How to Use Leftover Pie Crust (9 Creative Ideas)

When making a homemade pie crust, it’s usually a good idea to overestimate how much dough you’ll need. You want to make sure you have enough pie crust dough to cover your pie pan, and there are many things you can do with extra pie crust dough.

So make a double batch, cover that pie pan, and then experiment with some of these ideas for what to do with the leftover pie crust.

1 – Make a Top Crust

Although your pie may not need a top crust, you may want to consider adding one if you have excess dough. A top pie crust is mostly aesthetic, but it may also perform a few vital baking roles.

The top crust will seal in steam while your pie bakes if you cover it in a full crust, which means it is totally coated in one solid piece of crust. This will keep your pie filling moist rather than drying out.

This may help both sweet and savory pies. For example, if you bake an apple pie without a top crust or covering, the apples may dry up, have browned ends, and may not be as soft as you want.

When you cover the apple pie with a top crust, the apples are protected from direct heat, the steam is trapped, and the result is a juicy pie that will make your mouth water.

Another advantage of placing a top crust on your pie is entirely aesthetic. Everyone enjoys pie crust, so why not make more? Your delectable pie crust is now not only on the bottom but also on top! That pie will be impossible to refuse!

To use the remaining pie crust dough as a top crust, roll it out on a floured work surface to the size of your unbaked pie.

Brush the sides of the pie crust in the pan with egg wash, then spread the rolled-out dough over the top of the pie, pressing the corners together to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Bake according to the directions on the recipe, then enjoy!

2 – Cinnamon Sugar Snacks

Making cinnamon and sugar treats is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to use up leftover pie crust. These nibbles are particularly useful while you’re waiting for your pie to bake and need something to tide you over.

Begin by flattening out your remaining pie crust on a lightly floured board. Next, in a small mixing dish, combine some cinnamon and sugar in a 1:4 ratio (if you have 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, add 4 tablespoons of sugar). Spread the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the pie crust.

Just cut the seasoned dough into the proper size strips, set them on a prepared sheet pan, and bake until the edges are just getting golden brown (this will usually take around 10 minutes depending on the thickness of your dough).

If you want to create cinnamon and sugar rolls, wrap the rough up like a sleeping bag—start from the bottom and roll the dough up evenly. At this stage, you may bake the dough as a solid, rolled-up log or cut it into 1 inch slices to bake.

Both alternatives will be tasty!

3 – Mini Quiche

Little quiches may be made using leftover pie crust dough. Spread the dough out on a floured surface and cut into rounds slightly bigger than your mini muffin tray.

Push the dough rings into each muffin tin hole, pressing them against the edges. Fill the muffin cups with unbaked quiche filling and bake until the egg is set in the middle (about 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven).

These tiny quiches are not only a terrific way to use up leftover pie dough, but they also make an excellent appetizer for a gathering where your pie will be showcased.

4 – Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are another tasty treat made with leftover pie dough. If you’re not acquainted with these delectable delicacies, they’re basically small hot dogs covered in a buttery, flaky shell. Isn’t that fantastic?!

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the remaining pie crust and cut triangles that are approximately one inch wide at the bottom and three inches high. Fold up the triangle, enclosing the little hot dog.

Put the rolled hot dog on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper, with the triangle point below the hot dog. Brush the pie dough with a gentle egg wash and bake until golden brown. Serve immediately with your preferred sauce!

5 – Jelly Empanadas

Empanadas are similar to small handheld pies. Although you may get empanadas with a variety of fillings, ranging from savory to sweet, the simplest empanadas to prepare are filled with jelly. Your leftover pie crust will be the ideal vessel for the delicious jelly filling!

On a floured board, roll out your pie dough and cut it into rounds. Any size circle will suffice, but keep them less than 3 inches in diameter or they will become too large to grip and chew readily after baking.

Spray the pie crust circles with a gentle egg wash, then lay a scoop of jelly in the middle of the dough circle—any flavor you like! Fold the circle in half to completely enclose the jelly within the pie shell.

Put the empanada on a prepared sheet tray and push the edges tight with a fork to seal the jelly within. Bake till golden brown, then cool before serving.

6 – Nut Cookies

If you like nutty cookies, you will enjoy pie crust cookies! Chop some of your favorite nuts (peanuts, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.) then push them into the remaining pie shell, gently kneading the dough to thoroughly include the nuts.

Flatten the dough with your hands on a floured work surface until it is approximately an inch thick. Cut out the cookies using a cookie cutter and set them on a prepared sheet pan.

Bake until the sides are just beginning to brown—the middle may still seem a bit mushy, but that’s OK! Let it cool for a few minutes on the sheet tray before serving.

7 – Ice Cream Topping

To make the most of your remaining pie crust, just roll it out, bake it till golden brown, and then crumble it into little pieces. These pie crust bits are ideal for tossing on top of ice cream and keep well in an airtight container.

A gourmet ice cream topping is always available!

8 – Freeze the Crust

If you have enough pie crust dough left over to create another whole pie, roll it out, put it into a pie pan, cover it well, and freeze it. Pie crust freezes very well and may be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to create a pie, just take out the frozen crust, let it thaw at room temperature, and then use it as if it were fresh.
Having an extra pie crust on hand can save you a lot of time in the future!

9 – Cheese Crackers

Although many of these leftover pie crust recipes were sweet, you may be seeking for a savory way to utilize the dough. If that’s the case, you should create cheese crackers!

8 inches thick. Sprinkle the dough with parmesan, asiago, or simple cheddar cheese. Any hard or semi-hard cheese will do (if you can grate it, the better!). Lay out the dough to approximately 1 inch thick.

Cut the crackers into the appropriate shape and place them on a sheet pan coated with parchment paper. Bake the crackers until the edges are golden and the cheese has melted.

Serve immediately or keep the crackers in an airtight jar at room temperature. These will last about a week if properly sealed, but don’t worry, they never survive that long since they are too tasty!

As you can see, there is never any leftover pie crust since there is always something you can do with it! Try one or all of these solutions, and you’ll never have to worry about having too much pie dough again!

Good luck with your baking!