Can you freeze fish pie?
Fish pie, also known as fisherman’s pie, is a traditional British dish consisting of smoked whitefish, prawns, potatoes, cream or cheese sauce, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. It is a hearty and delicious meal that can be enjoyed fresh or as a leftover. But can you freeze fish pie? The answer is yes, you can freeze fish pie both before and after cooking. However, there are specific procedures to follow for each situation. In this article we will look at the best way to freeze, defrost and reheat fish pie, as well as answering some common questions that arise when preparing this dish.
What is fish pie?
Fish pie, although commonly referred to as a pie, is actually a casserole dish. It is similar to shepherd’s pie, but instead of a pastry case, the fish and filling are covered with a layer of potatoes. The main ingredients in fish pie are smoked whitefish, such as haddock or cod, shrimp, potatoes, onions, butter, milk, and flour. Other ingredients may include cheese, corn, and peas. Hard boiled eggs are sometimes added, but these should be omitted if the fish pie is to be frozen.
How to make a fish pie
To understand how best to freeze and reheat fish pie, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how it’s prepared. Each component of the dish is cooked separately. The potatoes are boiled, the sauce is prepared, and the fish, if raw, is cooked. Once all the components are cooked, they are combined in a large dish and baked in the oven until the dish is completely cooked and the top is golden brown.
Freezing Cooked Fish Pie
If you have made a fish pie and have leftovers that you would like to freeze, it is important to allow the pie to cool completely before freezing. Freezing hot or warm food can lead to the growth of bacteria. Once the fish pie has cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or divide it into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers. It is recommended not to freeze boiled eggs as they may become rubbery after freezing. Cooked fish pies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cooked Fish Pie
When you are ready to reheat the frozen fish pie, you have a few options. If you prefer to use the oven, remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the fish cake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 ½ hours. Then remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Defrosting the fish cake in the refrigerator before reheating will reduce the cooking time. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the precooked, defrosted fish pie for about 40 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, if you have frozen the fish pie in smaller microwave-safe containers, you can reheat it in the microwave. Defrost the fish pie in the refrigerator, then microwave on high for about 3 minutes.
Freezing Fish Pie Before Cooking
If you are preparing a meal or have made too much fish pie to eat immediately, you can freeze it before baking. To do this, cook each component of the fish pie separately, such as the fish and potatoes. Assemble the pie, but instead of baking it, let it cool and cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The uncooked fish pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to leave out the hard-boiled eggs and consider making them separately if desired.
Cooking Frozen Fish Pie
When it comes to cooking a frozen, uncooked fish pie, the oven is the best method. Remove the plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil. Bake the fish pie at 410 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours or until heated through. Because the pie was not baked in the first place, it is important to make sure it heats through the center. Covering the pie during reheating will help achieve this.
Additional questions
How long does fish cake keep in the refrigerator?
If you plan to eat the fish cake within a few days, you do not need to freeze it. Cooked fish cakes will keep in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. To reheat pre-cooked fish cakes that have been frozen and thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.
Can you eat fish cake cold?
While it is possible to eat cooked fish pie cold, it is recommended to do so within a few hours of refrigeration. It is best enjoyed when reheated to enhance the flavors and textures.
Can you freeze fish pie with mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze a fish pie with mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes may experience some texture changes when frozen and reheated, but they can still be enjoyed. It is important to ensure that the fish pie is stored and reheated properly to maintain its quality.
Can you freeze fish cake with cream sauce?
Fish Pie with Cream Sauce can be frozen, but it is important to note that the texture of the cream sauce may change when frozen and reheated. The sauce may become slightly separated or grainy. To mitigate this, ensure that the fish pie is stored and reheated properly, and consider stirring the sauce well before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fish pie can be successfully frozen both before and after cooking. When freezing fish pie, it is important to allow it to cool completely before packaging and freezing. Proper storage in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or freezer-safe containers is critical to maintaining its quality. Fish Pie can be reheated in the oven or microwave, depending on personal preference and convenience. Following the suggested reheating instructions will help ensure that the fish pie is thoroughly heated and ready to eat. Proper freezing and reheating techniques will allow you to enjoy Fish Pie at your convenience and reduce food waste.
FAQS
Can Fish Pie be frozen?
Yes, Fish Pie can be frozen either before or after cooking.
How long can Fish Pie be frozen?
Fish Pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze fish pie with mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze a fish pie with mashed potatoes. However, the texture of the mashed potatoes may change slightly when frozen and reheated.
Can you freeze fish pie with cream sauce?
Yes, Fish Pie with Cream Sauce can be frozen. However, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly when frozen and reheated.
How long does fish pie keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked Fish Pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
Can fish pie be eaten cold?
While it is possible to eat cooked fish pie cold, it is recommended to reheat it to enhance the flavors and textures.