Thanksgiving leftovers can often leave you with an abundance of turkey, but there’s no need for turkey fatigue. Transform your leftover roasted turkey into a delicious and comforting Turkey Pot Pie that your whole family will love.
This classic recipe combines tender chunks of turkey with a plethora of mixed vegetables in a creamy sauce, all tucked under a golden, flaky crust.
This Turkey Pot Pie recipe repurposes your Thanksgiving leftovers while also making them taste like new again. The cozy and warming dish perfect for crisp, autumn evenings or even the casual weekend lunch. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the preparation, as it offers an easy yet delectable way to breathe new life into your leftover turkey.
When you follow this Turkey Pot Pie recipe, you’ll have a satisfying and delightful family meal in no time. The dish not only pleases the palate but also helps reduce food waste. To get started, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for a marvelous culinary creation.
Main Ingredients
For a delicious Turkey Pot Pie, you’ll need several key ingredients. To start off, gather the following:
Turkey meat: Either leftover roast turkey or freshly cooked turkey works well. Aim for about 2 cups of shredded or diced turkey.
Vegetables: Opt for a combination of your favorite vegetables. Try 1 cup each of diced carrots, green beans, and peas. Feel free to substitute with sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or any other veggie you prefer.
Butter: You can use about 1/4 cup of butter for sautéing the vegetables and making the roux.
Onion & garlic: Incorporate half of a medium-sized onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to add extra flavor to your dish.
All-purpose flour: Approximately 1/3 cup of flour will thicken the filling.
Chicken broth & milk: Mix 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk for a creamy, rich sauce that brings everything together.
Seasoning: Finally, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried sage (or fresh parsley, if desired).
In addition to the main ingredients, you will also need a prepared pie crust or biscuit topping. You can choose between store-bought or homemade options, depending on your preference.
To create your Turkey Pot Pie, follow these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your crust or biscuits.
In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and vegetables until softened.
Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to create the roux. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
Once the sauce has thickened, fold in the turkey meat and seasonings. Adjust the taste to your liking.
Pour the filling into a pie dish, then cover with the prepared crust or biscuits. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Enjoy your piping hot Turkey Pot Pie with family and friends; it’s a great way to repurpose your leftover holiday turkey.
Cooking Process
Preparing the Filling
To prepare the filling for your Turkey Pot Pie, start by chopping up your leftover turkey and any desired vegetables, such as celery, peas, and mushrooms. In a large skillet, melt some fat (butter or oil) and sauté the vegetables until they become tender. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning or thyme for added flavor.
Next, in a separate saucepan, create a creamy gravy by combining chicken broth, turkey gravy (homemade or store-bought), and any desired seasonings. Bring the mixture to a low boil, allowing it to thicken. Add the sautéed vegetables and leftover turkey into the saucepan, ensuring they are well-coated with the gravy.
Assembling the Pie
After you’ve prepared your filling, choose either store-bought pie dough or homemade dough to create the pie crust. To begin assembling, follow these steps:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough and gently place it into a greased pie dish or plate, making sure to press it down along the edges.
Pour the creamy turkey filling onto the crust.
Now, place the top crust over the filling, pressing the edges together to create a seal.
Trim any excess dough and flute the edges as desired.
Brush the top crust with a mixture of 1 beaten egg and a tablespoon of water (egg wash) for a golden brown appearance.
Don’t forget to cut slits or vents into the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Baking Instructions
With the pie fully assembled, it’s time to bake. Follow these instructions:
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and put it into the preheated oven.
Cook for 45 minutes, or until the crust becomes a golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
If necessary, cover the outer edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.
Once the pie is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
This Turkey Pot Pie makes the perfect comfort food and an easy way to use up all those Thanksgiving leftovers. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When you’re making this delicious Turkey Pot Pie, it’s important to be aware of the nutritional value it brings alongside the comfort.
Calories: One serving of Turkey Pot Pie contains approximately 500-600 calories. The flavorful crust and delicious filling contribute to this calorie count, which can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you choose.
Macronutrients: This dish offers a balanced mix of macronutrients. The protein content is relatively high, thanks to the turkey, providing around 20-25 grams per serving. Carbohydrates mostly come from the crust and vegetables, averaging around 40-50 grams per serving. Dietary fiber is present, as well (5-7 grams per serving). The total fat content is moderate, ranging from 25-35 grams per serving, with around 8-12 grams of saturated fat.
Sodium and Cholesterol: Be mindful of the sodium levels, which may reach around 800-1000 milligrams per serving depending on the seasonings and kosher salt used. Cholesterol content can range from 90-125 milligrams per serving.
Vitamins and Minerals: Your Turkey Pot Pie supplies you with essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, it contains Vitamin A and C from the vegetables such as carrots, peas, and celery. These vitamins promote good skin and eye health, and function as antioxidants. It also offers a fair amount of calcium and iron, which are important for maintaining strong bones and blood health, respectively.
Potassium: A lesser-known nutrient found in Turkey Pot Pie is potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support muscle function. A serving may provide around 300-500 milligrams of potassium.
To make your Turkey Pot Pie even healthier, consider incorporating whole-grain flour for the crust and increasing the number of vegetables in the filling to boost the fiber content. Keep in mind that you can always adjust the ingredients to better suit your dietary preferences and needs. Enjoy crafting your comforting Turkey Pot Pie with the knowledge that you’re creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential ingredients for a turkey pot pie?
The essential ingredients for a turkey pot pie are cooked turkey (either fresh or leftover), mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and onions), and a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and broth. Additionally, you’ll need a pie crust (either store-bought or homemade) to hold everything together.
How to make a turkey pot pie using leftover turkey?
To make a turkey pot pie using leftover turkey, simply chop or shred the cooked turkey into bite-size pieces. Prepare your vegetables, and create a creamy sauce by combining butter, flour, broth, and seasonings. Mix the turkey, vegetables, and sauce together, then pour the filling into a prepared pie crust. Top with another layer of crust, seal the edges, and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
What is the best crust for a turkey pot pie?
The best crust for a turkey pot pie is a flaky and buttery pie crust that holds up well against the savory filling. You can use a store-bought crust or make your own using a mixture of flour, butter, salt, and ice-cold water. Some people prefer a puff pastry crust for a lighter and crispier texture, which can also be bought or made from scratch.
What can be a good substitute for cream of chicken soup in a turkey pot pie?
A good substitute for cream of chicken soup in a turkey pot pie is a homemade creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and broth. You can also use a combination of milk and broth, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk for a lighter sauce. The key is to create a thick and flavorful base that will keep the filling moist and tasty.
How to prepare individual turkey pot pies?
To prepare individual turkey pot pies, simply divide the filling evenly among small, oven-safe dishes or ramekins instead of using a single large pie dish. Roll out the crust and cut it into pieces large enough to cover each individual dish. Press the crust onto the filled ramekins, sealing the edges to prevent any filling from spilling out. Bake the mini pot pies until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
What are some common vegetables to include in a turkey pot pie?
Some common vegetables to include in a turkey pot pie are carrots, peas, onions, and celery. Many people also like to add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. You can also include other vegetables such as green beans, corn, or mushrooms to suit your taste. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables to create the perfect filling for your turkey pot pie.
