Ina Garten Swears This Store-Bought Shortcut Makes Her Fan-Favorite Holiday Dessert Even Better

Ina Garten has shared plenty of gourmet recipes and decadent dishes over the years. Still, if there’s one tip the cooking icon has emphasized throughout her many books, television shows, and interviews, it’s that store-bought is absolutely fine—if not better. Garten has been known to upgrade her signature recipes with grocery store products, and has even gone so far as to serve a Trader Joe’s dessert fresh off the shelves. Now, the Cosmo-loving queen of the Hamptons is gearing up for the holidays and sharing one of her beloved dessert recipes, and according to Garten, it’s “actually better” with one particular store-bought ingredient.

Ina Garten Prefers Store-Bought Pie Crusts

Garten is no stranger to holiday hosting, and has plenty of recipes and desserts for any festive gathering—including her fan-favorite Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie. Packed with diced pecans, semi-sweet chocolate, and, of course, bourbon, Garten’s pie is a decadent addition to any sweet spread at the holiday party. Garten’s secret ingredient, though? A store-bought pie crust.

“I discovered that my Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is actually better with a store-bought pie crust because it balances the richness of the filling,” Garten wrote on Instagram. In addition to the shortcut crust, the chef added that the recipe requires minimal prep, no mixer, and just two bowls. “The easiest Thanksgiving dessert ever will also be the biggest hit!” Garten said.

Fans raved about Garten’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie, commenting, “This was such a hit last year that it’s now my go-to recipe!”

“My absolute favorite recipe of yours,” added another user. “I make it every year!”

In the comments section, Garten mentioned that her go-to brand is Wholly Wholesome, but any good-quality frozen pie crust will work in a pinch. She also recommended defrosting the crust overnight in the fridge before baking.

Given that Thanksgiving and holiday prep are already packed with cooking, Garten’s hack is a quick and convenient way to deliver a delicious dessert that is still full of homemade flavor. Plus, if Garten prefers store-bought pie crust, then I don’t see why I should take the time to make one from scratch, either.