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I've been told that there are some differences between a "pie" and a "tart". What's the difference, and when do I call it a pie, and when do I call it a tart?

Sorry for my English!

Aaronut
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evilReiko
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2 Answers2

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Generally speaking, a pie refers to a pastry covered with a lid, like a typical apple pie. A tart is open topped, like a quiche, or a French tartes aux pommes.

However, there are exceptions to this: many pies will be open topped too. Usually this is a matter of depth: the deeper it is, the more likely it is to be called a pie rather than a tart.

Regional variations also apply.

ElendilTheTall
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  • Would a tart normally be served cold, while a pie often hot? I can't recall having a hot tart – TFD May 16 '11 at 09:26
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    Hmmm, not necessarily. You can have hot, savoury tarts as a main meal - 'sun-dried tomato and goat's cheese tart' is almost standard-issue at vegetarian restaurants. Dessert tarts are usually cold though. – ElendilTheTall May 16 '11 at 09:30
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    Yes, of course, I have had those, just didn't remember them as tarts (thin and open(ish) topped). I just did a quick google on **"hot tart"** to check out any good recipes, very bad mistake! – TFD May 16 '11 at 10:15
  • Tarte Tatin? =) – Rob May 16 '11 at 11:51
  • I did say there were exceptions. Although tarte tatin isn't really lidded, it's just upside down... – ElendilTheTall May 16 '11 at 12:05
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It's the shape. A tart is baked in a shallow dish with straight sides; a pie dish is deeper, and has sloping sides. At least, that's the way it is in the US.

Mike Baranczak
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