8 North Carolina Pie Shops Where The Crust Is Half The Magic
There’s something magical about a perfect pie crust – that delicate balance of flaky, buttery goodness that cradles sweet or savory fillings.
North Carolina boasts some incredible bakeries where pie artisans have elevated crust-making to an art form. Last summer, I road-tripped across the state sampling slices at these eight spectacular spots where the crust deserves just as much attention as what’s inside.
1. Baked Pie Company – Asheville’s Buttery Treasure
Hidden in Asheville’s vibrant food scene, Baked Pie Company stole my heart with crusts so flaky they practically float off the plate. Their butter-forward approach creates layers that shatter delicately with each bite.
You’ll find both classic and creative fillings Tuesday through Saturday, but I recommend arriving early – locals know these treasures sell out fast!
2. Sliced Perfection At Raleigh’s Slice Pie Company
Stumbling upon Slice Pie Company inside Sugar Euphoria was like finding buried treasure! Their signature biscuit-like crust provides the perfect foundation for traditional Southern fillings.
What makes their approach unique is how they balance tender and sturdy textures. The crust holds up beautifully while still melting in your mouth with buttery southern charm.
3. Family Secrets At Carolina Pie Company
Good luck trying to guess the secret ingredients in Carolina Pie Company’s legendary crust! With good cause, this Mooresville treasure guards its recipe like Fort Knox.
Handcrafted pies with crusts that somehow manage to be both hefty and delicate are produced by the family-run bakery. The proprietors simply grin and give me another slice when I try to buy their method.
4. Pie Safe’s Scratch-Made Wonders
Forest City locals whispered about Pie Safe Baking Company for years before I finally made the pilgrimage. Both savory and sweet fillings go well with the unique rustic texture of their homemade crusts.
Through generations, the bakers have been using traditional methods. The borders of their famous apple pie crumbled wonderfully, but the bottom crust stayed crisp when I nibbled into it.
5. Heavenly Creations At Miss Angel’s
Walking into Miss Angel’s in Mount Airy feels like entering pie paradise! The gluten-free options shocked me with crusts so good I couldn’t tell the difference from traditional ones.
Angel herself often works the counter, sharing stories about her crust techniques. Her secret? A blend of alternative flours that creates a tender yet structured foundation for her heavenly fillings.
6. Beach Bliss At The Southerly Biscuit & Pie
Sand between my toes and pie crumbs on my shirt – that’s my ideal Carolina Beach day!
A touch of saltiness in the crusts made by The Southerly Biscuit & Pie wonderfully balances the sweetness of their contents.
While beachgoers wait in line outdoors, they roll bread by hand as part of their morning ritual. In fact, they benefit from the coastal dampness, which gives them a special sensitive feel that is unavailable inland.
7. Midnight Magic From Pie Slayer
Night owls rejoice! Wilmington’s Pie Slayer serves up late-night pie perfection with crusts that somehow maintain their integrity despite being packed with creative fillings.
The punk rock atmosphere matches their rebellious approach to pastry. Their signature move? A twice-baked technique that creates a crust with an audible crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth interior that had me ordering seconds at 10pm.
8. Sky-High Expectations At Buttermilk Sky
Huntersville’s Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop lives up to its lofty name with crusts that practically float off the plate! Their signature shortbread-style base provides the perfect contrast to both fruity and creamy fillings.
Open daily until 9pm, this shop welcomes pie enthusiasts with a cloud-like, butter-forward crust that shatters delicately. My personal favorite combines their signature crust with seasonal North Carolina peaches.