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One of the best parts of autumn has to be the food. The abundance of fresh produce lends itself to home-cooked meals filled with a dynamic array of flavors and spices. While there’s no shortage of hearty fall foods, we’ve got our eye on the sweet stuff: pies, to be specific.
Pies are an undeniable staple of the holiday season—Thanksgiving more so than any other time, really—and encompass a broad variety of flavors that cater to just about any taste or preference. Short of having to whip these up yourself (because who has the time, anyway?), there is a range of companies to take care of your baking needs. Consider each the elevated version of a grocery store–bought pie, sourced from one of the country’s homegrown bakeries.
More commonly known as mail-order pies, our edit is nothing like the mass-produced alternatives you may know of. These pies are sourced from mom-and-pop shops scattered all over the U.S., each as unique and flavorful as the next.
In short: There’s always room for dessert, but there’s not always time to make it from scratch. The good news is that you can have the most deliciously decadent pies delivered straight to your door. Here are a few of our favorites from across the States.
For the Picky Eaters: Tiny Pies
Sometimes the best things come in small packages. The Tiny Pies sampler box of personalized mini pies offers a diverse array of flavors such as cherry, Dutchy’s Apple, Sweet Texas Pecan, and Texas Two Step—a chocolate brownie–pecan filling that is remarkably indulgent.
What to order: Assorted Tiny Pies 12 Pack, $79.95 Highlight: The crust. Popular opinion: “An excellent, flaky tart that’s perfectly sized.”
If Your Sweet Tooth Isn’t Messing Around: Royers Pie Haven
In true Texas fashion, the family-run bakery’s menu is chock-full of decadent pies that range from the Texas Trash to the Sweet ’n Salty, which has a dense brownie-like filling with caramel and sea salt. While Royers offers a mix of both sweet and savory options, we’re undoubtedly partial to the former.
What to order: Ann’s Pecan Pie Highlight: A thick and crunchy pecan top that is utterly irresistible. Popular opinion: “This one tastes like a giant cookie and pretty much blew my mind.”
The Pie That Makes a Statement: The Blue Owl Bakery
Apple pie lovers, you’re in for a treat. This mile-high confection features layer upon layer of delicious apple slices encased in a mouthwatering caramel dome. That’s 10 pounds (yes, 10 pounds) of pure pie goodness that’s sure to wow even the hardest-to-please eaters.
What to order: Levee High Caramel Pecan Apple Pie, $99.95 Highlight: The caramel shell and wow-worthy effect. Popular opinion: “The ultimate, out-of-the-box hostess gift that will surely score you an invite back.”
The One We Didn’t See Coming: Achatz Handmade Pie Company
A standout favorite among team Domino, it is the ingenious combination of the fruit filling; crumbled top; and juicy, burst-in-your-mouth flavor that steals the show.What to order: Crumb Michigan 4-Berry Pie, $54 Highlight: The too-good-for-words mixed-berry filling. Popular opinion: “Incredible! Just like Grandma made her fruit pies. So fresh, and it tastes like a little bit of heaven. I don’t even like fruit pie, but this is incredible.”
For the Bourbon Enthusiast: Three Babes Bakeshop
Browned butter and a generous splash of bourbon offer a flavorful twist on this Thanksgiving classic—made without a trace of corn syrup. Set within a heavenly crust and coupled with its crunchy top, this pie surely brings on the heat.
What to order: Bourbon Pecan, $40 Highlight: The caramelized pecan top crust. Popular opinion: “The splash of bourbon here is not for the faint of heart.”
For an Authentically Homemade Experience: Two Fat Cats
The apple pie here may come packaged in a standard box, but inside it looks anything but. It truly tastes like a neighbor whipped it up at home and had it shipped the moment it came out of the oven. Made with fresh and local apples, it’s a classic that will surely please.
What to order: Apple Pie, $25 Highlight: The utterly flaky crust. Popular opinion: “You can’t go wrong with this classic.”
The Underdog: My Sugar Pie
While we generally tend to gravitate toward nut-based pies come the holiday season, it’s important to keep both one’s mind and palette open. Enter this delicately indulgent sugar cream pie that offers a welcome change from the traditional scope of dessert options.
What to order: Hoosier Sugar Pie, $30
Highlight: The undeniable hint of nutmeg that hits on all the best notes of nostalgia.
Popular opinion: “It doesn’t taste quite like a traditional pie but still definitely pleases. I wish I could put this cream inside a doughnut.”
This story was originally published in November 2018. It has since been updated.