For many years, pork pies have been served hot or cold as the main dish on a table or on a cold buffet. But if you have pies left over, what can you do with them?.
Pork pies are a beloved dish in the UK featuring a hot water crust pastry wrapped around a savory pork filling often with egg. They make a hearty snack or addition to a meal. But what if you have leftovers and want to save some for later? Can you freeze pork pie with egg?
The good news is yes, you can successfully freeze pork pies containing egg! With the proper freezing and thawing techniques, pork pies maintain their delicious taste and texture for enjoyment weeks or months down the road.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing pork pies with egg including
- An introduction to traditional pork pies
- Benefits of freezing pork pie with egg
- Step-by-step instructions for freezing
- Proper thawing and reheating methods
- How long frozen pork pies last
- Tips for best results
Let’s get started!
What Are Pork Pies?
Pork pies originated in England in the early 1800s. An authentic hot water crust pork pie contains:
- A hand-raised pastry crust made from boiling lard and water
- A filling of uncured pork and pork fat
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg
- Often a layer of cooked egg binding the filling
- An aspic jelly made from pork stock
The baked pastry case gives the pork pie its unique texture. The egg and pork jelly keep the interior moist and flavorful. Pork pies are eaten cold, often with pickles, chutneys, mustard, or cheese.
Can You Successfully Freeze Pork Pies With Egg?
Freezing pork pies containing egg is completely possible when using proper freezing and thawing techniques.
When frozen and thawed correctly, pork pies maintain:
- A moist, tender pork filling
- The binding properties of the egg
- A crisp, flaky hot water crust pastry
- The savory flavor of the pork aspic jelly
Freezing gives you access to delicious homemade or store-bought pork pies for weeks or months after preparing or purchasing. It stops the jelly from softening the pastry over time.
So yes, you can absolutely freeze pork pies containing egg for enjoyment later!
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Pork Pies With Egg
Follow these simple steps for freezing pork pies with egg:
-
Allow freshly baked pork pies to fully cool for 1-2 hours after baking.
-
Leave pies in original packaging if possible to protect the fragile crust.
-
Wrap each individual pork pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.
-
Place wrapped pies in a freezer bag or airtight container, removing excess air.
-
Label package with contents and freeze date.
-
Freeze pork pies flat for optimal freezing.
-
Use frozen pork pies within 3-6 months for best quality.
And that’s it! Now you can enjoy delicious homemade pork pies for months to come.
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Pork Pies
Always thaw frozen pork pies gradually in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature, as this allows bacterial growth.
Fridge thawing takes 12-24 hours depending on pie size. Thaw overnight in the fridge for use the next day.
Once thawed, use pork pies within 3-4 days and do not refreeze, as this damages texture.
Reheating Thawed Pork Pies
Thawed pork pies can be briefly warmed if desired before serving.
To warm, place unwrapped pies on a baking sheet at 275°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwaving thawed pies also works for gentle reheating. Take care not to overcook.
How Long Do Frozen Pork Pies With Egg Last?
When stored continuously at 0°F, pork pies with egg will last 3-6 months in the freezer before quality loss occurs.
For best flavor and texture, aim to eat frozen pork pies within 3 months. Pies frozen for 4-6 months may still taste relatively fresh.
Monitor your freezer temperature to ensure it maintains 0°F or below. Temperatures above 0°F will shorten shelf life.
Tips for Freezing Pork Pies With Egg
Follow these tips for optimal results when freezing pork pies containing egg:
- Select high quality fresh pies, not past expiration date
- Cool pies completely before freezing to prevent soggy pastry
- Double wrap pies in paper and foil to prevent freezer burn
- Portion pies into meal-sized servings for easy thawing
- Remove excess air from packaging for freshness
- Avoid refreezing thawed pork pies
Is Freezing Pork Pies With Egg Worth It?
Freezing pork pies with egg offers many benefits:
- Saves money by preserving leftovers
- Adds convenience – pies ready anytime
- Allows batch cooking and freezing
- Maintains tender filling and flaky crust
- Locks in freshness for months
When frozen and thawed properly, pork pies retain their delicious taste and texture. Freezing is absolutely worth it for enjoying these savory English classics!
Now you know everything needed to successfully freeze pork pies containing egg. Follow this guide for tasty frozen pies ready to defrost and serve anytime. With proper freezing and thawing methods, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of pork pies for months to come.
So, can you freeze pork pies?
The good news is that pork pies that are frozen correctly should taste just as good when thawed as when they were first made. Frozen fresh, home freezing pork pies is straightforward, as pork pies freeze without any trouble.
Just make sure you follow a few easy steps to freeze and thaw them the right way. They will taste just as good when you warm them up.
Can you Refreeze Pork Pies?
Freezing pork pies that have already been frozen and thawed once before is never a good idea.
Bacteria that can make you sick will start to grow on a pork pie that is defrosting in the fridge the wrong way. It will only get worse if you freeze it again, so when you thaw the pork pie a second time, it might already have too many harmful bacteria growing in it.
Is it better to freeze a pie before or after baking?
FAQ
Can pork pie with egg be frozen?
What is the best way to freeze a pork pie?
Can you freeze pie crust with egg?
Can you egg wash a pie and then freeze it?
Can you freeze pork pie with egg?
Yes, you can freeze pork pie with egg, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind to maintain the quality and safety of the dish. Quality: Freezing may alter the texture and taste of the pork pie to some extent. The pastry might become a bit soggy upon thawing, and the egg filling could lose some of its original texture.
Can you freeze pork pies?
Yes, you can freeze pork pies for up to 5 months. You can freeze pork pies, whether big, small, fancy or plain. All you need to do is wrap them to ensure they’re airtight then stick them in the freezer. Do Pork Pies Freeze Well? Yes Can You Refreeze Pork Pies? No There are just 4 steps to freezing pork pies, and they’re super easy to follow:
How do you store a pork pie in the freezer?
Packaging: Proper packaging is crucial to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the pork pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to minimize air exposure. You can also place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag.
How long does stuffed pork pie take to freeze?
It takes about three months for a well-stuffed pork pie to fully freeze. Allow 3 days for the food to be refrigerated and consumed once opened. You should not exceed the date on which you signed up for the service. The product is not suitable for freezing. It is not suitable to freeze at home.