What To Know
- From the buttery aroma that fills the kitchen to the flaky crust that melts in your mouth, the right butter can elevate your pie to culinary heaven.
- Made from a higher percentage of butterfat (82% or more), European-style butter has a richer flavor and creates a more flaky crust.
- Add the butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
When it comes to baking the perfect pie, the choice of butter can make all the difference. From the buttery aroma that fills the kitchen to the flaky crust that melts in your mouth, the right butter can elevate your pie to culinary heaven. But with so many options on the market, finding the best butter for pie can be a daunting task.
The Importance of Using High-Quality Butter
Before diving into the specifics of different butter brands, it’s crucial to understand why using high-quality butter is so important for pie baking.
- Flavor: Premium butter has a rich, creamy flavor that will enhance the overall taste of your pie.
- Texture: The fat content in butter is responsible for creating the flaky, tender crust that is synonymous with great pies.
- Color: Butter adds a beautiful golden hue to your pie crust, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Types of Butter for Pie
There are three main types of butter to consider for pie baking:
- Unsalted Butter: This is the most versatile type of butter and allows you to control the amount of salt in your pie dough.
- Salted Butter: Salted butter has a slightly salty flavor that can complement certain pie fillings, such as apple or pumpkin.
- European-Style Butter: Made from a higher percentage of butterfat (82% or more), European-style butter has a richer flavor and creates a more flaky crust.
Top Brands for the Best Butter for Pie
After understanding the different types of butter available, let’s explore some of the best brands on the market:
- Kerrygold: Known for its rich, grassy flavor, Kerrygold butter is a popular choice for bakers who want a premium butter.
- Plugrá: Another Irish butter, Plugrá offers a slightly milder flavor with a creamy texture.
- President: A French butter with a high butterfat content, President butter produces a flaky, golden crust.
- Land O’Lakes: A widely available American brand, Land O’Lakes butter is a solid choice for its consistent quality and reasonable price.
- Horizon Organic: For those who prefer organic butter, Horizon Organic produces a high-quality butter with a creamy, slightly sweet flavor.
Comparing Butter Brands for Pie
To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of the top butter brands for pie:
| Brand | Flavor | Texture | Color | Price |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| Kerrygold | Rich, grassy | Flaky | Golden | High |
| Plugrá | Mild, creamy | Flaky | Golden | Medium |
| President | Rich, buttery | Flaky | Golden | High |
| Land O’Lakes | Consistent, buttery | Flaky | Golden | Low |
| Horizon Organic | Creamy, slightly sweet | Flaky | Golden | Medium |
Choosing the Right Butter for Your Pie
The best butter for pie will depend on your personal preferences and the type of pie you are making.
- For a classic apple pie: Choose a butter with a rich, grassy flavor, such as Kerrygold or President.
- For a delicate fruit pie: Opt for a mild-flavored butter, such as Plugrá or Horizon Organic.
- For a savory pie: Salted butter can add a touch of extra flavor and balance the savory ingredients.
Tips for Using Butter in Pie Dough
- Use cold butter: Cold butter creates smaller pockets of steam in the dough, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Cut the butter into small pieces: This will help it incorporate evenly into the flour.
- Work the butter quickly: Overworking the dough will make it tough.
- Chill the dough before rolling: This will help the butter solidify and prevent it from melting too quickly during baking.
The Ultimate Pie Crust Recipe
To put your newfound butter knowledge into practice, here is a recipe for the ultimate pie crust:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Pies with the Best Butter
Choosing the best butter for pie is a crucial step in creating a truly exceptional dessert. By understanding the different types of butter, comparing top brands, and following expert tips, you can elevate your pies to the next level. Whether you prefer a classic apple pie or a savory meat pie, the right butter will make all the difference. Embrace the art of pie baking and experience the joy of creating delicious, flaky masterpieces that will impress your family and friends.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter in pie dough?
A: Margarine is not recommended for pie dough as it contains water and other ingredients that can make the dough tough and dense.
Q: How long can I store pie dough made with butter?
A: Pie dough made with butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: What is the best way to roll out pie dough?
A: Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface, starting from the center and working your way outward. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make it tough.
