Making the perfect pie can be intimidating, but here are a few tips to help. Whether using homemade or commercial pie dough, cold crust makes all the difference in creating rich, flaky layers. Be sure to bake pies on the lowest oven rack for best results. And if you want tidy slices, allow plenty of time to cool or chill your pie before cutting. It’s the only way to guarantee a firm filling and smooth sides—and it’s worth the wait.