The holidays can be the perfect opportunity to gather around the dinner table with your loved ones and enjoy a great meal, catch up, and remember what matters most in life. We all love the holidays! But they can also be super stressful, especially if you're the one hosting a large group for dinner and dessert. There are so many things one has to plan for, from tidying up your home, deciding on which recipes you'll make, shopping for all the ingredients, and – not to mention – actually spending hours (sometimes days) preparing the meals.

However, cooking or baking doesn't have to stressful; after all, you should be able to enjoy your time with your loved ones and not consider it a burden. Thanks to today's easy online recipes and ready-made ingredients, your time in the kitchen doesn't have to be a hectic experience.

One of the main desserts that everyone expects for a holiday dinner has got to be pie. But you can also use store-bought pie crusts for savory dishes too! There is an abundance of pie options you can choose to make, but many people face the issue of creating the perfect pie crust or are simply too anxious about working with dough. Luckily, you can easily buy store-bought pie crusts, save them in the freezer/fridge, and get creative with the fillings during the holiday season! It's one less thing off your to-do list; there's no need to bake from scratch when you're already making a dozen other items and time is not on your side. And hey, no one has to know!

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Pie Crust

It can be overwhelming at times to choose the right pie crust when you're faced with endless options at your local grocery store. However, not all pie crusts are that great, and they can taste a bit stale and dry. A good and proper pie crust should feel homemade, meaning that it should look like you've made it yourself and that it's not premade. But how can you tell? Well, consider buying a couple as a trial first and look for the following:

  • The Texture: Pie crusts should be flaky, buttery, and feel as fresh as if you just took it out from the oven. It should also feel tender but crispy around the edges.
  • The Look: Check the pie's appearance for any signs of staleness. Does it look like something you can eat and can't wait to sink your teeth into? Make sure the crust is golden too.
  • The Smell: Fresh pies, or store-bought pies masquerading as fresh pies, should smell buttery and inviting. If they don't, then toss it!
  • The Taste: Consider baking one of the pies and taste it. It should taste rich, buttery, and well, good. Also, check for the sweetness level so you can decide if you'll use it for a sweet or savory pie.

How to Make Store-Bought Pie Crusts Feel Homemade

There are a few simple tricks you can do in your kitchen to make frozen pie crusts feel and taste as fresh as homemade ones. One of the easiest tricks is to add crumbled cookies onto the crust and brush it with butter. Choose a cookie that isn't too sweet, maybe something like graham crackers or animal cookies, or even wafers. This revives the frozen pie crust and gives it a fresher, homemade feel to it.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cookies of choice
  • ¼ tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. melted butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • Your store-bought pie crust

Directions

  1. Crush the cookies in your food processor with the sugar and cinnamon until they reach a fine texture.
  2. Use the fine cookie dust to sprinkle over a work surface, and roll out your pie crust onto it.
  3. Sprinkle some cookie dust onto the top and roll into the dough.
  4. Roll out the dough into your pie dish and shape the edges the way you like. You can crinkle the edges.
  5. Brush the dough with melted butter and chill for 30 minutes before baking.
  6. Bake it until golden.

Of course, this quick fix works well with sweet pies. If you're planning on making a savory pie, then ditch the cookie idea and stick with butter and oil. Follow these tips:

  • Make sure to lightly grease the pie dish with cooking spray, oil, and cold butter. You may think that the pie crust already has fat and doesn't need it, but that trick works wonders for store-bought pies. It revives it and makes it feel homemade.
  • Always remember to chill the pie in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. A cool pie going into a very hot oven helps promote a flaky and rich crust.
  • Crank the heat to 425 F then add your crust and reduce heat to 350 F. A hot oven in the beginning also helps guarantee a flaky pie crust.

Put That Pie Crust to Good Use!

Now onto the fun bit! How to use your store-bought pie crust and what recipes you can make that are easy, fun, and absolutely delicious!

Savory Recipes

Let's start with the savory pies and appetizers that will surely be a hit at your holiday dinner!

Chicken Pot Pie

Everyone loves a chicken pot pie! It's easy to make, super creamy, and it's very filling. It's also great if you already have leftover chicken and vegetables!

Ingredients

  • Two pie crusts
  • 2 and a ½ cups of shredded chicken
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables. If you're using frozen, then thaw before using
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 and ¾ cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup chopped onions
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1.3 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 425 F and prepare your pie dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and cook the onions for a couple of minutes or until tender.
  3. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and stir until blended.
  4. Slowly add in the milk and broth, and whisk and stir until the mixture thickens.  
  5. Add in the chicken and stir, then add the mixed vegetables.
  6. When the mixture has come together, remove it from the heat and add it to the pie crust.
  7. Roll the second crust on top and create slits.
  8. Brush the top with butter and bake it for 30-40 minutes or until golden.

Spinach and Ricotta Empanadas

Believe it or not, Empanadas are super easy to make. And they taste quite delicious when you fill it with a fun filling. They are the perfect appetizer for your holiday dinner!

Ingredients

  • Two pie crusts
  • 2 packs frozen spinach or 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup ricotta
  • ¼ cup parmesan
  • ¼ cup diced onions
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Use a 4-inch cookie cutter to make the crust circles. They should make you about 12 circles. You can also roll out the crust to make more.
  2. In a skillet, sauté the onions and spinach in butter over medium-high heat. Cook for several minutes and then set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the egg, ricotta, parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. When the mixture is combined, add the spinach and mix well.
  4. With a tablespoon, scoop out one dollop of mixture and gently place it onto each crust.
  5. Fold in half and seal it with a fork along the edges.
  6. Place the empanadas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-22 minutes at 425 F.

Onion and Artichoke Galette

This recipe may seem a little difficult, but making an open-topped pie at your holiday dinner will definitely be a hit! You'll surely impress your guests with this bistro-style recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust
  • 2 cups onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 jar artichoke hearts, chopped
  • ¼ cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 and a ½ Dijon mustard
  • 4 oz. Gruyere cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme and chili flakes

Directions

  1. Over medium-high heat, cook the onions for 10 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Reduce heat, add in the vinegar and spices and stir for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Unroll the pie crust onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the crust with mustard gently.
  4. Sprinkle ½ cup of cheese onto the center, then add the onions evenly. Top it with the artichokes and bell peppers, then add the rest of the cheese and spices.
  5. Fold 1 ¼ inch of the crust's edge over the filling and brush the egg on the edges.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden.

Sweet Recipes

Of course, a holiday dinner will never be complete without it ending on a sweet note. There are so many ideas for sweet pies that you can make, from chocolate to fruit to sweet potato and pumpkin pies.

Pumpkin Pie

This recipe will definitely have all your guests asking for a second helping. It's sweetened with sugar and maple syrup to give it that extra flavor kick!

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 can solid pumpkin
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ each of nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
  2. When fully incorporated, add the mixture to your pie crust.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes at 425F, then reduce heat to 350F and bake for 45 minutes.
  4. Check if it's ready by inserting a toothpick in the center.
  5. Let it cool before serving

Fresh Fruit Pie

This recipe is perfect if you want a pie that is light, playful, and super easy to make. It's also ideal for eating after a large holiday meal when you're too full but crave something sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust
  • 4 cups of fresh fruit (consider strawberries, peaches, or cherries)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 package fruit gelatin

Directions

  1. Bake blind your curst first in a pre-heated oven on 425F for 10 minutes. Then remove from oven.
  2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce for a few minutes or until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and add the gelatin until it's dissolved. Chill for about 15 minutes.
  5. Arrange the fresh fruit of choice onto the pie crust and pour the gelatin mixture over the fruit. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Pie

Who doesn't love chocolate? This pie will definitely make your holiday dinner a memorable one!

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust
  • 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 and a ½ cups sugar
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. butter

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, cornstarch, and whisk until combined.
  2. Add the milk, egg yolks, and whisk until combined.
  3. Over medium heat, stir the mixture until thickened for about 8 minutes. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat.
  4. Add the chocolate, vanilla extract, and butter and stir until combined.
  5. Pour the mixture onto your pie crust and chill for 4 hours before serving.

And there you have it! With the holiday season upon us, we've created this guide to inspire your holiday dinner! Using store-bought pies and creating fun and easy recipes will surely simplify the cooking/baking process. You'll be less stressed, and your dinner will surely be a hit! Happy holidays!