13 Creative Ideas for Leftover Pie Dough

Homemade Pop Tarts — Kristina Vanni and Eric Kleinberg

To cut down on food waste, it pays to think outside of the box. Turn the scraps you cut off the edge of the pie or that leftover hunk of dough that doesn't quite fit in the tin into a completely new dish. We've found some fun and delicious recipes to make the most of what's left on the cutting board. Some of these recipes turn those scraps into tasty treats, while others incorporate the dough into a savory meal for later.

Whether you're getting ahead on holiday baking or just in the mood for more pie (who isn't?), you can go ahead and double your dough recipe with these ideas in mind. Think galette for dinner and pie for dessert, after prepping your dough just once. We love a time-saver.

See How Easy It Is to Make Perfect Pie Crust

01 of 13

Pie Crust Cookies

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

It doesn't get much easier than these simple pie crust cookies that you can whip up using all your dough scraps. A simple icing drizzle adds sweetness and a pretty presentation. Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruit if you'd like more texture.
02 of 13

Crab Quiche

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Turn that second pie crust into a crab quiche for a luscious breakfast, brunch, or anytime dish. Lump crabmeat and swiss cheese give it a delicate seaside flavor, while a pinch of nutmeg and sauteed scallions elevate it to special-occasion status.
03 of 13

Apple Hand Pies

Diana Rattray

Scale this apple hand pie recipe depending on how much dough you have on hand. It works great for those times when you have a little extra apple pie filling but not enough for a whole second pie.
04 of 13

Cherry Pie Pops

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

These pretty mini cherry pies on a stick make a cute contribution to a bake sale, dessert table, or as a fun gift for your sweetheart. You can make as few or as many as you like depending on the scraps you have. Make it your own adventure with variations of the filling, spices, or cut-out shape.

Continue to 5 of 13 below.
05 of 13

Shrimp Empanadas (Empanadas de Camarones)

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Start with this shrimp empanada recipe to get the technique down, then mix it up with your favorite fillings once you've got the hang of it. While this recipe includes the dough, any flaky dough that doesn't have too much sugar will work.
06 of 13

Apple Pie Bites

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

For the taste of apple pie in a handheld bite, try this easy as you-know-what recipe. Because it requires such small proportions, it works perfectly for pie dough scraps. Make as much or as little as your leftovers allow.
07 of 13

Brazilian Pasteis With Chicken (Pastel Frito de Frango)

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

If you've already made a lard or shortening pie crust, you're halfway to these Brazilian fried hand pies. Fill them with the slightly spicy, creamy chicken mixture and you have a delicious appetizer or main, depending on how large you make them.
08 of 13

Mini Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Turn your dough scraps into cherry and blueberry miniature pies, then sandwich them around vanilla ice cream for a patriotic treat. These are a bit of a project, but they will turn your leftover dough into an impressive dessert that doesn't look or taste like an afterthought.

Continue to 9 of 13 below.
09 of 13

Muffin Tin Cherry Pies

Molly Watson

Baking these tiny cherry pies in a muffin tin makes them the perfect handheld treat and you can scale down the recipe to suit your batch. Use either sweet or tart cherries, but if you go for tart, reduce their juice by about half before proceeding with the recipe.
10 of 13

Little Mince Pies

The Spruce

Nestle mincemeat in leftover pastry dough using muffin tins for uniformly sized mini pies. Either store-bought or homemade mincemeat will work. For a fancier presentation, use a small cookie cutter to create pretty shapes for the top crusts.
11 of 13

Homemade Pop Tarts

Kristina Vanni and Eric Kleinberg

Make just a few of these homemade pop tarts if you only have a little pastry crust leftover, or go for the full batch if you have an extra dough. They taste just like the boxed childhood favorite, without all of the artificial flavorings and preservatives.
12 of 13

British Jam Tarts

The Spruce

If you have leftover shortcrust, turn it into these adorable little jam tarts that require very few ingredients. Just roll the crust, cut, and fill with the jam or curd of your choice. Strawberry, raspberry, or lemon curd all taste nice.

Continue to 13 of 13 below.
13 of 13

Raspberry Toaster Strudels

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

If you have an extra sheet of puff pastry, whip up these raspberry toaster strudels that require just a few ingredients. Whether it's a sweet breakfast treat or nostalgic dessert, both kids and kids-at-heart will adore them.

51 Delicious Pies to Bake Any Time of Year