What makes a pie truly perfect? Is it the flaky crust, the sweet filling, or something else entirely? Often, the unsung hero of a beautiful pie is the dish it’s baked in. But with so many pie dishes out there, how do you know which one will give you the best results every time?
Choosing the right pie dish can feel overwhelming. You want a dish that cooks evenly, releases your pie easily, and looks good on your table. It’s frustrating when pies stick, burn on the edges, or come out unevenly baked. That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They test everything to find the best tools for your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes a pie dish great, according to the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. You’ll learn what to look for, what materials work best, and which dishes they recommend for making your pie-baking dreams a reality. Get ready to discover the secret to consistent, delicious pies!
Our Top 5 Pie Dish America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pie Dish America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies
Rating: 9.2/10
Dreaming of flaky crusts and sweet fillings? “The Perfect Pie: Your Ultimate Guide to Classic and Modern Pies, Tarts, Galettes, and More” by Perfect Baking Cookbooks is here to help you bake like a pro. This book covers all sorts of amazing pies. You’ll find recipes for old favorites and exciting new ideas. It teaches you how to make perfect pies, tarts, and even rustic galettes. Whether you’re a beginner baker or have been baking for years, this cookbook has something for you. It makes baking delicious desserts easy and fun.
What We Like:
- It offers a wide variety of recipes, from classic apple pie to trendy salted caramel tarts.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
- The book includes helpful tips and tricks for achieving perfect crusts every time.
- Beautiful photos make each recipe look absolutely irresistible.
- It covers more than just pies, with sections on tarts and galettes, offering great versatility.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some advanced techniques might require additional research for absolute beginners.
- A few more gluten-free or vegan options would be a great addition for dietary needs.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone who loves baking or wants to learn. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your amazing homemade pies!
2. Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes
Rating: 8.7/10
Are you tired of making a whole cake when you only want a slice? Do you love to bake but find that most recipes are for huge gatherings? Then “Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes” might be exactly what you need. This cookbook is packed with tons of recipes perfect for smaller households or when you just want a treat for yourself and a friend.
What We Like:
- It has over 200 recipes, so you’ll never run out of ideas.
- The recipes cover everything from easy “lazy bakes” to fancy layer cakes.
- It’s great for people who don’t want to waste ingredients or end up with too many leftovers.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- You can make delicious treats without needing a big crowd.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some of the more complex recipes might still require a few special ingredients.
- The book’s size might be a bit large to carry around easily if you bake in different kitchens.
This cookbook truly makes baking for smaller groups fun and manageable. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone who enjoys baking without the pressure of a large event.
3. The Savory Baker: 150 Creative Recipes
Rating: 8.9/10
The Savory Baker: 150 Creative Recipes, from Classic to Modern is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves to bake. It offers a wide variety of recipes, from old favorites to new and exciting ideas. You can find sweet treats and delicious savory bakes inside.
What We Like:
- A huge collection of 150 recipes, giving you tons of options.
- Recipes cover both classic and modern baking styles.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- It includes a good mix of sweet and savory dishes.
- Many recipes use common ingredients you might already have.
- The book is inspiring and encourages you to try new things.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require special tools or ingredients not found in every kitchen.
- A few more pictures of the finished dishes would be nice.
- The index could be more detailed to help you find recipes faster.
This cookbook will help you become a more creative and confident baker. It’s a valuable addition to any kitchen library.
4. Desserts Illustrated: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Sweet 600+ Recipes (Cook’s Illustrated)
Rating: 9.2/10
Desserts Illustrated: The Ultimate Guide to All Things Sweet 600+ Recipes (Cook’s Illustrated) is a huge cookbook that has tons of sweet recipes. It’s like a giant dessert party in a book. You can find recipes for almost any sweet treat you can imagine. The pictures make everything look super yummy. This book is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It helps you make amazing desserts for any occasion.
What We Like:
- It has over 600 recipes, so you will never run out of things to bake.
- The recipes are clearly written and easy to follow.
- Beautiful photos show you exactly how the finished dessert should look.
- It covers a wide variety of desserts, from simple cookies to fancy cakes.
- Cook’s Illustrated is known for its reliable and tested recipes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sheer number of recipes can be a bit overwhelming at first.
- Some of the more complex recipes might require special ingredients or equipment.
This cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone who loves to bake or wants to learn. It’s a must-have for any dessert lover’s kitchen.
5. Naturally Sweet: Bake All Your Favorites with 30% to 50% Less Sugar (America’s Test Kitchen)
Rating: 9.2/10
Craving your favorite baked goods but want to cut down on sugar? America’s Test Kitchen has released “Naturally Sweet: Bake All Your Favorites with 30% to 50% Less Sugar,” a cookbook designed to help you enjoy delicious treats with significantly less sugar. This book offers tested recipes that prove you don’t need as much sugar as you think to create amazing cookies, cakes, pies, and more.
What We Like:
- It provides tested recipes that actually work to reduce sugar.
- You can still bake your favorite treats without sacrificing taste.
- The sugar reduction is significant, ranging from 30% to 50%.
- It empowers home bakers to make healthier choices.
- America’s Test Kitchen is known for its reliable recipe development.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require adjusting expectations for sweetness.
- Finding specific alternative sweeteners might be needed for certain recipes.
This cookbook is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to enjoy baking while being mindful of sugar intake. It makes healthier baking accessible and delicious.
The Best Pie Dish: America’s Test Kitchen Approved!
Making a delicious pie is a joy, and the right pie dish makes all the difference. America’s Test Kitchen, known for their thorough testing, has helped us find out what makes a pie dish truly great. This guide will help you choose the perfect pie dish for your baking adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a pie dish, keep these important things in mind.
- Size: Most standard pie dishes are 9 inches across. This size works for most pie recipes. Make sure your dish is the right size for the recipe you plan to use.
- Depth: A deeper dish helps prevent your pie filling from bubbling over. Look for a dish that’s at least 1.5 to 2 inches deep. This gives your pie plenty of room to grow.
- Sloped Sides: Pie dishes with gently sloped sides help the crust brown evenly. Straight sides can sometimes lead to a pale crust on the edges.
- Weight: A heavier pie dish heats more evenly. This helps bake your pie crust to a perfect crisp. It also makes the dish less likely to tip over when you’re moving it.
- Easy to Clean: Nobody likes scrubbing tough baked-on bits. A dish that’s easy to clean is a big plus.
Important Materials
The material of your pie dish affects how your pie bakes. America’s Test Kitchen has tested many kinds.
- Ceramic and Glass: These are popular choices. They heat evenly and look nice on the table. Ceramic dishes can be a bit heavy. Glass dishes let you see how the bottom crust is browning. Some people find they don’t brown the crust as much as other materials.
- Metal (Aluminum and Steel): Metal pie dishes heat up quickly and brown crusts beautifully. Aluminum is lightweight. Steel dishes, especially those with a non-stick coating, are also great for easy release and cleanup. They can sometimes dent.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a pie dish better or worse.
- Even Heating: The best pie dishes heat food evenly. This means your pie cooks without hot spots. Hot spots can burn parts of your pie while leaving others undercooked.
- Durability: A good pie dish will last for many years. It shouldn’t chip, crack, or warp easily.
- Non-stick Coatings: These can make cleanup a breeze. However, some coatings can wear off over time. Always check the quality of the coating.
- Handle Design: Some dishes have handles. These make it easier to take a hot pie out of the oven. Make sure the handles are sturdy and comfortable to grip.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your pie dish matters.
- Everyday Baking: For regular pie making, a sturdy ceramic or glass dish is a good choice. They are versatile.
- Special Occasions: If you want a pie that looks picture-perfect, a beautifully glazed ceramic dish can be a great option.
- Beginner Bakers: A metal pie dish with a non-stick coating can be very forgiving. It helps ensure a good crust.
- Easy Cleanup: If you dislike washing dishes, look for glass or ceramic dishes that are dishwasher safe. Metal dishes with good non-stick surfaces are also easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pie Dishes
Here are answers to common questions people have about pie dishes.
Q: What is the most important feature of a pie dish?
A: Even heating is the most important feature. It ensures your pie crust cooks perfectly all around.
Q: Should I choose glass or ceramic?
A: Both are good. Glass lets you see the bottom crust. Ceramic heats very evenly and looks nice.
Q: What size pie dish do most recipes call for?
A: Most recipes use a 9-inch pie dish.
Q: How deep should a pie dish be?
A: Aim for a dish that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches deep. This helps prevent spills.
Q: Can I use a metal pie dish?
A: Yes! Metal dishes heat fast and make crusts extra crispy.
Q: What does “sloped sides” mean for a pie dish?
A: Sloped sides help the crust brown evenly. They are gently angled outwards.
Q: Are non-stick pie dishes worth it?
A: They can be! They make it easier to get your pie out and clean up. Just check their quality.
Q: How do I clean a pie dish?
A: Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Many glass and ceramic dishes are dishwasher safe. Metal dishes can often be hand-washed.
Q: What if my pie dish is too shallow?
A: You might need to use foil to cover the edges of the crust to prevent burning. Or, consider getting a deeper dish.
Q: Can I use a pie dish for things other than pie?
A: Yes! You can bake quiches, tarts, and even some casseroles in a pie dish.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!