform leftover pie dough into easy strudels, homemade toaster-style pastries, or turnovers for a delicious breakfast. Fill rolled and cut dough with jam, sweetened cream cheese, fruit compote, or chocolate-hazelnut spread. The result? Satisfying breakfast pastries that look straight out of a bakery.
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Don’t let pie dough go to waste! With a little creativity, those scraps can become your new favorite treat—no matter the meal.
https://www.southernliving.com/ways-to-use-leftover-pie-crust-11862176
