Making a pie on a baking tray is absolutely possible! While pie pans are the most common vessel for baking pies, using a rimmed baking sheet can work just as well. Here’s what you need to know about making pies on a baking tray.
What You’ll Need
To make a pie on a baking tray, you’ll need:
- A rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan
- Pie dough – enough for a top and bottom crust
- Pie filling ingredients
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Rolling pin
- Pie weights or dried beans (for pre-baking the crust)
Advantages of Using a Baking Tray
There are a few advantages to using a baking tray over a traditional pie plate:
- More crust – You can stretch the dough to cover the large surface area of the baking tray, resulting in more flaky, buttery crust.
- Even baking – A baking sheet promotes even browning and baking since there are no sides to block airflow.
- Easy transfer – The rimmed edges make it easy to transfer the pie in and out of the oven.
- Various shapes – You can mold the dough into different shapes like rectangles or squares.
How to Make a Pie on a Baking Tray
Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil or nonstick spray.
- On a floured surface, roll out bottom pie crust into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking tray. Transfer to prepared tray.
- Trim dough overhang to 1 inch. Crimp edges decoratively if desired. Prick bottom with fork.
- Fill partially baked crust with desired pie filling. Top with second rolled out crust.
- Crimp top and bottom crust edges together to seal. Cut slits in top for steam to escape.
- Bake at 375°F for 40-60 minutes until filling is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Chill dough before rolling for easiest handling.
- Make sure corners and edges are well sealed to prevent leaks.
- Use pie weights or dried beans to pre-bake bottom crust for a crispy base.
- Increase baking time about 5-10 minutes compared to a regular pie plate.
- Cover crust edges with foil if browning too quickly.
Filling Ideas for Baking Tray Pies
Almost any pie filling will work beautifully in a baking tray pie. Some delicious options include:
| Fruit Pies | Custard Pies | Savory Pies |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Pumpkin | Chicken Pot Pie |
| Cherry | Buttermilk | Shepherd’s Pie |
| Blueberry | Chocolate | Taco Pie |
| Peach | Key Lime | Quiche |
| Mixed Berry | Coconut Cream | Pizza Pot Pie |
Serving Suggestions
Baking tray pies make for easy serving and slicing. Here are some ideas:
- Cut into squares for potluck-style helpings or parties.
- Slice into skinny bars for easy grab-and-go snacks.
- Scoop out wedge slices like a traditional round pie.
- Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Storing and Freezing Baking Tray Pies
Baking tray pies store well in the fridge or freezer:
- Fridge: Cover tightly and store for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Allow to cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Let frozen pies thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Conclusion
Baking pie on a sheet pan opens up fun new possibilities for shapes and sizes. With a few simple tips, you can easily adapt your favorite pie recipes for the baking tray. Experiment with different crust shapes, fillings, and serving styles for a tasty twist on classic pie!