Pork pies are a beloved traditional British dish with a pastry crust and savory pork filling often containing egg as well. Their rich, meaty flavor makes them a tasty treat, but their size poses a dilemma – what do you do with the leftovers? Can you freeze pork pie with egg?
The good news is that frozen correctly pork pies freeze well and should be just as delicious as freshly made ones. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about freezing pork pie with egg, from prep to storage and defrosting.
Should You Freeze Pork Pie With Egg?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of many foods allowing you to enjoy dishes long after purchase or preparation. For pork pies freezing can let you
- Stock up when they go on sale
- Make a large batch for entertaining
- Keep leftovers from going bad
So can you freeze pork pie with egg? Yes, you can successfully freeze most pork pies containing egg However, there are some important factors to consider
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Quality – Freezing may slightly alter texture and taste. Pastry may get soggy, egg filling lose texture. But for later consumption, not very noticeable.
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Safety – Ensure pie is thoroughly cooked before freezing to eliminate pathogens. They can still grow slightly above freezing temperatures.
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Packaging – Good packaging prevents freezer burn and maintains quality. Wrap tightly in plastic or foil to minimize air exposure. Place in airtight containers or bags.
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Thawing/Reheating – Thaw slowly in fridge to prevent bacteria growth and maintain texture better than quick thawing. Reheat at moderate temperature in oven until heated through to improve texture.
While freezing and thawing can diminish quality, especially texture, for many this is an acceptable trade-off for convenience and avoiding waste. If texture is paramount, consider whether freezing is the best choice.
How to Prepare Pork Pies for Freezing
Careful prep is key to delicious, safely frozen pork pies. Follow these steps:
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Portion – Cut large pies into individual servings so you can thaw only what you need. Leave mini pies whole.
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Wrap – Wrap each pie/portion in parchment, then foil, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn.
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Bag/Container – Place wrapped pies in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Prevents crushing.
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Label – Note contents and freeze date on bags or containers for easy identification later.
Proper wrapping creates important barriers to air and moisture. It helps the crust stay crisp and jelly intact so texture doesn’t suffer.
Best Containers for Freezing Pork Pies
Any freezer-safe container will work for storing pork pies. Follow the prep steps above and wrap pies well before putting in chosen containers. This helps maintain quality by protecting from excessive moisture that can make pastry soggy.
Some good options include:
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Freezer bags – Sturdy, sealable bags are convenient and space-saving for freezing. Exclude as much air as possible and seal tightly.
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Airtight plastic containers – Durable containers with tight lids prevent freezer burn. Square or rectangular ones use space efficiently.
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Aluminum foil pans – Affordable, disposable foil pans with lids are effective for freezing and reheating.
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Mason jars – Provides rigid protection. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion. Tight lids prevent freezer burn.
Choose containers suitable for the freezer, avoiding any that become brittle. Glass and rigid plastic are good choices. Size container appropriately for amount being frozen.
How to Store and Freeze Pork Pies
Storing pork pies in the fridge or freezer is simple with proper technique:
Fridge Storage
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Wrap pies in parchment paper and place in a sealed container.
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Refrigerate for 3-5 days maximum.
Freezer Storage
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Wrap each pie in parchment, then foil as described above.
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Place wrapped pies in freezer bag or airtight container.
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Label with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 4 months for best quality.
Follow this triple wrap method to protect quality in the freezer. The parchment and foil minimize air exposure while the outer bag or container protects from crushing.
How to Use Pork Pies After Freezing
Enjoying delicious pork pies from the freezer is easy. Just thaw and serve!
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Remove pie from freezer and unwrap outermost layer.
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Leave paper and foil wrap on during thawing.
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Thaw in fridge 24 hours.
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Unwrap pie about 1 hour before serving.
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Let sit at room temperature up to 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
The gradual thawing in the fridge prevents food safety issues while the parchment/foil wrap protects texture. Letting it sit at room temp after thawing allows the flaky crust to crisp up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you freeze pork pies?
Properly wrapped and frozen, pork pies will keep for 4-5 months in the freezer before quality declines. Always check pies were frozen fresh originally.
Can you get food poisoning from pork pies?
The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can cause food poisoning. It grows in poorly stored meat pies. Proper cooking and freezing prevent this.
Should pork pies be served hot or cold?
Pork pies are traditionally served cold. The jelly filling sets up when chilled. Warming will make the jelly loose.
What goes well with pork pies?
Popular accompaniments include pickles, chutneys, mushy peas, mint sauce, and coleslaw. The acidity and crunch pair great with the rich filling.
Conclusion
Freezing is a great way to enjoy pork pies when you want them, prevent waste, and save money. With proper preparation and storage methods, you can successfully freeze most pork pies with egg for 4-5 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for safety and best texture. A tasty British classic is now yours to enjoy anytime!