can you heat pork pies

Reheating Pork Pies: A Guide to Warming Up This Classic British Snack

The humble pork pie holds a special place in British cuisine. From its hot water crust pastry to the savory seasoned pork filling, pork pies are truly an iconic snack. But when it comes to leftovers, can you safely reheat pork pies while preserving that perfect texture?

The short answer is yes, you absolutely can heat up pork pies! However, there are some best practices for reheating them properly. In this complete guide, we’ll cover the pros and cons of reheating pork pies, different reheating methods, how to maintain ideal texture, storage tips, serving suggestions, and more. Let’s dive in!

Is It Safe to Reheat Pork Pies?

Reheating pork pies is safe, provided you follow proper food storage guidelines. As with any leftover meat, it’s important to refrigerate pork pies soon after baking. Don’t leave them sitting out for more than two hours.

Once chilled in the fridge, pork pies can safely be reheated and eaten within 3 to 4 days. When reheating, you’ll want to ensure the filling reaches safe internal temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat until the center of the pie reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

As long as you refrigerate and reheat your pork pie properly, it will be safe to enjoy heated up.

Best Ways to Reheat Pork Pies

While quick, using the microwave to reheat pork pies can ruin the delicately flaky crust. For best results, use one of these reheating methods:

• Oven – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place pie on a baking sheet and bake 10-15 minutes until hot throughout.

• Toaster Oven – Preheat to 400°F. Heat pie 5-10 minutes depending on size, checking frequently.

• Skillet – Heat pie in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cover and cook 4-6 minutes per side.

• Partial Microwave – Microwave 30 seconds to partially heat filling, then finish in oven.

No matter which reheating method you use, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the pie reaches safe serving temperatures.

Maintaining That Perfect Pork Pie Crust

Achieving the ideal flaky crust when reheating pork pies takes a few special considerations:

• Cover the pie edges with foil to prevent burning or over-browning when oven heating.

• If microwaving, only do so partially before finishing in the oven to crisp up the crust.

• Let your leftover pie come fully to room temp before reheating for even heating.

• Glaze the top crust with milk or beaten egg before reheating to refresh it.

• Opt for shallow reheating times and check often to prevent drying out.

Following those tips will help maintain the tender, flaky pastry of your pork pie crust when reheating.

How to Store and Freeze Pork Pies

For storing leftover pork pies:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking and use within 3-4 days.

• Freeze for longer storage, wrapping well in plastic wrap and foil.

• Thaw frozen pies overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Avoid refreezing after thawing. Cook within 1-2 days.

With proper freezing techniques, pork pies can last 4+ months frozen. Well-wrapped pies prevent freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions for Reheated Pork Pies

Warm pork pies make for a hearty and comforting snack. Here are some delicious sides to serve:

• A fresh green salad or coleslaw

• Buttery roasted potatoes or squash

• Bubble and squeak made with leftover veggies

• A dab of tangy mustard or chutney

• Pickled onions or beets

• A pint of British ale

Pairings like mustard and pickle cut through the rich flavors. Starchy veggies and salad balance out the meal. And you can’t go wrong with a locally brewed ale!

Should You Heat Up a Pork Pie? Pros and Cons

Pros of reheating pork pies:

• Allows you to enjoy leftovers rather than wasting food

• Can be more appetizing when the filling is warmed up

• Provides a hot and comforting snack

• Lets you re-experience that just-baked taste

Cons of reheating:

• Risks drying out the pastry if overheated

• Can make the jelly melt and loosen

• May compromise ideal texture and flavor

• Requires more time than just eating cold

Overall, reheating pork pies is safe and doable with proper techniques, but not strictly necessary. Cold pork pies have their own appeal! Reheating is a matter of personal preference.

Key Takeaways on Heating Pork Pies

• Yes, you can safely reheat pork pies using oven, toaster oven, or skillet methods.

• Allow pies to fully cool before refrigerating, and reheat fully to 165°F.

• Prevent burning and drying by covering crust with foil and glazing with egg or milk.

• For storage, refrigerate 3-4 days or freeze up to 4 months. Thaw before reheating.

• Consider crisp salads, roasted veggies, mustard, and ales as delicious pairings.

• Reheating has pros and cons, so decide based on your texture preferences.

With these pork pie reheating tips, you can safely enjoy leftovers and revisit the comforting flavors of this British classic. Whether you like yours cold or hot, pork pies make for a savory handheld snack any day of the week. So don’t be afraid to fire up those leftovers!