Can You Heat Pork Pies? A Complete Guide for Reheating This Classic Dish

The pork pie is a beloved British staple—a hearty pastry crust filled with spiced ground pork and gelled meat juices But what about leftovers? Can you safely reheat pork pies while preserving that flaky crust and savory interior?

In this complete guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about reheating pork pies from methods to serving suggestions. Read on for tips and tricks to revitalize those leftovers.

Before we talk about how to reheat the pie, let’s take a quick look at what makes an English pork pie traditional:

• Hot water crust pastry: The sturdy crust is made by boiling water and lard together before mixing in flour. This creates a pastry that can hold up to the moist filling without getting soggy.

• Spiced, coarse pork filling: The inside is full of chopped, seasoned pork that makes the pastry shell taste hearty. Traditionally, the pork is spiced with herbs and black pepper.

• Gelatinous pork jelly: The porky juices congeal into a sliceable aspic thanks to the natural gelatin released during cooking. This savory jelly takes the pie to the next level.

• Hand-raised crust: The crimped crust is hand-molded around the filling rather than pressed into a pan. This gives the pie its rustic shape.

The crust should be flaky and a little dry when it’s done, and the inside should be firm enough to cut through because the jelly has set. Now let’s look at the best reheating methods.

Can You Microwave Pork Pies?

It’s not recommended to microwave pork pies. The microwave can make the pastry chewy and soggy while failing to heat the interior evenly. For best results, use the oven.

How to Reheat Pork Pies in the Oven

Here is a simple oven-heating method for revitalizing leftover pork pies:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

• Place the pork pie on a baking sheet or oven-safe plate. Make sure to leave space between pies if heating more than one.

• Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from drying out.

• Heat the pork pie for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

• Allow the pie to rest at room temperature 5-10 minutes before serving. The pastry will crisp back up.

The indirect heat of the oven warms the pie evenly all the way through. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Should You Cover Pork Pies When Reheating?

It’s a good idea to cover pork pies loosely with foil when reheating them in the oven. This prevents the surface and crust from drying out or becoming too brown. But make sure not to wrap them up tightly, as trapped steam can make the pastry soggy. Loosely tenting with foil strikes the right balance.

How Long Should You Reheat Pork Pies?

Pork pies typically take 15-20 minutes to reheat fully in a 350°F (180°C) oven. The reheating time depends on the size of the pie—smaller pies may only need 10-15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure the pie reaches 165°F (74°C) minimum.

Can You Reheat Pork Pies Twice?

It’s not recommended to reheat pork pies more than once. The pastry will likely become quite dried out and cracked after a second reheating. For food safety, leftovers should also be consumed within 3-4 days. Reheating twice could push past that window in many cases. For best texture and taste, try to finish pork pies within a day or two.

Signs Your Pork Pie Is Overcooked

Watch for these signs that your reheated pork pie has been overcooked:

• Very dried out, cracked, or burnt pastry edges

• Tough, rubbery chunks of pork

• Pork jelly with dried, shrunken appearance

• Dryness throughout

If you notice any of these issues, the pie has likely been reheated too long. Stick to 15-20 minutes max to avoid overcooking.

Can You Freeze Pork Pies?

Freezing is a great way to extend the lifespan of leftover pork pies. To freeze:

• Allow pies to cool fully after baking.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Exclude excess air.

• Label bags with the date and contents.

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat frozen pies, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before using the oven reheating method.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Pie Pastry

Achieving that ideal flaky yet sturdy crust takes practice. Here are some tips:

• Keep the fat and water very hot when mixing the dough. This activates gluten formation.

• Chill the rolled dough thoroughly before baking, at least 30 minutes.

• Brush egg wash on the crust before baking for sheen and color.

• Bake at a high temperature (190°C) to maximize pastry flake.

• Cover edges with foil if crust is browning too quickly.

What to Serve With Reheated Pork Pies

Need ideas for sides to serve alongside your reheated pork pies? Here are some tasty options:

• Mushy or minted peas

• Pickle and chutney

• Warm German-style potato salad

• Sautéed apples or pears

• Fresh tomato salad with vinaigrette

• Cheese and crackers

• Crisp leafy salad with mustard vinaigrette

Aim for bright, acidic, or creamy sides that provide contrast to the hearty pork pie. A nice pale ale or English cider makes a fine beverage pairing.

The Verdict on Reheating Pork Pies

Reheating pork pies in the oven can restore them remarkably well if done properly, offering another chance to savor that splendid sweet and savory fusion. Just take care not to overcook the reheated pies, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.

With proper TLC, that leftover pork pie can indeed become tomorrow’s triumph—the hero of sandwiches, peasant of picnics, prince of Ploughman’s lunch. So banish those uneaten pies from the fridge no more. With this reheating knowledge, you have all you need to revive those ruddy rations to their former glory.