How to Use Ready Made Pie Crust?
To use ready-made pie crust, first let it stand at room temperature.
Gently unroll the crust and place it in a pie plate.
For a one-crust pie, preheat the oven and fold excess crust under to form a thick crust edge and flute.
Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork, then bake until light brown.
Cool the crust before filling it.
For a filled pie, do not prick the crust.
For a two-crust pie, trim the bottom crust, fill the pie, and place the second crust over the filling.
Press the edges together to seal and flute, and cut slits in the top crust.
For certain recipes, cover the edge of the crust with foil.
For high-sugar filled pies, sprinkle both sides of the crust with flour.
Thaw frozen pie dough completely in the refrigerator, ideally overnight, before using it with various fillings.
Note that pressed-in pie crusts are not suitable for deep-dish recipes.
Any leftover filling can be baked in greased ramekins or muffin cups.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Ready-made pie crusts were first introduced in the early 1900s as a convenient alternative to homemade crusts, which required more time and effort to prepare.
2. The main ingredient in most ready-made pie crusts is flour, which provides the structure and texture of the crust. However, some brands also include additives like vegetable shortening or lard for added tenderness and flakiness.
3. Ready-made pie crusts can be used for more than just sweet pies. They are also perfect for savory dishes like quiches, pot pies, and empanadas.
4. Did you know that ready-made pie crusts can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences? You can add different flavors and spices to the crust by mixing them into the dough before baking, such as cinnamon for an apple pie or thyme for a savory pie.
5. Don’t throw away the unused pie crust! You can repurpose it by cutting it into strips and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar. Then bake them for a few minutes until they become crispy, and you’ll have delicious homemade pie crust “cookie” treats.
Letting The Refrigerated Pie Crust Stand At Room Temperature
When using a ready-made pie crust, it’s important to let it stand at room temperature before using it. This step is crucial because it allows the crust to become pliable and easier to work with.
By letting the refrigerated pie crust stand at room temperature, you ensure that it will unroll without cracking or breaking. It also helps prevent the crust from shrinking when baked.
Generally, it is recommended to let the crust sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before starting the pie-making process.
- Let the ready-made pie crust stand at room temperature before using it
- This crucial step ensures the crust becomes pliable and easier to work with
- Unrolling the crust without cracking or breaking is ensured by allowing it to stand at room temperature
- It also helps prevent the crust from shrinking when baked
“When using a ready-made pie crust, it’s important to let it stand at room temperature before using it. This step is crucial because it allows the crust to become pliable and easier to work with.”
Placing The Crust In The Pie Plate
Once the refrigerated pie crust has reached room temperature, gently unroll it and carefully place it in a pie plate. Make sure to press the crust firmly against the bottom and sides of the plate to ensure a proper fit.
To achieve an evenly baked crust, it’s essential to trim any excess dough that hangs over the edges of the pie plate. Simply use a sharp knife to remove the excess dough, leaving a small overhang to be folded later. This will help create a beautiful, thick crust edge.
- Ensure the pie crust is at room temperature before proceeding.
- Gently unroll the pie crust and place it in the pie plate.
- Press the crust firmly against the bottom and sides of the plate.
- Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges of the pie plate with a sharp knife.
- Leave a small overhang for folding later to create a thick crust edge.
Note: Properly fitting and trimming the pie crust is crucial for achieving a well-baked and visually appealing pie.
Preheating The Oven For A One-Crust Pie Baked Shell
To achieve a perfectly baked single-crust pie, preheating the oven is crucial. It ensures that the crust cooks evenly and develops a golden brown color. This step is necessary for both sweet and savory pies.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Follow the recipe instructions for the specific temperature required for your pie.
- Once you have set the desired temperature, preheat the oven.
- After preheating, place the pie directly onto the middle rack. This will ensure even browning and cooking.
Remember, preheating the oven is an essential step in achieving a beautifully baked single-crust pie. Happy baking!
Tip: For extra deliciousness, you can brush the crust with an egg wash before baking to give it a shiny finish.
Fluting And Pricking The Crust
After placing the crust in the pie plate, it is important to fold the excess dough under to create a thick crust edge and flute it. Fluting not only adds a decorative touch, but it also plays a role in sealing the crust.
To achieve the flute shape, gently press the thumb of one hand against the edge of the dough while using the index finger and thumb of the other hand to create a decorative pattern around the perimeter of the pie.
Pricking the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork before baking is essential. This step is necessary to prevent the dough from puffing up during the baking process. By allowing steam to escape, the crust becomes flaky and evenly cooked.
Baking And Cooling The Crust For A Single-Crust Pie
Once you have properly fluted and pricked the crust, it’s time to bake it. Follow the recipe instructions for the specific baking time and temperature for your pie. Generally, a single-crust pie is baked until it turns a light golden brown color.
After baking, it’s important to allow the crust to cool completely before filling it for a one-crust pie. Cooling the crust prevents the filling from becoming soggy and helps the pie set properly.
- Flute and prick the crust before baking.
- Follow the recipe instructions for baking time and temperature.
- A light golden brown color indicates baked pie.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before filling.
- Cooling prevents soggy filling and helps the pie set properly.
Tips For Two-Crust Pies And Frozen Pie Dough
For two-crust pies, you have to take some additional steps. After placing the first crust in the pie plate and trimming the excess dough, it’s time to fill the pie. Once the filling is added, place the second crust over the filling and press the edges of the crust together to seal.
To ensure proper heat and steam circulation, cut slits in the top crust of a two-crust pie. These slits allow steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the pie from becoming overly soggy.
For certain pie recipes, it’s recommended to cover the edge of the crust with foil to prevent it from overbrowning. Simply tear a strip of foil and wrap it around the crust edge, leaving the top exposed.
If you are making high-sugar filled pies, sprinkle both sides of the crust with flour before filling. This helps absorb excess moisture from the filling and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Furthermore, if you are using frozen pie dough, it’s important to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using. Thawing overnight is ideal for achieving the best results. Frozen pie dough can be used with various fillings, giving you the freedom to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that pressed-in pie crusts are not suitable for deep-dish recipes as they may not hold their shape and texture properly. For deep-dish pies, it is recommended to use a traditional rolled crust for the best results.
In conclusion, using ready-made pie crust can save time and effort while still producing delicious and flaky pies. By following these steps and tips, both beginners and experienced bakers can achieve perfect pie crusts every time, adding a delightful touch to their favorite pie recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a premade pie shell?
Using a premade pie shell is incredibly convenient and simple. Just unroll the dough and carefully press it into a pie pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly. Once the shell is in place, you can get creative and fill it with your favorite ingredients. Whether it’s a classic apple or a savory quiche, the possibilities are endless. Finally, bake the pie according to your filling’s recipe, and indulge in the delicious, flaky goodness of Pillsbury’s homemade pie crusts. With two ready-made pie crusts per package, creating a delightful homemade pie has never been easier or more enjoyable.
Does premade pie crust need to be baked?
Yes, premade pie crust needs to be baked, even if it is store-bought. In recipes that call for a baked or par-baked pie crust, it is important to follow the instructions provided. This includes par-baking the store-bought crust to ensure it is fully cooked and crispy before adding the filling. By doing so, you can achieve the desired texture and taste for your pie, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
How do you use pre made frozen pie crust?
Using a pre-made frozen pie crust is a convenient option for pie enthusiasts. To ensure a successful outcome, it is crucial to allow the dough to thaw completely in the refrigerator, preferably overnight. Once thawed, you can easily fill the pie crust with a variety of delicious fillings, whether it be custard, fruit, or nut-based. With a little preparation and thawing time, you can create a delectable pie that will impress your guests.
When using a pre-made frozen pie crust, it is essential to remember that baking it directly from the freezer is not recommended. The crust needs time to thaw gradually for optimal results. By taking the time to thaw the dough in the refrigerator, you allow it to soften and become more pliable, resulting in a flaky and evenly baked crust. So, whether you’re whipping up a classic apple pie or trying out a new recipe, make sure to plan ahead and give the frozen pie crust enough time to thaw in the refrigerator before creating your culinary masterpiece.
How to bake ready made pie?
To bake a ready-made pie, begin by preheating the oven. Next, place the pie on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This will prevent any filling that may bubble over from making a mess in your oven. Once the pie is positioned on the baking sheet, follow the instructions provided on the box, if any. If there are no instructions available, it’s generally advisable to cook the pie on the lowest rack to ensure that the bottom crust is properly cooked. Finally, place the pie in the oven and let it bake according to the recommended time on the packaging or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.