As autumn arrives, the kitchen fills with the scent of turkey pot pie. This dish was a favorite in our home, bringing us together. It’s a mix of creamy filling and flaky crust that takes me back to happy times.
This homemade turkey pot pie recipe is perfect for making memories at home. It’s quick to prepare and cooks in about an hour. It’s also a great way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
Table of Contents
Why Turkey Pot Pie is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Turkey pot pie is a favorite dish that captures the heart of American cuisine. It’s made with tender turkey leftovers, making it a great way to use up holiday food. The flaky crust and creamy filling make it a beloved dish in many homes.
Benefits of Making Pot Pie with Leftover Turkey
Using leftover turkey in pot pie is smart. It reduces waste and adds flavor to the dish. Plus, it’s quicker to make since the turkey is already cooked.
History of Pot Pies in American Cuisine
Pot pies have a rich history in America, dating back to colonial times. They were a practical meal made with what was available, like leftover meats. Today, turkey is a favorite filling, especially during holidays.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 687 |
| Fat | 31.9g (49.1%) |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8g (68.8%) |
| Carbohydrates | 49.2g (16.4%) |
| Fiber | 3.6g (14.4%) |
| Sugars | 6.8g |
| Protein | 48.7g (97.4%) |
| Sodium | 918.2mg (38.3%) |
The nutritional info shows turkey pot pie is a satisfying meal for 4 people. It’s packed with protein and has a good balance of nutrients. It’s a comforting and wholesome choice for dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Pot Pie
To make a delicious turkey pot pie, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need a mix of vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, peas, and potatoes. Also, use unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, chicken or turkey broth, and heavy cream for the creamy filling.
The leftover turkey is the main ingredient, needing about 4 cups. It’s a great way to use up holiday leftovers and make a tasty turkey pot pie.
You’ll also need a pie crust for the top and bottom. Choose homemade or store-bought, the crust will be flaky and golden, holding the vegetable filling together.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting turkey pot pie. It will delight your family and friends with its flavors.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 6 tablespoons (85 grams) |
| Onions | 2 (440 grams) |
| Carrots | 4 (220 grams) |
| Celery Stalks | 4 (200 grams) |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 (20 grams) |
| Russet Potatoes | 2 (452 grams) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3/4 cup (90 grams) |
| Turkey or Chicken Broth | 5 cups (1,134 grams) |
| Frozen Peas | 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup (118 grams) |
| Chopped Rosemary | 2 tablespoons (6 grams) |
| Chopped Thyme | 2 tablespoons (6 grams) |
| Chopped Cooked Turkey | 7 cups (1,000 grams) |
| Pie Crust | 2 (Hot Water Crusts) |
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious turkey pot pie. It will warm the hearts and stomachs of your loved ones.
Perfect Pie Crust Techniques for Your Pot Pie
Making the perfect pie crust is key to a great turkey pot pie. You can buy a crust or make your own. Homemade crusts offer a flaky, golden texture and rich taste. Let’s look at how to make your pie crust just right.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Crust Options
Homemade and store-bought crusts both work well for turkey pot pies. For homemade, use a double-crust recipe. Roll the dough to be 1 inch bigger than your pie dish. This helps with a nice edge and seal.
If you like the ease of a store-bought crust, just unroll it. Fit it into your dish, add the filling, and top with the second crust.
Tips for Flaky, Golden-Brown Results
For a flaky, golden crust, follow a few tips. Don’t overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust. Roll it gently and chill it before assembling the pie.
Make slits in the top crust to let steam out. This keeps the inside from getting soggy. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. This will give you a perfectly golden crust.
| Crust Type | Prep Time | Baking Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homemade | 20 minutes | 40-45 minutes | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Store-Bought | 5 minutes | 30-35 minutes | $2.00 – $3.00 |
By using these pie crust tips, you’ll make a turkey pot pie that’s not just good-looking but also deliciously flaky and golden.
Creating the Creamy Turkey Filling
Making a delicious turkey pot pie starts with a creamy filling. This is the key to a comforting dish. First, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, sauté 1 cup each of yellow onion, celery, and carrots until they’re soft and smell great, about 10 minutes.
Next, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux. This is the base for the creamy sauce. Slowly whisk in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half. Stir constantly until it thickens and simmers. This sauce is the heart of the turkey filling.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Sauté 1 cup each of diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots until soft, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and simmers.
Now, it’s time to add the main ingredient – the turkey filling. Gently mix in 2-3 cups of cooked, chopped turkey. Also, add 1 cup each of diced Yukon Gold potatoes, baby bella mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. Season with 2 teaspoons of coarse grey sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of herbes de Provence.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 1/2 cups |
| Half-and-half | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cooked turkey, chopped | 2-3 cups |
| Yukon Gold potatoes, diced | 1 cup |
| Baby bella mushrooms, diced | 1 cup |
| Shiitake mushrooms, chopped | 1 cup |
| Coarse grey sea salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Granulated garlic | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Herbes de Provence | 1/2 teaspoon |
With the creamy turkey filling ready, you’re almost there. The mix of tender turkey, hearty veggies, and rich sauce is the base for a satisfying homemade meal.
Turkey Pot Pie Recipe – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a homemade turkey pot pie is a fun way to use leftover turkey. Follow these easy steps to make a dish that everyone will love.
Preparing the Vegetable Base
Start by sautéing diced onion, carrot, and celery in a pan with 1/2 stick of butter. Cook over medium heat until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Making the Cream Sauce
Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to make a roux. Slowly add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add 3/4 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of white wine if you like. Simmer, stirring now and then, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Assembly and Baking Tips
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Mix cooked vegetables, 2 cups of leftover turkey, and 1 cup of frozen peas (if using) in a large bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper and fresh thyme to taste.
Roll out your pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish. Fill the crust with the turkey and vegetable mix. Top with another crust, crimp the edges, and cut vents for steam.
Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, and lower the heat to 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes more, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
Before Serving, let the pie cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy this comforting and tasty dish!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mins | 40 mins | 1 hr 20 mins | 4 – 6 | 2 (9-inch) pot pies |
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements
Make your homemade turkey pot pie taste amazing with the right seasonings. Start by mixing classic spices like salt, pepper, thyme, celery seed, onion powder, and Italian seasoning into the filling. These spices will enhance the savory flavors of the turkey and vegetables.
Adding a splash of white wine to the filling can also boost the flavor. The wine deglazes the pan, adding a rich layer to the dish.
Try using fresh herbs too. A sprinkle of thyme or parsley can add a fresh taste and aroma. Adjust the seasoning to your liking before filling the crust.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Celery seed | 1/2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| White wine (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme (optional) | 2 tbsp, minced |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 2 tbsp, minced |
With these flavor enhancement tips, your turkey pot pie will be a hit. It will impress your family and guests, making them ask for more.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying your homemade turkey pot pie for days is easy. Just follow these storage and reheating tips. This way, your leftovers will stay delicious.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze any unbaked turkey pot pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic or foil. Don’t forget to thaw it in the fridge night before baking.
Best Practices for Leftovers
- Keep leftover baked turkey pot pie in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie with foil and warm for 10-20 minutes.
- To prevents a broken crust or watery filling. Let the dish come to room temperature before reheating.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 16 |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Calories | 416 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 64mg |
| Sodium | 447mg |
| Potassium | 471mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 3173 IU |
| Vitamin C | 12mg |
| Calcium | 51mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Follow these easy tips to enjoy your homemade turkey pot pie for days. Whether it’s leftovers or a frozen pie, these guidelines will keep your turkey pot pie delicious and comforting.
Time-Saving Tips and Variations
Making a tasty turkey pot pie doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With some smart shortcuts and creative ideas, you can make this classic dish quickly. Let’s look at some ways to save time and make your turkey pot pie even better.
Streamlined Crust Options
For a quicker pot pie, use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry. These options save you minutes without losing flavor or flakiness. Just unroll, fit into your dish, and you’re almost done.
Freezer-Friendly Filling
Start early by making the turkey pot pie filling ahead of time. This mix of creamy and veggies can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it, fill your crust, and bake. Voila! You have a quick turkey pot pie.
Tasty Twists on Tradition
- Try different veggies like mushrooms, peas, or your favorite seasonal ones.
- Change up the herbs and spices for a new flavor. Rosemary, thyme, or paprika can add a unique touch.
- For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheddar or Parmesan to the filling.
With these tips and variations, you can enjoy homemade turkey pot pie any day. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a delicious slice of this classic dish.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Enjoy the warm taste of homemade turkey pot pie while thinking about its health benefits. A single serving, about 1/8 of a 10-inch pie, has around 514 calories. It also has 30g of fat, 11g of saturated fat, and 990mg of sodium. But, it’s rich in protein with 13g per serving and has important vitamins and minerals too.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 514 | – |
| Total Fat | 30g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 38mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 990mg | 43% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8g | 10% |
| Sugars | 5.7g | – |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
To make a balanced meal, serve your turkey pot pie with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. The pie’s creamy filling and flaky crust make it a cozy comfort food. Try it with a light white wine or cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
“Homemade turkey pot pie is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly day.”
Conclusion
Homemade turkey pot pie is a great way to use up leftover turkey. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love. The buttery, flaky crust and rich filling make it a favorite in your kitchen.
The secret to a great turkey pot pie is the right mix of ingredients. You need savory turkey, veggies, and a creamy sauce to hold it together. By following the steps and adding your own twist, you can make a dish that’s truly yours.
If you’re looking for a cozy meal or want to use up leftover turkey, this homemade turkey pot pie is perfect. Feel free to try new flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy making it and relish every delicious bite.