The Frozen Pie Crusts That Pastry Chefs Swear On
As someone who once burned water (yes, that’s possible!), finding shortcuts in baking has been my saving grace.
Frozen pie crusts are the unsung heroes of my kitchen adventures. Even professional pastry chefs admit to keeping these time-savers in their freezers for those moments when homemade just isn’t happening.
1. Dufour Pastry Kitchens Puff Pastry
Holy butter heaven! I discovered Dufour’s all-butter puff pastry during a late-night baking emergency, and my tarts have never been the same.
The layers are impossibly flaky, with that rich, authentic butter flavor that makes store-bought imitations weep with inadequacy. My dinner guests always ask for my “secret recipe” – little do they know it comes from the freezer section!
2. Wholly Wholesome Organic Pie Shells
Organic ingredients that don’t taste like cardboard? Sign me up! These crusts saved my reputation at last year’s Thanksgiving when my homemade dough resembled cement rather than pastry.
The slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory fillings. Plus, I can smugly tell health-conscious friends that yes, even my pie crust is organic – while conveniently omitting the pre-made part!
3. Trader Joe’s Frozen Pie Crusts
Affordable excellence doesn’t come around often, but Trader Joe’s nailed it with these crusts. Last month, I served a quiche made with one, and my mother-in-law asked for the recipe!
They brown beautifully and have that homemade wobble that screams “I definitely made this from scratch.” For less than four bucks, you’ll get bakery-worthy results without the flour explosion that typically redecorates my kitchen.
4. Marie Callender’s Deep Dish Pie Shells
Size matters when it comes to pie, and Marie’s deep dish shells understand the assignment. Remember that mountain of apples from my backyard tree? These crusts accommodated every last slice.
The sturdy yet tender texture holds up to even the juiciest fillings without getting soggy. The depth is perfect for showing off your filling-making prowess while the crust quietly does its supporting role with Oscar-worthy performance.
5. Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts
Not technically frozen, but deserving an honorary mention in the convenience hall of fame! These roll-out crusts have rescued more of my dessert disasters than I care to admit.
The versatility is unmatched – fold them into turnovers, cut decorative toppers, or use traditionally. I once won a neighborhood bake-off with these (sorry neighbors, the secret’s out!). They’re consistently reliable when my baking skills decidedly are not.