How To Use Ceramic Pie Weights

CRYSTAL H.  | ,   |   Updated
This site is reader-supported; if you buy through site links, we may earn affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with maintaining the site. Full disclosure here.

Ceramic pie weights can be used over and over again. Here are some pics and the steps on how to use ceramic pie weights and some care tips to keep them working their best.

Other names for pie weights: baking beans or baking beads.

Four steps for how to use ceramic baking beads

In four steps…

Ceramic Pie Weights Reusable 10mm Baking Beans Pie Crust Weights Natural Ceramic Stoneware with Wheat Straw Container

Ceramic Baking Beads
which you can get at Amazon

  1. Rinse the beads
    The pie weights will do with a good rinsing with water before first use, just to make sure to remove any dust that may have collected in manufacturing or transport; and then air dry.
  2. Line the pie crust with parchment paper
    Preheat the oven to the correct temperature. Place the pie weights on top of the parchment. Make sure to evenly distribute the beads from edge to edge and avoid clumping them in the center. 
  3. Bake in oven
    You can use these beads up to 480℉ (250℃). Bake until the crust edges start to brown or according to the recipe then remove the pie crust from the oven. 
  4. Remove and clean the beads
    They will be hot to touch. Take the weights out of the crust carefully by scooping a few off with a spoon and putting them into a dish to cool.

    Then lift off the remainder with the parchment paper. Grab the corners of the parchment and ensure the beads are held within and won’t drop out, leaving only the pie crust in the baking dish. (You can then return the crust to the oven so that it crisps and browns all over.) 

    Let the beads cool a little and then wash them with mild detergent and warm water to remove any oil. Rinse and let air dry before storing.

Cleaning ceramic pie weights

Allow the beads to cool slightly, then place them in a basin or bowl of warm soapy water. You can soak them a little if you like. Give them a good wash with a nylon brush — a toothbrush would do. You need to make sure to remove any oil from the beads. This way they won’t burn and smoke the next time you use them as this will tarnish them and they’ll look yellow or worse, black.

Rinse off the sudsy water and allow them to air dry on a paper towel or microfiber mat before storing for next time use.

FAQs

How to clean ceramic baking beans

Always clean and dry your ceramic pie weights before storing. It’s important to remove any oil or fat that has adhered to the pie weights, and to do this you need to use detergent and warm water to clean them. Rinse well, then let to air dry before storing.

What if I don’t have baking beads?

There are quite a few pantry staples you can use in place of baking beads, e.g. rice and beans. See how to use them plus other options in my article on pie weight substitutes.

©ceramiccookwarehub.com original article created: 2021-09-10