TL;DR
Ina Garten says a store-bought pie crust performed better than homemade when she tested it with her Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie. She identified Wholly Wholesome’s frozen organic pie shells as her preferred option, but the recommendation is tied to this recipe, not a claim that packaged crust is always better.
Ina Garten says Wholly Wholesome frozen pie shells worked better than homemade crust when she tested them for her Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie, offering a specific store-bought option for holiday bakers looking to save preparation time. Garten shared the recipe comparison and identified the brand in comments and a video, according to The Kitchn.
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Garten described the crust choice in an Instagram post about making the pie for Thanksgiving. She wrote that the recipe was “actually better with a store-bought pie crust” because it balances the rich filling, which includes chocolate, pecans and bourbon. She also said the dessert requires no mixer: the ingredients are combined in two bowls, poured into the crust and baked.
The Kitchn reported that Garten named Wholly Wholesome in response to a direct message asking which crust she uses. The product is a pack of two organic, 9-inch frozen pie shells. The report says they are made in the United States and contain no animal ingredients, hydrogenated fats or oils, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or additives. It listed a price of $6.79 online, while noting that prices were accurate at the time of publication and availability varies by retailer.
For the bourbon pecan pie, Garten recommends thawing the shells overnight in the refrigerator. She also suggests crimping the edges with a fork for a homemade appearance. Those instructions apply to the recipe described; readers should check the product packaging and recipe directions for handling and baking details.
A Shortcut for Holiday Pie
The recommendation gives home cooks a way to reduce hands-on preparation for a holiday dessert without changing its filling. Making pie dough from scratch takes time and requires mixing, chilling and rolling; a ready-made shell can remove those steps. Garten’s preference may be useful to bakers who are managing several dishes or who do not want to make pastry themselves.
Her conclusion is specific, however: she said the packaged crust worked better in this bourbon, chocolate and pecan pie because of the contrast with its rich filling. It is not evidence that frozen crust will outperform homemade pastry in every pie. The report also does not describe a blind taste test or provide results from a broader comparison, so the recommendation remains Garten’s assessment from developing this recipe.
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How Garten Tested the Crust
Garten’s endorsement is connected to her recipe-development process. In a YouTube video cited by The Kitchn, she said she tried the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie with both homemade and store-bought crust before deciding the store-bought version was better. The comparison, as described in the report, concerned that recipe rather than a general test of pie shells.
Garten also explained her wider cooking philosophy: “If you can buy something really good at the store, or a bakery, there’s really no point in making it yourself.” The Kitchn connects that approach with her familiar “store-bought is fine” line. Her Instagram post presented the pie as a simpler Thanksgiving dessert, but the report does not say that she endorsed every product sold under the Wholly Wholesome name.
What the Recommendation Does Not Establish
The report does not provide a publication date, a complete recipe, or details such as baking temperature and duration. It also does not independently test the crust or explain how Garten judged the two versions. Her preference is an attributed account of her own recipe testing, not a controlled review establishing that one crust is generally superior.
Product availability and price may vary. The Kitchn reported that the shells were sold at select retailers and online, including Amazon, for $6.79 at the time of its report. Readers should check current listings, ingredients and package directions before buying or baking. Although the report says the shells contain no animal ingredients, it does not provide a full allergen statement; people with food allergies should consult the packaging and manufacturer information.
Check the Shell Before Baking
Readers interested in trying Garten’s approach can look for Wholly Wholesome’s 9-inch frozen organic shells, confirm that the size suits the recipe, and follow the package’s storage and preparation instructions. For this pie, Garten’s reported advice is to thaw the shells overnight in the refrigerator and crimp the edges with a fork if a homemade finish is desired.
The source does not identify any further announcement or scheduled test from Garten. The next practical step for cooks is to consult her full recipe for exact ingredient amounts and baking instructions, then check the product label for current availability and allergen information.
Key Questions
Which store-bought pie crust does Ina Garten recommend?
The Kitchn reported that Garten named Wholly Wholesome organic 9-inch frozen pie shells when asked which crust she uses for her Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Why does Garten prefer a packaged crust for this pie?
Garten said the store-bought crust balances the richness of the chocolate, pecan and bourbon filling. Her statement describes this recipe, not all pies.
How should the frozen pie shells be prepared?
Garten’s reported instruction for this recipe is to defrost the shells overnight in the refrigerator. Check the product package and full recipe for any additional handling and baking directions.
Are Wholly Wholesome pie shells vegan?
The Kitchn describes the shells as made without animal ingredients, making them suitable for vegans according to the report. Check the current package label for ingredients and allergen information before serving.
Source: thekitchn.com
