What's the Best Substitute for Rolling Pin?
Whether you're out of Rolling Pin or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Cylindrical kitchen tool used for rolling out dough, pastry, and other ingredients to achieve uniform thickness In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for a rolling pin are wine bottles, glass bottles, cans, hands, or other cylindrical objects. For professional results, use a wine bottle filled with water or a smooth glass bottle.
Best Substitutes for Rolling Pin
Wine Bottle
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- pie crusts
- pizza dough
- pasta dough
- cookie dough
Description
Empty wine bottle works excellently as a rolling pin substitute
Fill with cold water for better weight and stability. Remove label and ensure bottle is clean and dry
Glass Bottle
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- pastry dough
- bread dough
- tortillas
- crackers
Description
Any smooth glass bottle can serve as an effective rolling pin
Choose a bottle with smooth sides and good weight. Olive oil or vinegar bottles work well
Cylindrical Can
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- thin doughs
- crackers
- tortillas
- pasta sheets
Description
Food cans or cylindrical containers can be used for rolling
Ensure can is clean and dry. May be lighter than ideal for thick doughs
Hands
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- pizza dough
- flatbreads
- tortillas
- soft doughs
Description
Use your hands to press and flatten dough
Works best with softer, more pliable doughs. May not achieve perfectly even thickness
Heavy Glass
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- small portions
- crackers
- thin pastries
- pasta sheets
Description
Heavy drinking glass or tumbler can be used for rolling
Choose a heavy glass with smooth sides. May be too small for large dough portions
PVC Pipe
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- large dough portions
- pizza dough
- bread dough
- pastry
Description
Clean PVC pipe can serve as a rolling pin substitute
Ensure pipe is food-safe and thoroughly cleaned. Can be cut to desired length
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Rolling Pin, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Fill wine bottles with cold water for better weight and rolling control
Dust your rolling surface and substitute with flour to prevent sticking
Work from the center outward when rolling dough for even thickness
Use parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent dough from sticking to your substitute
For thin pastries, roll in one direction first, then rotate 90 degrees and roll again
Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling
If using a bottle, ensure it's completely dry to prevent water from affecting the dough
For large dough portions, use a longer cylindrical object
Apply even pressure when rolling to maintain consistent thickness
Clean your substitute thoroughly before and after use
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications