How Long Do Pork Pies Keep in the Fridge? Everything You Need to Know

Pork pies are a beloved British snack that have become popular worldwide. With their pastry crust enveloping a tasty pork filling, they make a convenient and delicious bite. But like any perishable food, proper storage is key to enjoying pork pies at their best. So how long do pork pies keep in the fridge? What’s the best way to store them? Read on for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of pork pies.

An Overview of Pork Pies

Before diving into storage methods, let’s review what exactly pork pies are. Pork pies consist of chopped or minced pork and fat, seasoned and packed into a hot water crust pastry This pastry crust is then molded by hand around the meat filling The iconic pork pie shape features straight sides and a slight rounding or doming of the top crust.

Inside the pie, there is a jelly made from pork stock that fills in the cracks and adds moisture. The pork filling in traditional English pork pies like Melton Mowbray pork pies is not cooked ahead of time. This results in the iconic gray coloration of the uncooked pork center.

Modern mass-produced pork pies often precook the pork for food safety But artisanal pork pie makers often stick to the traditional uncured raw pork filling for authentic flavor and texture.

How Long Do Pork Pies Last in the Fridge?

Unlike many other baked goods, pork pies go bad quickly and don’t last long on the shelf. When stored properly in the refrigerator, pork pies will keep for 5-7 days.

The pastry may start to lose its crispness after 2-3 days. But the pork pie will remain safe to eat for a full week when kept chilled at 40°F or below.

Any pork pies not eaten within 5-7 days should be discarded. Bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli can multiply even when refrigerated, making the pies unsafe after this timeframe.

Maximizing Fridge Life

To get the full 5-7 days of safe shelf life from your pork pies, follow these fridge storage tips:

• Keep pork pies chilled at 40°F or below. The colder the better for slowing bacteria growth.

• Leave pies wrapped in their original packaging or parchment paper until ready to serve. This prevents drying out.

• Place wrapped pies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection.

• Avoid overcrowding the fridge, as this reduces air circulation and cooling efficiency.

• Check pies daily and discard any that smell bad or appear slimy. Don’t risk eating a pie past its prime.

• When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Better safe than sorry.

Freezing for Extended Storage

While pork pies will only last about a week in the fridge, they can be frozen for much longer storage. Properly frozen, pork pies can keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

To freeze:

• Wrap pies tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.

• Place wrapped pies in freezer bags, squeezing out excess air. Freezer burn ruins texture.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date. Include the date purchased as a reference.

• Freeze at 0°F or below for maximum shelf life. Consistent 0°F freezing is ideal.

• Avoid freezer burn by minimizing openings. Use oldest pies first when dipping into the freezer stash.

Thawing and Serving Frozen Pies

When ready to enjoy frozen pork pies, thaw using the following methods:

• For same day use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing 8-12 hours for full thawing.

• For quicker thawing, leave pies sealed in packaging and run under cool water until thawed. Change water every 30 minutes to speed thawing.

• Microwave thawing is not recommended, as it can create hot spots that impact pastry texture.

• Once thawed, allow pies to come to room temperature or serve chilled as desired.

• Do not refreeze thawed pork pies, as this creates food safety issues. Eat within 3-4 days.

Enjoying Pork Pies Safely

No matter which storage method you use, keep the following food safety tips in mind:

• Wash hands before handling pork pies to prevent cross contamination.

• Use clean cutting boards and utensils when slicing pies to serve.

• Never leave pies sitting out for over 2 hours. Toxin producing bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

• Do not try to extend the shelf life of pies by cooking. Reheating does not destroy all dangerous bacteria that can be present.

• When reheating thawed frozen pies, reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check temperature with a food thermometer.

By understanding ideal fridge, freezer, and food safety practices, you can safely enjoy scrumptious pork pies for days to come. Follow these storage guidelines, pay close attention to quality and spoilage signs, and your tasty pork pies will be their best right up until the last bite.