When baking individual pies or tartlets, having the right size pie dish is essential for getting the perfect proportion of filling to crust. Individual pie dishes come in a range of sizes, from miniature tartlet pans to more generously sized personal pie plates. So what is the standard size for an individual pie dish? Let’s take a closer look at the common options.
Common Sizes for Individual Pie Dishes
Here are some of the most popular sizes for individual pie and tartlet pans:
- 3-inch pans – These very small pans are used for petite bite-sized tartlets. A 3-inch pan will hold around 1/2 cup of filling.
- 4-inch pans – This is a popular mid-size choice for individual pies and tartlets. A 4-inch pan holds approximately 1 cup of filling.
- 5-inch pans – Slightly larger, a 5-inch pan can hold around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of filling. This size works well for a generous personal pie serving.
- 6-inch pans – With a 6-inch pan, you can make a full-size individual pie with 2 to 2 1/2 cups of filling. This approaches the size of a standard slice from a large pie.
- 7-inch pans – A 7-inch pan will produce quite a large individual pie, holding around 3 cups of filling. Great for hungry appetites!
Within this range, the 4-inch and 5-inch sizes are likely the most commonly used options for individual pies and tarts. The 3-inch is best suited for petite bite-size treats, while the 6-inch and 7-inch pans create a hefty pie perfect for one.
How Much Filling for Different Dish Sizes?
To give a more exact idea of how much filling different size pie dishes hold, here is a table with approximate volumes:
| Dish size | Approximate filling capacity |
|---|---|
| 3-inch | 1/2 cup |
| 4-inch | 1 cup |
| 5-inch | 1 1/2 to 2 cups |
| 6-inch | 2 to 2 1/2 cups |
| 7-inch | 3 cups |
The capacity range accounts for differing pan depths between shallow tart pans and deeper pie dishes. Keep these filling estimates in mind when portioning out ingredients for recipes.
Factors in Choosing Pie Dish Size
So how do you decide what size pans to use? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Desired serving size – Are you making bite-size treats or hearty individual pies? Choose accordingly.
- Recipe yields – Consider how the recipe filling amount translates to different sizes. A recipe for a 9-inch double crust pie may only fill 2-3 individual 5-inch shells.
- Visual appeal – Make sure there is good proportion between the filling and crust. Too much empty crust looks skimpy.
- Occasion – Petite tartlets may suit a fancy tea party; larger sizes work better for a pie buffet.
- Convenience – Larger pans require more filling prep. Smaller tarts are quicker to fill.
Standard Pie Dish Dimensions
While pie dish sizes are often given in inches for the diameter across the top rim, the actual dimensions and capacities can vary depending on the style and depth of the dish. Here are some typical external dimensions for common sizes of pie pans:
| Dish size | Diameter x Depth |
|---|---|
| 3-inch | 3 x 7/8 inch |
| 4-inch | 4 x 1 1/4 inch |
| 5-inch | 5 x 1 inch |
| 6-inch | 6 x 1 1/8 inch |
| 7-inch | 7 x 1 1/4 inch |
| 8-inch | 8 x 1 1/4 inch |
| 9-inch | 9 x 1 1/4 inch |
| 10-inch | 10 x 1 1/2 inch |
These dimensions can help you select pans that fit your baking needs. Allow about 1/2 inch of overhang for the pie crust edges.
Glass vs Metal Pie Dishes
Another choice in selecting pie pans is whether to use glass or metal. Here’s how they compare:
- Glass – Glass baking dishes allow you to see the bottom crust browning. They tend to be thicker and retain heat well. However, the crisp crust may stick without using a liner.
- Metal – Metal pie pans conduct heat efficiently for even baking. Typically made from steel or aluminum, they can result in a crisper, flakier crust. Metal pans are also more durable.
For individual pie baking, metal pans are ideal since the smaller sizes require efficient heat conduction. Mini glass ramekins can also work well for bite-size tartlets.
Tips for Baking Individual Pies and Tarts
Here are some tips to help you bake individual pies and tarts like a pro:
- Use pie weights or dried beans to pre-bake empty crusts. This prevents slumping.
- Brush egg wash on the crust edges to get a golden bake.
- Let the filling cool slightly before pouring into a pre-baked crust to reduce oozing.
- Stagger pans on multiple baking sheets spaced apart for even airflow.
- Watch closely and rotate pans front to back for uniform browning.
- Cool pies thoroughly before removing from the pans to prevent breakage.
- Use foil liners in glass dishes to help remove pies if needed.
Conclusion
When choosing pie dishes for individual recipes, the most common sizes are 3-inch for petite tartlets, 4 or 5-inch for a nice personal pie, and 6 to 7-inches for a full individual portion. Metal pans conduct heat efficiently and provide the best results for individual pies. Consider the serving size, recipe yields, and baking convenience when deciding on pan size. With the right dish sizes and some practice, you can master the art of individual pie baking.