How Long Does A Pork Pie Last? The Complete Storage Guide

With its savory meat filling wrapped in flaky hot water crust pastry, the iconic pork pie is a beloved snack and party food. But with such a perishable filling, it’s important to store pork pies properly to extend their shelf life. So how long does an uncut pork pie last in the fridge or freezer?

Follow this complete guide to maximize the shelf life of your pork pies,

What is a Pork Pie?

Traditional English pork pies contain roughly chopped pork and pork fat, surrounded by jellied pork stock in a hot water crust pastry. The crust is made from lard, flour and water baked at a high temperature, giving it a crunchy yet flaky texture.

Melton Mowbray pork pies are a gourmet version featuring bow-shaped hand-raised sides, seasoned aspic, and a gray uncured pork filling. This variety has protected geographical status due to its iconic status.

How Long Do Pork Pies Last Refrigerated?

Refrigeration keeps pork pies fresh for limited time Uncut whole pork pies last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, To maximize refrigerated shelf life

Refrigerate pork pies immediately after purchase or preparation
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place in a sealed container.
Avoid temperature fluctuations – optimal fridge temp is 40°F or below.
Monitor for signs of spoilage like off-odors, sliminess, or discoloration. Discard if any are present.

The pastry may start to soften after a couple days. Consume refrigerated pork pies within 3-5 days for best quality.

How Long Do Pork Pies Last Frozen?

For long term storage, freezing is best. Properly wrapped pork pies keep 4 months in the freezer. To freeze:

Wrap pork pie tightly in freezer paper or parchment.
Wrap again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Place wrapped pie in freezer bag or airtight container.
Freeze immediately after preparing or purchasing.
Defrost frozen pork pies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

With proper freezing methods, the filling, jelly, and crust retain integrity and flavor.

How to Serve Pork Pies

Pork pies are versatile – enjoy them:

As a room temperature snack or appetizer
Chilled in summertime
On a picnic or brown bag lunch
Alongside salads or in ploughman’s lunch
Warm if briefly reheated to 175°F in the oven
Sliced and served as tea sandwiches
On a cheeseboard with fruit and nuts
Cured varieties paired with ale or hard cider

How to Store Leftover Cut Pork Pie

Once pork pie is cut, leftover pieces spoil more quickly. Use these tips:

Refrigerate cut pork pie pieces in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Wrap cut pieces tightly in plastic wrap for the fridge.
Avoid letting cut pork pie sit longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Discard any uneaten pork pie exceeding refrigeration time.

For maximum safety and quality, promptly refrigerate cut pork pies in an airtight storage container.

Signs of Spoiled Pork Pies

Watch for these indications that pork pie has spoiled and should be discarded:

Unpleasant odors
Sticky, slimy texture
Discoloration or dark spots
Mold growth on surface
Rancid taste when heated

Do not consume pork pies with any signs of spoilage – when in doubt, throw it out.

Storing Pork Pie Safely

Follow proper storage methods to safely enjoy pork pies:

Refrigerate uncut pork pies up to 5 days; use within 3 for best quality.
Freeze for up to 4 months when properly wrapped.
Refrigerate cut leftovers no more than 3 days.
Discard moldy, foul smelling, or slimy pies.

With proper handling, delicious pork pies can be safely enjoyed for their flaky crust and savory filling for days to come.

How to Make an Easy Traditional British Pork Pie

FAQ

How long does pork pie keep in the fridge?

Chill the pie in the fridge until cold (about 1-2 hours, until the jelly in the hole is visibly set), then cut into thick slices to serve. It will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge and for 1 month in the freezer.

Can you eat pork pies 5 days out of date?

Use-by dates are about safety Never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells ok, as it could make you very ill. You can eat food until midnight on the use-by date shown on a product, but not after, unless the food has been cooked or frozen.

How to know if pork pie is off?

Does it smell ok? If it does, you’re fine! Trust your instincts not the label. If it smells ok I would.

How long will a meat pie last in the fridge?

Cooked meat pies can generally last from three to five days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. While “generally” is often mentioned, there are plenty of other factors that will affect how long it can remain in the refrigerator.

How do you store a pork pie?

1. Wrap the pork pie in parchment paper or cling film to prevent it from drying out. 2. Place the wrapped pork pie into a sealed container to keep it fresh. 3. Store the container in the fridge at a temperature of 0-5°C. 4. Make sure to consume the pork pie within five days of storing it in the fridge.

How long do pork pies last?

When stored in the fridge, pork pies can last up to 5 days. However, it’s important to note that the pastry may start to go soft after a couple of days, especially if using a water pastry. To extend the shelf life of your pork pies, consider freezing them. Pork pies can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months when wrapped properly.

How long does pork pie last in the freezer?

As soon as pork pie is frozen, it will remain in the freezer for several months. Eating fruit pie, especially if you like it, takes a few days. Fruit pie can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to a chart and FDA regulations. It is best to plan ahead of time.

Can pork pies be left out at room temperature?

If you need to leave your pork pies out at room temperature for a short period of time, they can be kept for up to four hours. However, it’s important to make sure the temperature of the room is not too warm. If the temperature is above 37°C, bacteria will multiply rapidly, doubling in number every 10 minutes at this temperature.