Is there ever a reason not to use baking beads when blind baking?
Whenever I'm making a recipe that calls for blind baking pastry, they always provide alternatives for ceramic baking beads (such as rice) in case you don't own any. I do own them, so I always use them, assuming that they are the best choice.
Considering that they are specifically designed for blind baking, my question is: are there any disadvantages to using baking beads, or if I own them should I always choose to use them over other things for weighing down the pastry? Are there any alternatives that will give better results?
Best Answer
There is no reason to use something else, except that you either don't have pie weights (another name for ceramic baking beads), or you don't have enough of them.
Most Americans don't have pie weights in the kitchen. Even those who do, often have a single chain of them, sufficient to cover the bottom of a pie crust but not to fill it. Certain preparations, such as blind-baking a butter crust, require filling the pie crust to the rim in order to deter slumping, which could require as much as 5 cups of weights.
So if you don't have any, or don't have enough, use rice/beans/spare change.
COUNTERPOINT: Stella Parks makes a good case why you should use sugar in preference to pie weights in her article on blind-baking. Do note that using sugar requires you to blind-bake at low temperatures, because at 425 that sugar would turn to caramel.
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Can you blind bake without beads?
If you're blind-baking and don't have pie weights, try using: \u2460 Dried beans: Set parchment paper or foil on top of the dough, then fill 'er up with dried beans. \u2461 Rice kernels: Use parchment paper or foil here, too, plus rice.Are baking beads necessary?
They are important as they help to keep the pastry in shape as it cooks. Without the weights the pastry on the base can puff up and the pastry on the sides can collapse inward. Some tarts are just baked from raw, with fillings.What can I use instead of baking beads?
Pie-weights are available as ceramic or metal beads, but rice, dried peas, lentils, beans or other pulses can be used instead.Can you use beans after blind baking?
You won't be able to cook or eat the beans or rice afterward, but they can be used over and over again for blind baking, so label them clearly and store them with your other baking supplies. It may be called blind baking, but you need to keep a close eye on your empty pie shell, especially the edges.The ultimate how to blind bake pastry case crust from a bake off finalist
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