How does a baking tray under pie when cooking help?

1. Heat Distribution: Placing a baking tray under the pie helps to distribute heat more evenly. This is particularly important for pies that have a custard or fruit filling, as these fillings can easily become overcooked or burnt if the heat is too intense. The baking tray helps to spread the heat from the oven across a wider surface area, ensuring that the pie cooks evenly throughout.

2. Preventing Soggy Crust: Placing a baking tray under the pie also helps to prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy. When a pie is baked without a baking tray beneath it, the moisture from the filling can seep into the bottom crust, making it soft and soggy. The baking tray acts as a barrier between the pie and the oven rack, preventing the direct transfer of moisture and helping to keep the bottom crust crispy.

3. Catching Spills: If the pie overflows or bubbles over while baking, the baking tray underneath will catch any spills, preventing them from dripping onto the oven floor or causing a mess. This makes cleanup easier and prevents potential burns from hot spills.

4. Protecting Oven: The baking tray under the pie can help protect the oven from any spills or splatters that might occur while baking. This can save you the time and effort of cleaning the oven after baking.

5. Versatility: A baking tray can also be used for other baking tasks, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen. It can be used to bake cookies, cakes, and other pastries, or to roast vegetables and other foods.

Overall, using a baking tray under a pie while baking helps to ensure even cooking, crispy crust, easy cleanup, and protection for your oven. It's a simple but effective technique that can greatly improve your pie-baking experience and results.