As the holiday season approaches, many home cooks find themselves pressed for time, especially when it comes to preparing delicious desserts. One of the most beloved holiday treats is pie, and making the perfect crust can often be a labor-intensive task. Fortunately, store-bought pie crusts offer a convenient alternative that can still impress guests. In this article, we explore three popular store-bought pie crust options, evaluating them based on flavor, appearance, usability, and overall performance.
For this taste test, we selected three varieties of pie crusts from reputable brands: Pillsbury, Marie Callender’s, and Giant Eagle’s generic brand. Each crust was chosen from the freezer section, already fitted into oven-safe disposable pans, making them ideal for quick preparation. To ensure a fair comparison, we used the same premade pie filling for all three crusts, following similar preparation instructions.
The preparation process was straightforward for all three crusts. After thawing each for approximately 20 minutes, we baked the pies at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes. Notably, none of the brands required blind baking, which simplified the process further.
Pillsbury Pie Crust
The Pillsbury pie crust stood out for its ease of use. Priced at $3.50 (on sale), with a regular price of $4.49, it was one of the more affordable options. Unlike the other brands, Pillsbury did not require a separate thawing process for the top crust; instead, it could be placed directly over the filled base crust after cutting off the crimped edges.
Even before thawing, the Pillsbury crust felt pliable, making it easy to work with. The dough was soft enough to allow for creative designs, such as a basket-weave pattern, if desired. After baking, the pie emerged with only a few minor cracks, demonstrating the crust’s ability to hold its shape effectively. The final texture was thin yet sturdy, providing a buttery and flaky mouthfeel that was not overly dry.
Marie Callender’s Pie Crust
Marie Callender’s crust was notable for its exceptional butter flavor and a texture that struck a perfect balance between thickness and flakiness. Although it was slightly pricier than the Pillsbury option, the flavor profile made it a compelling choice for those looking to elevate their pie game. The crust had a rich, buttery taste that complemented the filling beautifully.
In terms of usability, the Marie Callender’s crust required a bit more attention during the thawing process, as it needed to be handled with care to avoid breaking. However, once in the oven, it baked to a lovely golden brown, showcasing an attractive appearance that would surely impress guests.
Giant Eagle Pie Crust
The Giant Eagle crust, being the store’s generic brand, offered a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. It featured a visually appealing edge design that added a touch of elegance to the pie. Although it was slightly less flavorful than the Pillsbury and Marie Callender’s options, it still delivered a satisfactory performance.
During the baking process, the Giant Eagle crust held its shape reasonably well, but it did not achieve the same level of flakiness as the other two brands. The overall texture was decent, providing a good base for various pie fillings, but it lacked the rich buttery flavor that many pie enthusiasts seek.
In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best store-bought pie crust, each option has its unique strengths. The Pillsbury crust excels in usability and overall performance, making it a reliable choice for busy bakers. Marie Callender’s crust shines with its rich flavor and appealing texture, ideal for those who prioritize taste. Meanwhile, the Giant Eagle crust offers a solid budget-friendly alternative that still meets the basic requirements for a delicious pie.
With these store-bought pie crusts, preparing a delightful pie for holiday gatherings has never been easier. Whether you opt for the ease of Pillsbury, the flavor of Marie Callender’s, or the affordability of Giant Eagle, you can create a pie that will impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
