Blind baking: preparing a pie crust before adding the filling

Useful to know

Blind baking means baking a pie or tart crust without its filling. It is useful when the filling needs no baking, or when it cooks more quickly than the crust. [1]

Check whether the recipe calls for a partially or fully baked shell, because the next steps differ. Supporting the shape is part of the method; simply putting an empty pastry shell in the oven may not achieve the intended result. Use the preparation and weights specified by the recipe rather than one universal baking time for every thickness and tin.