When it comes to baked goods, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm and flaky hand pie. Hand pies are delicious and versatile, and they make for a great snack or dessert. They’re also incredibly easy to make, and you can fill them with all sorts of tasty ingredients. But what happens when you make too many hand pies, or you just want to save some for later? Can you freeze hand pies after baking?
Can You Freeze Hand Pies After Baking?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze hand pies after baking. Assembled and unbaked hand pies can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, no need to thaw before baking; simply add an extra couple minutes of bake time. Baked hand pies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Freezing hand pies after baking is a great way to save time and money. If you have a busy week ahead, you can simply pull a few hand pies out of the freezer and reheat them for a quick and easy meal. It’s also great if you want to make a large batch of hand pies for a party or event, and you want to get ahead of the game.
How to Freeze Hand Pies After Baking
If you want to freeze hand pies after baking, here’s what you need to do:
1. Let Them Cool: Before you start freezing your hand pies, you need to let them cool completely. This will help prevent condensation from forming, which can make the pastry soggy.
2. Wrap Them in Plastic Wrap: Once your hand pies are cool, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Be sure to wrap them individually to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Store Them in Freezer Bags: After wrapping your hand pies in plastic wrap, you can store them in freezer bags. Be sure to label the bags with the date and contents, so you know how long they’ve been stored and what’s inside.
How to Reheat Frozen Hand Pies
If you’ve frozen your hand pies after baking, reheating them is easy. Here are a few methods you can use:
1. Oven: To reheat frozen hand pies in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
2. Microwave: If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, you can reheat your frozen hand pies in the microwave. Simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
3. Air Fryer: Lastly, you can reheat frozen hand pies in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the hand pies in the basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freezing hand pies after baking is a great way to save time and money, and it’s incredibly easy to do. Whether you’re looking to get ahead of the game or you just want to make a large batch of hand pies for later, freezing them is a great option. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and label them, so you know how long they’ve been stored and what’s inside. And when you’re ready to eat them, reheating them is a breeze.
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a frozen pie?
Thawing a frozen pie can take anywhere from several hours to overnight depending on the size and type of the pie, as well as the thawing method you choose.
The safest and most effective way to thaw a frozen pie is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This gives the pie enough time to thaw slowly and evenly, while also preventing any bacterial growth that may occur if the pie were left at room temperature. To thaw your frozen pie in the refrigerator, simply leave it in its plastic wrapper and place it on a plate or tray in the fridge. Depending on the size of the pie, it may take anywhere from six to twelve hours to thaw completely.
If you’re in more of a rush, you can also use the cold water method to thaw your pie. This involves placing the pie in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can place the pie in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 15-20 minutes until the pie is thawed. While this method is quicker than thawing in the refrigerator, it can increase the risk of bacteria growth if the pie is left in the water for too long.
It’s important to avoid thawing your frozen pie in the microwave or at room temperature, as these methods can cause uneven thawing and increase the risk of bacterial growth. Once your pie is thawed, you can bake it according to the instructions on the package. For crumb pies, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pie for 20 minutes or until heated through. For fruit or custard pies, you may need to bake the pie for longer depending on the recipe.
The length of time it takes to thaw a frozen pie depends on the size and type of the pie as well as the thawing method you choose. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest and most effective method, although it can take several hours to overnight. The cold water method is quicker, but it increases the risk of bacterial growth if done improperly. It’s important to avoid thawing in the microwave or at room temperature and to follow the package instructions for baking the thawed pie.
Do frozen pies need to be defrosted?
Frozen pies are a popular food choice for those who lead busy lives and don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. While frozen pies are convenient and easy to prepare, many people wonder if they need to be defrosted before cooking. The short answer to this question is yes, you should defrost your pies before cooking them.
Defrosting a frozen pie is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that the pie is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Cooking a frozen pie without defrosting it first can result in the pie being undercooked in some areas and overcooked in others. This can lead to an unpleasant texture and flavor, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the pie.
Additionally, defrosting a frozen pie can help to preserve its quality and flavor. When a pie is frozen, the moisture in the filling can turn into ice crystals, which can damage the structure and texture of the filling. Defrosting the pie slowly and gently allows the moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the filling, ensuring that it stays moist, tender, and flavorful.
So, how should you defrost your frozen pie? The best method is to simply let it sit at room temperature for several hours until it is completely thawed. Once the pie is thawed, you can then cook it according to the instructions on the packaging. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can defrost the pie in the microwave, using the defrost setting. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the filling to become hot and soggy.
If you want to enjoy a delicious, evenly cooked, and flavorful pie, then it’s important to defrost it before cooking. Taking the time to defrost your frozen pie properly can make all the difference in its texture, taste, and overall quality.
