How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust Step by Step

We love the rustic appeal of a woven lattice-top pie. And not only does it add eye-appeal to your pie, it also serves a real purpose. The open weave of the lattice allows steam to escape as the filling bakes. If you love the look like we do, but weaving a lattice seems a little complicated, we're here with this step-by-step guide to help you weave a lattice-tip pie crust like a pro.

How to Make a Lattice-Topped Pie

This numbered step-by-step follows along with the handy graphic below. And below that, don't miss ten of our top-rated pie recipes! Okay, let's get to it:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, make your pie crust or use a store-bought refrigerated pie dough. But before you begin rolling out the dough and making your lattice, chill the dough for at least half an hour. For best results, roll out the bottom crust and line your pie plate. Then roll out the top crust into a flat circle. Chill both halves of the pie dough before filling and baking to prevent shrinkage.

On a lightly floured surface, roll reserved dough out to a ¼-inch thickness. Roll it in a circle, as though preparing a double-crusted pie. Transfer the dough to a small cutting board, baking sheet, or other rimless pan that will fit in your refrigerator.

Step 2: Cut Strips

Cut the dough into strips approximately ¾-inch wide. You can use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or scallop-edged pastry wheel. If you're worried about cutting straight, use a ruler as a guide. Cover the pastry strips with plastic wrap and place the pan of dough in the refrigerator to relax while you prepare the pie filling and transfer it to the pastry-lined pie plate.

Step 3: Make an X

When you're ready to weave, moisten the rim of the pie with a small amount of water. Start with the longest strips and lay the first two strips in an X in the center of the pie. You can arrange them at 90 degree angles or at a sharper 45-degree angle.

Steps 4-9: Weave

Alternate horizontal and vertical strips, weaving them in an over-and-under pattern. Use the shortest strips for the edges of the lattice.

If you're having trouble removing the dough from the cutting board or pan, roll the strips up like a rug and unroll them onto the pie. Press the ends of the strips firmly to the lip of the pie and trim away any excess dough with kitchen shears or a paring knife.

The amount of filling left to peek through the lattice is entirely a matter of style: thin strips of dough make a more elegant lattice, while a few wide strips give the pie a more rustic look. You can even twist the strips of dough as you form the lattice, so they look like festive paper streamers.

Steps 10-12: Crimp Edges and Bake

Once the pie has been covered with the lattice, brush the top with egg wash (an egg beaten with a tablespoon of water or milk) or milk for a brown, shiny crust. Dust the top with cinnamon-sugar, if desired.

10 Top-Rated Pies and Pie Crust Recipes to Try

1. Best Cherry Pie

"This is the BEST cherry pie I have ever tasted," raves duskyroses. "Very easy to make and very pretty, too!"

2. Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

"The caramel sauce on the lattice crust makes this pie deliciously different," says LINDA NORRIS. "A really beautiful pie and so good. My family loved it."

3. Blueberry Pie

"This is the best when made with fresh picked blueberries," says ASHESP. "It is a beautiful sight with a lattice top."

4. Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie

"A delicious tart and sweet combination," says Terri. "Nothing tastes better with vanilla ice cream. Use fresh or frozen rhubarb."

5. Peach Pie

Here's an old-fashioned peach pie using no eggs. "I'm not a baker," says Wendy Wilk, "but this pie is SO easy and tastes SO good! It's probably a good idea to let it sit for about an hour after you take it out of the oven, in order for it to set. You gotta try it."

6. Blackberry Pie I

"Good black berries are key," says JESSY HANLEY. "I loved this pie. I made a lattice top, which was absolutely beautiful. I found it needed to be cooked for the full 25 minutes with the lattice top."

7. Fresh Pear Pie

"DELICIOUS PIE!" raves GLAURA1. "There is just something a little different about a pear pie that is wonderful! And the recipe for this one is absolutely THE best!

8. Butter Flaky Pie Crust

Butter makes it better. "This is a foolproof flaky crust recipe," says MALTOMEEL. "The portions worked out perfectly for me. Thank you for a straightforward yummy crust!"

9. French Pastry Pie Crust

"An excellent pie crust recipe!" raves KOLBE. "I'd never made a pie crust using vinegar before; now I don't think I'll make one without it! Light, tender dough that's very easy to work with. Great for lattice top pies."

10. Perfect Pie Crust

"This pie crust rolled out velvety smooth and was an absolute pleasure to work with," says KATYPI. "The crust is slightly sweet with a hint of lemon. This has to be one of the flakiest, most tender pie crusts I've ever made, and it will be my go-to crusts for fruit pies."

Check out our collection of Pie Recipes.

Looking for more pie inspiration?

• Solve mushy peach pie syndrome with this Simple Peach Pie Trick.
• Having other pie problems? Check out our Pie Troubleshooting Guide.
• Find tips and tricks for Baking Custard and Pumpkin Pies.
• Want to make a simple decorative border on your pie? Here's How To Make A Fluted Pie Crust.
• Pretty up your pies with Simple Pastry Cutouts.