What Makes Mud Foods' Pastry the Best?
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By Mud Pies Team
We’ll be honest, when people talk about our pies, the first thing they mention (after the flavour-packed fillings) is the pastry.
And we get it.
That golden, crumbly, buttery crust that holds everything together isn’t just a side note, it’s a big reason why Mud pies taste so good. In fact, we believe a pie is only as good as the pastry it’s wrapped in. And we take ours seriously.
So, what makes our pastry stand out? Here’s what goes into every crust, and why it makes such a difference.
Real Butter. Nothing Else.
Let’s start with the big one.
At Mud, we only use proper British butter in our shortcrust pastry, never margarine, never cheap substitutes. Butter gives the pastry its rich flavour, tender crumb and that unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth texture.
While other brands might opt for oils or blends to cut costs, we stick with what works. Why? Because it’s what makes our pies taste homemade. The kind of pastry your gran would be proud of.
Handcrafted the Traditional Way
All our pies are made by hand in small batches in our South Downs bakery. That means real people rolling, filling and crimping every pie with care.
It’s not just about tradition, it’s about precision. Machines can’t feel the dough. They don’t know when it’s just right. Our bakers do.
That hands-on approach ensures every pie has:
- The perfect pastry-to-filling ratio
- A solid base that holds its shape
- A golden top that bakes to perfection
- No soggy bottoms (ever)
It takes more time, but it’s worth it. Every time.
Quality You Can Taste
We don’t just focus on the fat. We also make sure the flour we use is top quality and responsibly sourced, contributing to that perfectly short texture.
Great pastry starts with great ingredients, just like every part of a Mud pie.
It’s All About the Balance
Our pastry is designed to complement the filling, not overpower it. Whether it’s rich Steak and Ale or Lamb, Redcurrant and Rosemary, the crust is there to bring it all together.
It needs to:
- Be sturdy enough to hold a generous filling
- Add depth without being too heavy
That balance is what keeps people coming back, and why so many of our customers say it’s the best pastry they’ve ever had.
“Best pies EVER. The pastry is awesome, buttery and crisp never soggy - fillings plentiful and oh so tasty! We can’t get enough of them.”
Noreen F-H , Hertford
“Oh my, these pies, never had pies this stacked full and the pastry is perfect!! Best pies I've ever had, seriously, I was gutted when I got to the last forkful, didn't want it to end.”
Tracey D, Covent Garden, London
“We bought a variety of them a few months ago. The pastry is the best I've had on a bought pie and the fillings are delicious too. We're going to be ordering more in the next few weeks - despite the fact we do make our own pies too.”
Jill G, Derbyshire
Perfect from Oven or Freezer
Because we use only real butter and natural ingredients, our pastry bakes up beautifully, whether fresh or frozen.
Our pies are made to be:
- Frozen at home for easy meal planning
- Baked from chilled or frozen without compromising texture
- Consistently golden, every time
We include full instructions on every box so your pie always comes out just right.
Why It Matters
We believe the best meals are made with integrity, and that includes the pastry.
When you bite into a Mud pie, you're not getting something mass-produced. You're getting something that’s been made with thought, time and proper ingredients. And that buttery, golden crust? It's our signature.
If you’ve never tried one, now’s the time.