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Chunk Original Cooking Guide
How To Cook Your Frozen Unbaked Pies & Pasties!
Note: This guide is only for frozen unbaked Chunk Original pies and pasties. NOT for our Gluten Free bakes.
So… your Chunk Original pie is in the oven, the kitchen smells incredible, and now you’re wondering:
“Is this actually done yet?”
Don’t panic! Frozen unbaked pies can vary a little depending on your oven, and after plenty of pie testing (hard job, we know), we’ve picked up a few top tips to help you get that perfect bake every time!!
First Things First: Preheat Your Oven
This makes a bigger difference than people think!!
Always get your oven fully up to temperature before your pie goes in. Starting in a cold oven can affect:
- Pastry texture
- Cooking time
- The dreaded soggy bottom
...And nobody wants that!!
We also recommend keeping your pie in its foil tray and placing it onto a baking tray before cooking, easier handling and better heat underneath!
Our cooking instructions suggest pies and pasties should go in at 190°C/Gas Mark 5 for 40 - 45 minutes, or 170°C for 35 minutes in an Air Fryer. Just remember to keep an eye on it toward the end of the bake!
“My Pie Has a Soggy Base…”
Good news - this is usually an easy fix!!
You may have your oven at too high a setting, causing the pie's lid to brown whilst the base remains soggy. If this happens, try shielding the top with foil and move the pie to a lower rack to finish its bake!
If the top looks ready but the base still feels pale or soft:
- Keep the pie in its foil tray
- Give it another 5–10 minutes
- Keep checking the underside colour
You’re looking for a nicely browned base!
Little pro tip:
👉 Give the bottom of the foil tray a gentle tap. If it still feels soft underneath, it probably needs longer.
My Pies Aren't Done After The Allotted Cooking Time
All ovens behave differently and our cooking times are guidelines - not gospel!
Some run hotter. Some cooler. Some seem to have a personal grudge against pastry. That means cooking times are a guide - not an exact science.
If your pie needs an extra 5–10 minutes to get properly golden and piping hot, that’s completely normal.
Trust your eyes more than the clock!
Golden Brown Pastry Is Good Sign… But Check the Middle
A lovely golden top is what we want to see.
But before diving in:
- Slice carefully into the centre
- Check it’s steaming hot inside
If it’s warm but not properly hot? Back in the oven it goes!
Better an extra few minutes than a lukewarm pie.
Struggling to Separate the Pie from the Foil?
This can happen occasionally, especially with a really fresh bake.
Easy solution:
👉 Carefully cut down the foil edges to help release the pie.
No wrestling required.
Leave It to Rest (Yes, Really)
We know it smells amazing.
We know you want to eat it immediately.
But giving your pie around 5 minutes to rest after baking helps:
- Firm up the pastry
- Set the filling
- Make serving much easier
Worth the wait, we say!
Extra Chunk Tips for the Best Bake
- Brush with egg wash or milk before baking for an extra golden finish
- Middle shelf usually works best
- Always cook from frozen
- Use a proper sharp knife for cleaner slices
- If in doubt - give it a few more minutes!!
Frozen unbaked is all about getting the freshest possible Chunk experience at home, and once you know your oven, you’ll absolutely nail it!!
Don't Want To Wait For The Oven?
Here's Our Air Fryer Cooking Guide:
Go on - Take a Chunk!