Yes, you can freeze fish pie for around 3 months. Unless you’re going to eat it in the next few days, you should freeze it as soon as possible once it has cooled to room temperature.
If you want to learn how to freeze fish pie, how long it can be frozen and whether it freezes well or not then keep reading:
How to Freeze Fish Pie
The good news is that there’s nothing too taxing about freezing your leftover fish pie. Below are the steps you need to follow to ensure your fish pie freezes well:
- Allow to Cool
Once your fish pie is out of the oven, you will need to allow it to cool completely before freezing it. It’s a good idea to transfer your leftovers out of the serving dish as they will cool quicker in a separate container. - Separate Into Portions
Depending on how much fish pie you have leftover, it’s helpful to separate it into portion sizes before you freeze it. This makes your life much easier once the pie has been defrosted and means you only need to take out the portion you need at that time. - Place Portions Into Airtight Containers
Transfer your fish pie servings into airtight, freezer-safe containers. While you can technically use freezer-safe bags, things could get a little messy if a hole appears! Single serving Tupperware boxes are the ideal containers for freezing fish pie. - Label and Freeze
Make a note of the date that you prepared the fish pie, as well as its desired use by date on the lid before sealing, then place in the freezer. Remember, you can freeze fish pie for around three months.
How to Freeze Fish Pie Variations
Everybody has their own version of fish pie. Some people like to add eggs, others make it more decadent with the addition of prawns. But can they all be frozen? Below, we have explained whether or not it is possible to freeze different fish pie variations:
Can You Freeze Fish Pie with Prawns?
Yes, you can! Fish pie that has been made with any variety of fish can be frozen safely. The only exception we would make is if the fish mix you have used was previously frozen. Unfortunately, we would avoid freezing this. If you have used frozen prawns it may be best to avoid freezing them.
Can You Freeze Boiled Eggs in a Fish Pie?
Unfortunately, boiled eggs do not freeze well in a fish pie. The texture of the eggs will change drastically which will ultimately ruin the fish pie. Although it’s safe to freeze them, if you can avoid using boiled eggs in a pie you’re going to freeze then that would be a good idea.
Can You Freeze Fish Pie Made with Frozen Fish?
No, this is not a good idea. If you know you’re going to store some of the fish pie you have made in the freezer then consider only using fresh fish. We would not recommend refreezing fish multiple times, unfortunately.
Can You Freeze Charlie Bingham Fish Pie?
No, you cannot. According to Charlie Bingham, they believe that fresh is best. They, therefore, do not recommend freezing their fish pie as the quality is likely to degrade once frozen.
How Long Can You Freeze Fish Pie?
Fish pie will keep for around 3 months in the freezer before it will have to be thrown out.
If your fish pie recipe includes peas or boiled eggs, be sure to leave them out if you plan to freeze your leftovers. Boiled eggs go rubbery in the freezer, while previously frozen peas shouldn’t be frozen again!
The other important thing is to ensure you keep the fish pie airtight. If air can get it, the fish can go off and the filling can dry out.
How to Defrost Fish Pie
One of the best things about freezing fish pie is that you don’t have to defrost it before you reheat it.
You can remove it from the freezer and place your portion directly in the oven or microwave and cook until piping hot. However, if you would prefer to defrost your fish pie, you should remove it from the freezer the night before you plan to eat it and allow it to thaw in the fridge.
If reheating it in the oven, it can be a great idea to add a sprinkling of freshly grated cheese to the top to give it that cheesy, oozy top that you’d get from a freshly made fish pie.
Remember, fish pie mixtures tend to be fairly dense, so you will need to give your pie between 12-16 hours to defrost thoroughly.
Can You Refreeze Fish Pie?
Fish pie that has been defrosted in the fridge can technically be refrozen. We say technically because we wouldn’t advise it. Freezing your fish pie more than once can affect its texture and might cause the pastry (if applicable) to go soggy.
We recommend freezing fish pie in appropriate portion sizes in the first place, so you can easily remove the serving that you need at any given time.
Does Fish Pie Freeze Well?
Providing there are no eggs or frozen peas included in your recipe; your fish pie will freeze extremely well. In most instances, your fish pie will taste just as good when cooked from frozen as it will when it’s cooked from fresh.
As such, it’s the perfect make-ahead family dinner, and the leftovers will be a welcome treat for a quick lunch in the future.
