My Best Apple Pie Recipe

Steps

1. Prepare either pie crust recipe through step 5. The pie dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before using.
2. On a floured work surface, roll out one of the discs of chilled dough (keep the other one in the refrigerator). Turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish that’s 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Tuck the dough in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth. Place the pie shell in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. In a large bowl, stir the apple slices, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg together until thoroughly combined. 
4. Pour the apple filling into a very large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the apples begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to slightly cool. This step is optional, but I’ve found it makes for a juicier, more flavorful filling because it helps begin to soften the apples. If you can, take the few extra minutes to do this, because the flavor is worth it!
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). 
6. On a floured work surface, roll out one of the discs of chilled dough (keep the other one in the refrigerator). Turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish that’s 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Tuck the dough in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth. Spoon the filling into the crust. It’s ok if it is still warm from the precooking step. It will seem like a lot of apples; that’s ok. Pile them high, and tightly together.
7. Remove the other disc of chilled pie dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into a circle that is 12 inches diameter. Using a pastry wheel, sharp knife, or pizza cutter, cut strips of dough; in the pictured pie, I cut 12 1-inch-wide strips. Carefully thread the strips over and under one another, pulling back strips as necessary to weave. (Here’s a lattice pie crust tutorial if you need visuals.) Use a small paring knife or kitchen shears to trim off excess dough. Fold the overhang back towards the center of the pie, and pinch the edges to adhere the top and bottom crusts together. Crimp or flute the pie crust edges to seal.
8. Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with the egg wash. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar, if using. Optional: Refrigerate the pie for 20–30 minutes to help set the lattice’s shape.
9. Bake the pie on the middle oven rack for 25 minutes. I recommend placing a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any bubbling-over juices. After 25 minutes, keeping the pie in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Add a pie crust shield (see Note for homemade shield) to prevent the edges from over-browning. Continue baking until the pie is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the lattice, 35–45 more minutes. If you want to be precise, the internal temperature of the filling taken with an instant-read thermometer should be around 200°F (93°C) when done. Tip: If needed towards the end of bake time, remove the pie crust shield and tent an entire piece of foil on top of the pie if the top looks like it’s getting too brown.
10. Remove pie from the oven, place on a cooling rack, and cool for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving. Filling will be too juicy if the pie is warm when you slice it.
11. ​​Cover and store leftover pie at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.