Begin by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. You want them to be uniform for even baking. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds brightness to the flavor.
Take the bowl of apples and add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the apples are well-coated with the dry ingredients.
On a floured surface, roll out your pie pastry for the bottom crust. Gently lay it into a 9" pie pan, ensuring there’s some hangover on the edges.
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust. Be generous; you want those apples piled high! Dot the filling with small pieces of butter which will melt and add richness.
Roll out your second piece of pastry to create the top crust. Place it over the filling. You can either cut slits for steam to escape or create a lattice top for a beautiful design. Crimp the edges to seal.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 35-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour. This will help set the filling for clean slices. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.