Forgot to preheat for my pie crust and it's a game-changer to avoid | Baking Fails And Wins - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals
Forgot to preheat for my pie crust and it's a game-changer to avoid
Honestly, my crusts were soggy and tough until I started waiting for the full preheat. Tbh, just using an oven thermometer showed my dial was off by 25 degrees.
The pizza stone trick makes total sense. It's all about getting that bottom crust to set before the filling soaks in. You can even try putting your empty pie pan right on the oven rack to preheat for a few minutes before you add the crust. It gives you that same direct heat shock without needing extra gear. A really hot start is what stops a soggy bottom.
425 degrees on my middle oven rack worked way better than just putting the pan on the stone. That direct heat makes the crust crisp up in minutes. @willowgreen, it honestly makes a huge difference in the texture. A hot start is the only way I get a flaky bottom now.