Even the best Thanksgiving planner will probably be left with several pounds of turkey after the big dinner. (Or maybe you’re strategically planning to eat leftovers because you think they’re the best part of the holidays.) If you find yourself in that situation again this year, you’re right. Please tell me how to make it. It’s a turkey pot. pie.
A creamy, rich pot pie stands out among a sea of leftover dressing and sweet potatoes. This turkey pot pie has everything you love about a standard chicken pot pie recipe. Vegetables, cooked turkey, and a creamy, herby gravy are all nestled beneath a flaky, flaky pastry crust.
Learn how to make a turkey pot pie and use up leftover turkey to create a dish that’s just as fancy as the original holiday feast.
turkey pot pie ingredients
If you still have the Thanksgiving food in your pantry, there’s probably no need to go to the store. Instead, get the following items (there are some variations below if you’re missing one or two).
Vegetables: The creamy gravy contains a variety of tender vegetables such as yellow onions, carrots, and celery. Garlic also adds a strong backbone of flavor. Frozen sweet peas are added just before the pie is baked, giving it a fluffy texture. Seasonings: Use Italian dry seasonings to incorporate different flavors and herbs. Then top with smoked paprika for a nice smoky flavor and cayenne pepper for a little heat (or you can leave out the pepper). Chicken soup and flour: the base for the gravy. It will become thicker when boiled. Cream: Add cream to the gravy to make it even thicker. Puff pastry: I made enough for a Thanksgiving pie, so I didn’t have to make another batch of homemade puff pastry. Simply place the store-made crust in a box and store it in the refrigerator. Eggs: A quick egg wash on top of the pie crust. Turkey: This recipe is obviously made for leftover turkey, but it can be made any time of the year as long as you cook and shred the turkey. Chopped turkey breast or turkey tenderloin is best.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
How to make turkey pot pie
This comforting dish requires a little cooking time to make the filling, but once it’s in the puff pastry, all you have to do is bake and it’s perfect.
Step 1. Make the filling. Saute vegetables, herbs and spices in melted butter until soft. Add flour, stir and cook for 1 minute. Then add the chicken stock and stir to thicken the sauce. Remove the pot from the heat and add the cream. Mix well and continue to thicken. Finally, add the frozen peas, chicken, and turkey to the pie mixture and stir. Step 2. Add the mixture to the pie. Open the package of pie crust. Fit one piece into the bottom of the pie plate. Scoop the filling into the pie crust. Add a second pie crust to the top of the pot pie and cut a few slits to let steam escape while baking. Step 3. Finish the pie: Mix egg and water for a quick egg wash. Coat the top and edges of the pie crust. Step 4. Bake the pot pie: Bake the pot pie until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Once done, let the pot pie stand for about 20 minutes before taking the first spoonful.
variation
Pot pies are made to embrace a little bit of all that. So, while you can follow this recipe exactly, there are some tips to change things up.
Swap the meat: Turkey pot pie and chicken pot pie are similar. In fact, just use your favorite chicken pot pie recipe and swap out the chicken for leftover turkey. Same story here. You can also use chicken instead of turkey or shredded pork tenderloin. Change the crust: There’s no need to have a bottom crust or even a top crust, but some people prefer a crust above all else. For them, they need at least one. I also like to use puff pastry for pot pies, so you can swap out the toppings. Or add drop biscuits, like I did in this chicken and biscuit casserole. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Stir in corn kernels instead of peas. Leftover broccoli? Mix that too. No turkey left? Just add more vegetables. It would also be delicious in a creamy gravy.
What’s the best way to reheat turkey pot pie?
If you have more than one serving, reheat the pot pie in the oven. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until the oven heats to about 325°F. Then reheat for 10-20 minutes or until heated through. This will warm the filling again and prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
If you’re in a pinch, you can also reheat turkey pot pie in the microwave. Just heat in 30 second intervals until heated through.
How long does turkey pot pie last?
Since you’ll be working with leftover turkey, it won’t take quite the same amount of time as most leftovers. However, leftovers will keep for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in storage wrap. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to crisp up the pie crust again.
More leftover turkey ideas
If you have a lot of leftover turkey, consider using it in one of the following recipes in addition to pot pie.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
