What to use instead of pie weights when baking?

If you don't have pie weights, there are a few alternatives you can use:

1. Dried Beans or Rice: Dried beans or rice can be used as an alternative to pie weights. Fill the pie crust with the beans or rice, making sure to distribute them evenly. The beans or rice will help to weigh down the crust and prevent it from shrinking or puffing up during baking.

2. Sugar: Sugar can be used as a substitute for pie weights. Fill the pie crust with sugar and, distribute it evenly. The sugar can help to weigh down the crust and prevent it from shrinking or puffing up during baking while caramelizing during baking.

3. Coins or Marbles: These household items also work well as pie weights. Place the items inside the pie crust and spread them out evenly. Be sure to use clean items that are free of dirt and debris.

4. Metal Chain or Nuts: Metal chain or nuts can also be used as a substitute for pie weights. Spread the items evenly over the crust and weigh them down.

5. Aluminum Foil: You can fill a second, empty pie crust with aluminum foil and wrap it around the inside of the dish it's in. Fill the foil "mold" with sugar or rice and place the crust upside down over it, covering the filling you already put in the other crust. Once baked, remove the top crust and let the filled crust cool before filling.