Fresh-baked pies are a welcome complement to any meal, but getting them to the table can be time-consuming. Before the finished pie can go into your oven the pastry must be made, rolled and cut, and the filling must be both prepared and — often — cooled. Preparing several pies at once and freezing them for later use is one way to simplify the process. Pies can be frozen either baked or unbaked, even if youre working with previously-frozen fruit.
Many cooks and bakers are reluctant to re-freeze ingredients that have previously been frozen and thawed. There are two primary reasons for this. One is that freezing and re-thawing creates the possibility of microbial activity, and with it the risk of foodborne illness. A second is that repeated freezing and thawing cycles can cause foods texture to deteriorate. Food safety is seldom a concern in the case of pies made with frozen fruit, because any molds or bacteria are subsequently killed by the baking process. Texture is a non-issue as well, because baking the fruit has a larger impact that re-freezing.
You can safely refreeze frozen food that has thawed—raw or cooked, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. To safely refreeze, the thawed product must have been kept cold at 40 degrees or below for no more than 3-4 days.
Im assuming since its baked, its ok to freeze. But I used premade, frozen pie shells and i want to be sure. Having a hard time finding ibnfo online.
Freezing Baked vs. Unbaked Pies
Whether you choose to freeze your fruit pies baked or unbaked is largely a matter of personal preference. Fruit pies frozen unbaked have a fresher fruit flavor than fully-baked pies, which after reheating leave the fruit tasting thoroughly cooked. On the other hand, fruit fillings often have time to soak into the bottom crust before an unbaked pie is fully frozen. When baked, those pies will have a soggy, doughy crust. Fully baked pies are less likely to be soggy, because the crust is fully cooked and the filling fully thickened before they go into the freezer.
How to Freeze a Pie
FAQ
How long can you keep a defrosted pie in the fridge?
Why is it not advisable to refreeze thawed foods?
Can you refreeze a Marie Callender pecan pie?
Can I refreeze a thawed key lime pie?
Can You refreeze a thawed pie?
While it is technically possible to refreeze a thawed pie, the repeated cycle of thawing and freezing can lead to bacteria growth, loss of moisture, flavor alteration, and a change in texture. Additionally, when food is left at room temperature for an extended period, it increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Can You defrost a frozen pie?
To defrost a frozen pie, place it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a 350F oven for about 10 minutes. To prevent the crust from overbrowning, use a piece of foil. You can also cook and eat thawed but still cold foods such as casseroles, pot pies, frozen dinners, and pizzas, but do not refreeze them.
Can you eat a thawed pie?
You can also cook and eat thawed but still cold foods such as casseroles, pot pies, frozen dinners, and pizzas, but do not refreeze them. If you still have leftover pie, store it in the refrigerator and allow it to sit out for 5-6 days if properly covered. After following the thawing instructions, it is safe to serve the pie.
Can You Thaw a frozen pie crust?
It only takes one deep dish frozen pie crust (thawing it once before baking it) to make this recipe. You can microwave for 10 seconds at a defrost setting or 30% power level. You’ll need to thaw a frozen pie crust for a pie, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply for dessert.