The pie is a classic American dessert and dish which is savored throughout the year.
From summer brunches to thanksgiving celebrations, it is a comfort dish for any occasion.
Pies are made of a pastry dough which contains savory or sweet fillings baked in a pan dish.
You can enjoy delicious pies any time of the day.
If you have a sweet tooth in the morning, grab some apple pie to pair with your coffee. Want a hot, creamy and savory dish for dinner? Go for the classic chicken pot pie.
Some of the most popular pies in America are pecan pie, pumpkin pie and apple pie.
Whether sweet or savory, pies are the ultimate all American dessert and comfort food. Treat yourself with these delectable desserts or try making some pies from these lists.
From different types of pies to pie filling variants, there’s a pie that can suit anyone’s cravings.
Table of Contents
Types of Pies
A pie can come in many different variations. From how it is baked, to the crust and overall look. Some pies have a single bottom crust in a circular shape, others are small pocket sized pies.
Here are the four most common types of pies.
1. Classic Pie
The classic pie is also called an open faced pie.
This pie only has a bottom crust made from pie dough and consist of sweet, savory or custard fillings.
This kind of pie is called a tart in France and England.
2. Double-Crust Pie
This pie has a bottom crust and a top crust.
The bottom crust is rolled out and placed in a plate to bake with your favorite fillings.
The top crust usually has slits to let the steam out while baking or it can have a decorative lattice top crust.
You can top off a double crust pie with ice cream, brush the top with butter or egg wash or even sprinkle it with confectioners’ sugar.
Double-crust pies that usually taste good with ice cream are apple pie and strawberry pie.
3. Galette
This is a free-form type of pie made from a single crust which is baked on a sheet pan instead of a traditional pie dish.
The pie dough is rolled out and the filling is placed in the center with at least a 3 inch allowance from the edge of the dough.
The pastry dough is wrapped over the filling, leaving an exposed opening in the center before baking it.
4. Hand Pies
These are small pastry pockets made with traditional pie dough.
Hand pies usually have a flaky crust with a savory or sweet filling, they are baked or fried.
Hand pie crusts are cut into small circles with the filling placed on one side of the circle.
It is then folded, with the edges crimped with a fork.
You can fill these hand pies with anything you want from fruits to vegetables and meat.
The most common flavors are apple hand pies, peach hand pies and chicken and vegetable hand pies.
Types of Pie Fillings
Choose from any of these kinds of pie fillings, whether you want something sweet and fruity or you’re craving something creamy and meaty.
Here’s a list of four kinds of pie fillings and their popular pie variations.
1. Cream
Luscious and decadent, these pies consist of a pudding or cream that is made from milk, cream, sugar, wheat flour and eggs.
The pastry cream is filled and spread to the baked pastry.
The pie is usually set in the refrigerator to chill and is topped with whipped cream.
Meringue Pie
A meringue pie consists of a shortened pastry base filled with meringue, which is made from whipped egg whites and sugar.
One of the most popular types is the lemon meringue pie which has a lemon curd filling topped with meringue on a crispy butter crust. Sweet, light, and citrusy!
Coconut Cream Pie
Go crazy with coconuts in this delectable pie with creamy coconut filling and whipped cream.
This pie is often made with a graham cracker crust base.
Add some toasted coconut on top for the perfect dessert with a tropical flair.
Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate goodness for all the chocolate lovers out there.
This sweet and simple dessert comes with chocolate, pie crust and of course, whipped cream.
Add some chocolate shavings on the top for the perfect topping for this chocolate cream pie.
Banana Cream Pie
Bananas and cream always taste good together.
This pie has vanilla custard layered with ripe bananas and topped with whipped cream.
One good variation of this is the Banoffee Pie, a combination of bananas, toffee and cream.
2. Fruit
Fruit pies are a rich and sweet concoction of fruits.
These pies are filled with sliced or whole fruits with sugar baked on a buttery and flaky crust.
The fruits can be canned, dry, fresh or frozen and of any variety.
Here are some of the most popular fruit pies.
Apple Pie
The apple pie is one of the most popular desserts in America. It is often served with vanilla ice cream and enjoyed year-round.
With ingredients such as apples, cinnamon and sugar, the crust can be pecan-based or classic style.
Blueberry Pie
Made from blueberry filling and a dash of cinnamon; enjoy it with a single crust or a double-crust pie.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants which makes this dessert a go-to light option.
Peach Pie
This delicious dessert makes you think of summer in the country.
This is best paired with vanilla ice cream and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to level out the overall flavor of the peach pie.
Strawberry Pie
Perfect for summer gatherings and picnics, this pie is usually made as an open-faced pie.
Layer the strawberries evenly for a nice presentation and add some ice cream for a nice touch!
3. Custard
This pie has an egg custard filling.
The custard is made from a mixture of eggs, sugar and dairy poured over the crust and baked together.
Once the custard pie has cooled, it will generate a creamy texture.
Cream pies and custard pies are generally alike but with a slight difference that custard pies are thicker.
Pumpkin Pie
This classic and traditional pie is usually served during Thanksgiving.
Whenever you think about pumpkin pie, fall and the holiday season comes to mind.
It has a delicious creamy texture with a pumpkin flavored custard that is baked in a pie dough.
It is usually flavored with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie originated in the south.
It is another classic pie dish and also a popular Thanksgiving dessert.
The filling is made from pecans, a sweetener such as brown sugar or corn syrup, butter, flour and a mixture of eggs.
It has a thick custard texture and has a distinct caramel taste.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a Southern staple dessert with a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar and mashed sweet potato filling.
This pie is served as an open pie and is usually spiced with vanilla and nutmeg or topped with marshmallow pieces.
Key Lime Pie
Tangy, zesty and sweet, this contrast of flavors makes this pie refreshing and flavorful.
Key lime pie originated in the Florida Keys, and is made from key lime juice, condensed milk and egg yolks.
You can top it off with whipped cream or meringue.
4. Savory
A savory pie consists of cooked meat, poultry, vegetables or seafood with a thick sauce baked together to create a hot, creamy pie dish.
Pot Pie
This is the ultimate savory pie made from a single or double crust.
Pot pies usually have a meat filling like chicken, beef, or pork paired together with vegetables such as carrots, peas and potatoes.
It is usually served with a thick sauce such as gravy and placed inside a wonderfully crisp pie crust and served hot.
A pot pie can be baked or even cooked in a cast iron skillet.
One of the most popular pot pies is the Chicken Pot Pie, a great comfort food that’s perfect for dinner on a chilly winter day.
Quiche
A classic french dish, quiches can be made from an assortment of ingredients like meat, vegetables, seafood and cheeses.
The original quiche is the quiche Lorraine filled with eggs, cream, bacon and nutmeg on a shortcrust dough.
Shepherd’s Pie
Also called cottage pie, this savory and delectable dish consists of ground meat like beef and vegetables and onions then cooked in gravy sauce and topped with mashed potatoes.
This is a pie full of goodness and baked to perfection.
Mince Pie
Mince pie, also called mincemeat pie originated in the United Kingdom.
This is a popular pie served during British holidays.
Mince pie can come in both sweet and salty flavors which combine fruit, sugar, rum or brandy with minced meat such as beef, vegetables and spices.
Resources:
- https://www.insider.com/most-popular-pie-every-state-2018-11
- https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/1920-8-types-of-pies-you-should-know
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pie#6-types-of-pie
- https://www.groupon.com/articles/different-types-of-pie-flavors
- https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-pies-in-north-america