How to Defrost Your Bakehouse Pies Perfectly and Prevent Freezer Burn

At Bakehouse Pies, we craft our pies with love and care, using only the finest ingredients to ensure every bite is bursting with flavour. To enjoy our pies at their absolute best, proper storage and defrosting are key. Whether you’ve stocked up on our classic steak and ale pie or our indulgent chicken and mushroom, here’s your guide to defrosting our pies overnight and keeping freezer burn at bay with the right wrapping techniques.

Defrosting your Bakehouse pie correctly ensures it retains its flaky pastry, rich filling, and that homemade taste you love. Rushing the process or defrosting improperly can lead to soggy crusts or unevenly heated fillings. By planning ahead and defrosting overnight, you’ll get the best results every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Defrosting Your Bakehouse Pie Overnight

Before you start dreaming of that perfect pie dinner, take your pie out of the freezer the night before. Defrosting overnight in the fridge is the safest and most effective way to ensure even thawing while keeping your pie fresh and safe to eat.

Remove your pie from the freezer and keep it in its original packaging (or the wrapping you used to store it). Place it on a plate or tray in the refrigerator to catch any condensation. Set the fridge temperature to 0–5°C (32–41°F) to maintain food safety.

Depending on the size of your pie, defrosting can take between 12 and 24 hours. Our individual pies may be ready in 12–15 hours, while larger family-sized pies might need closer to 24 hours. Be patient—it’s worth it for that perfect texture!

Once defrosted, your pie should feel soft and pliable, with no frozen spots in the filling. If you’re unsure, gently press the centre to check for any hard, icy areas. If it’s not fully thawed, give it a bit more time in the fridge.

Freezer burn can affect the taste and texture of your pies, leaving them dry or with an off-flavour. It happens when air comes into contact with frozen food, causing moisture loss. Luckily, with a few simple wrapping techniques, you can keep your Bakehouse pies as fresh as the day they were made.

If you’re storing a pie for later, wrap it tightly to prevent air exposure. Our pies come in freezer-safe packaging, but if you’re transferring them or storing leftovers, use cling film or heavy-duty aluminium foil. Wrap the pie tightly, ensuring there are no gaps where air can sneak in.

For longer storage (beyond a month), consider double-wrapping. After wrapping in cling film or foil, place the pie in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to create a tight barrier against freezer burn.

To keep track of your pies, label the wrapping with the pie type and the date you froze it. Our pies are best enjoyed within 3 months of freezing to ensure peak flavour and quality.

Place your wrapped pie in the coldest part of your freezer (usually the back or bottom shelf) and avoid frequent opening of the freezer door to maintain a consistent temperature.

• Don’t Defrost on the Counter: Room-temperature defrosting can lead to uneven thawing and increase the risk of bacterial growth. Always defrost in the fridge.

• Refreezing: If you’ve defrosted a pie but changed your plans, you can safely refreeze it as long as it was thawed in the fridge and hasn’t been left out. However, refreezing may slightly affect the pastry’s texture, so we recommend cooking and enjoying it soon after thawing.

• Check Your Wrapping: If you notice any tears or loose wrapping on a stored pie, rewrap it immediately to prevent freezer burn.

At Bakehouse Pies, we’re passionate about delivering pies that bring comfort and joy to your table. By following these simple defrosting and wrapping tips, you can ensure every pie tastes as fresh and delicious as the moment it was baked. Got a question about storing or cooking our pies? Drop us a message at [email protected] or check out our FAQ page for more tips.

Ready to stock up? Browse our full range of handcrafted pies at bakehousepies.co.uk and fill your freezer with favourites for every occasion.