How do you use a pie maker?

Have you just got on the pie maker bandwagon? Or maybe you've been a convert since the beginning and are looking for new ideas?

Wherever you are on the pie maker scale, we've got all the answers to your burning questions, like can I use puff pastry in a pie maker? How long do pies take to cook in a pie maker? And, importantly, how do you clean a pie maker?

You'll find all the tips and tricks here, plus creative and tasty new pie maker recipes to try now.

Why is the pie maker so popular?

Pie makers are the new jaffle maker. They make snacks and meals quick, easy and affordable.

Perfect for a family (think about all those simple lunchbox meals you can make), great for a student just making it out on their own (pie maker pizzas, anyone?) and fun for empty nesters who are keen to experiment with more creative snacks and treats without the fuss of having to use the oven.

How do you use a pie maker?

Designed to be super simple and convenient, most pie makers have 4 non-stick holes with a base measurement that's around 10cm and a crimped edge. Pie makers such as the Kmart Pie Maker come with a reversible cutter. You use one side for the base and the other for the lid.

Preheat pie maker. Wait for the green READY light to go on.
Using the large base pastry cutter provided, cut out 4 bases using pastry, bread or wraps. Place in the pie holes.
Close lid and cook for 5-6 minutes or until case is golden and filling is warmed through and set.
You will need to use a timer as most pie makers don't have an inbuilt timer.

What pastry can you use in a pie maker?

Both puff pastry and shortcrust pastry will work in the pie maker and should come up golden and crisp. But don't stop at just pastry.

People have been experimenting and using their pie makers to make everything from keto-style quiches with no pastry at all, to using rolled out bread slices or wraps to use as a base for easy tarts.

You can also cook pizza scrolls, cake mix, cookie dough and more right in your pie maker!

How do you clean a pie maker?

Because pie makers have a non-stick coating, they are pretty easy to clean. Similar to a toastie maker, if you wipe the surface while it's still hot, most melted cheese or overflow (if there has been any) should wipe away.

For any cooked on or burnt bits that don't come off as easily, moisten a non-scratch scourer, press it onto the surface and leave for a minute or two to help loosen the cooked on bits, then gently scrub them off.

Make sure that the pie maker is completely clean and dry before closing and putting away. This will help prolong the life of the pie maker, especially the non-stick coating.

Pie maker recipes

Scroll down for heaps of great recipes, or check out the full collection of pie maker recipes and get cooking!