What Are Pie Weights and When Can You Use a Substitute?
Chances are, you have at least one of these in your kitchen.
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Making a pie from scratch can daunting, but if you take the time to learn a few basic techniques, you can set yourself up for baking success. The secret to all the best pies is to start with a perfect pie crust recipe. Then, there's the technique: For many recipes, you'll need to blind bake the crust, which is when you pre-bake your pie crust before adding the filling. It's a key step for custard-based recipes like pumpkin pie, because it prevents the pie crust from getting soggy. You'll also need to blind bake your crust if your pie filling doesn't get baked at all like banana cream pie.
To blind bake, just roll out your dough with a rolling pin, transfer it to your pie pan, and crimp the edges. Now comes the important part: You'll need to line the crust with foil or parchment and then weigh it down with something to prevent it from puffing up too much in the oven. Most recipes call for pie weights, but there are so many other things you can use as a substitute for pie weights if you don't have them.
And guess what? You’ll find some of the best pie weight substitutes right in your pantry! They will work just as well and can be reused just like pie weights. The only caveat: If you use an edible item like dried beans as pie weights, you’ll no longer be able to eat them. But you’ll be happy to have an affordable alternative on hand the next time you go to bake. Read on for the best options!
More ways to achieve pie perfection:
Dried Beans
Dried beans are the perfect size and shape to weigh down your pie crust—this is probably the most common sub for pie weights. Set aside a bag of dried beans for this purpose since you can't cook and eat them after they've been used.
Granulated Sugar
If you're baking a lot of pies, chances are you have plenty of granulated sugar on hand. Use it as a substitute for pie weights! Just note that this swap is a little messier than the others, as the sugar can easily spill out onto your crust (which is not necessarily a bad thing).
Uncooked Rice
Put that big bag of rice in your pantry to good use! It's perfect for weighing down a pie crust—just use enough to cover the bottom. Just be sure to use uncooked rice, as cooked rice gets fluffy and lightweight.
Popcorn Kernels
Set aside a bag of popcorn kernels to use as a pie weights substitute! They work just as well. Just don't use them for popping afterward—they'll dry out in the oven.
Another Pie Dish
After lining your pie crust with foil or parchment paper, carefully place the bottom of another pie dish on top—the top dish will keep the bottom crust from puffing up too much. Then, proceed as the recipe directs.
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