What's The Best Fat For Pie Dough: Butter, Crisco Or Lard?

Depending on which type of texture and flavor you like, there's a right answer for everyone.

Pie crusts are made with very few ingredients, which means the quality of the ones you choose can make a huge difference. Above all, your choice of fat can make or break your pie crust. Pastry chefs and home bakers have long debated whether shortening (like Crisco), butter, lard or a combination is the best choice, and it turns out that different types can give you different textures and flavors.

Each fat has pros and cons, but “when it comes to making pie dough, determining the best fat is a matter of personal preference,” said Erin Cayaban a pastry chef at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge in New York City.