How to Make a Lattice Crust

Posted by Linda Larsen May 11, 2006

Lattice crusts are a top crust design made by literally weaving strips of pastry dough on top of pie filling. There are two ways to accomplish this: making an actual woven lattice, and making a 'fake' lattice.

To make the 'fake' lattice, simply roll out the top crust to a 12" circle. Then, using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, cut the circle into 1/2" strips. Starting with smaller strips at the edge of the circle, place every other strip on the pie, leaving a 1" space between each strip. Then simply place the remaining strips on top of the first, perpendicular to the first layer, again leaving a 1" space between each strip. You may not use all of the pastry strips. Then tuck the strip edges under the bottom crust, flute, and bake.

For a real lattice, roll out the top crust again and cut into 1/2" strips. This time, start with the center strips. Working from the center outwards, lay every other strip from the circle 3/4" apart on the pie filling. Now, fold every other strip on the pie in half back upon themselves. Starting at the center, lay one strip perpendicular to the rest. Unfold the folded strips over the perpendicular strip. Now, moving towards the edge of the pie, fold the unfolded strips back over themselves and over the first strip, lay down another perpendicular strip, and unfold the strips. Continue to the edge. Now repeat this process on the other side, starting again at the center. Tuck the strip edges under the bottom pie crust, flute, and bake.