If you are looking for a hearty, comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With its flaky, buttery crust, creamy savory filling, tender turkey, and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish that brings both nostalgia and pure joy to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving leftovers that taste even better the next day, this pot pie is a winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Turkey Pot Pie Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create rich flavor, satisfying texture, and inviting color. Each element plays its role, so let’s take a closer look.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter: Adds necessary richness and helps soften the vegetables as it melts.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed until tender.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue to brighten the pie.
- ½ cup diced celery: Adds a gentle crunch and a fresh note to balance the richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses warmth and aromatic flavor that enhances every bite.
- ½ cup flour: The thickening agent for the luscious sauce enveloping the ingredients.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a gentle kick to enliven the filling.
- ½ teaspoon celery seed: Adds a subtle, earthy undertone complementing the veggies.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Fresh herbs brighten and elevate the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates creamy texture and smoothness in the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken stock or turkey stock: Provides body and depth to the filling with meaty goodness.
- 2 cups frozen peas: Pops of green sweetness that brighten every forkful.
- 1/3 cup Italian parsley leaves, finely chopped (optional): Adds fresh color and a subtle herbaceous lift.
- 3 cups shredded cooked turkey: The star protein that makes this recipe uniquely satisfying and perfect for holidays or leftovers.
- 1 double pie crust: The golden, flaky shell that holds all the deliciousness together.
- 1 egg, beaten: For brushing on the crust to achieve that irresistible golden shine.
How to Make Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This will create the perfect base to soften your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the onions become translucent and all the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, which takes about a minute—this step ensures the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Make the Thickened Sauce
Now it’s time to sprinkle in your flour alongside salt, pepper, celery seed, and thyme. Constantly stir this mixture so it forms a roux—a thick paste that will thicken the sauce beautifully. After about 2 minutes, gradually stream in the whole milk, blending fully before moving on to slowly add the stock. Keep stirring and let the mixture simmer until it thickens perfectly, which takes roughly 3 minutes. This creamy base is the heart of your pot pie’s luscious filling.
Step 3: Combine and Remove from Heat
Once the sauce has thickened, fold in the frozen peas, chopped parsley if you’re using it, and shredded turkey. Gently stir everything together to make sure the turkey and veggies are evenly coated with that savory sauce. Then, take the skillet off the heat and get ready for the assembly stage.
Step 4: Assemble the Pot Pie
Line your 9-inch pie pan with one half of the rolled double pie crust. Pour the filling in, mounding it just slightly higher in the center than at the edges. Brush the edges with the beaten egg—it acts like a glue to seal the top crust perfectly. Place the second pie crust on top, and use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges together, sealing in all those goodness. Don’t forget to cut two slits, each about 2 inches long, in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Finally, brush the egg wash over the top to give it a gorgeous, golden finish once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in a 400°F oven for 45-50 minutes. You’re aiming for a crust that’s lightly browned and filling that’s bubbling happily beneath it. After baking, let the pie rest on a rack for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set, which makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves over each slice adds a bright, fresh note that complements the rich flavors. Some like a dash of cracked black pepper or a pinch of grated Parmesan for an extra flavor kick. These simple garnishes make your presentation pop and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Turkey pot pie is a wonderfully filling dish that pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Consider a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon dressing. These sides provide balance and freshness to the comforting richness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, try making individual pot pies using ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This personalized approach is charming and perfect for dinner parties. Another creative twist is to top the pie with puff pastry shapes or cut-out vegetables for added visual appeal that matches the cozy, homemade spirit of the Turkey Pot Pie Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover turkey pot pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and maintains that comforting flavor, making for a quick reheatable meal on busy days.
Freezing
This Turkey Pot Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the pie but skip baking—wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time until the crust is golden and the filling hot.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers or frozen pie, place slices or the whole pie in a preheated 350°F oven. Cover the top with foil to prevent excessive browning, and warm until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for slices or closer to 45 minutes for a full pie. Avoid microwaving to keep that crust crispy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey or store-bought cooked turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked turkey is perfect for this dish and enhances its convenience and flavor. Just make sure to shred it well so it mixes evenly with the filling.
What can I substitute for the double pie crust?
If you don’t have a double crust handy, you can use puff pastry or make a single crust pot pie topped with biscuit dough for a twist on texture and flavor. Both alternatives work wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free pie crust to keep everything allergy-friendly without compromising taste.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, corn, or green beans to customize the filling. Just be sure not to make the filling too watery so the sauce stays creamy and holds nicely.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe without drying it out?
Reheating in the oven at a moderate temperature with the pie covered helps retain moisture. You can also place a small oven-safe dish of water alongside the pie while reheating to keep the air humid and the crust crisp but not dry.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and full bellies all at once. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself and those you love to a dish that feels like home on a plate. Trust me—it’s worth every bite, every step, and every moment shared around the table.
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Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This turkey pot pie recipe offers a comforting and hearty meal featuring a flaky buttery crust filled with tender turkey, a medley of vegetables, and a creamy savory sauce made from scratch. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this classic pot pie brings together fresh ingredients and simple techniques to deliver a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups chicken stock or turkey stock
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1/3 cup Italian parsley leaves, finely chopped (optional)
- 3 cups shredded cooked turkey
For the Crust
- 1 double pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center to ensure even baking.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make roux: Sprinkle the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, celery seed, and fresh thyme into the skillet. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick paste and turns lightly golden, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the whole milk while stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Then gradually add the chicken or turkey stock, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
- Combine filling: Stir in the frozen peas, chopped Italian parsley (if using), and shredded cooked turkey. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare pie crust: Place one rolled-out pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently to fit. Spoon the filling into the crust, forming a slight mound in the center.
- Seal pie: Brush the edges of the bottom crust with beaten egg. Place the second pie crust over the filling. Crimp the edges together using the tines of a fork or your fingers to seal the pie.
- Vent and glaze: Cut two 2-inch slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. Brush the entire top crust with the remaining beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade turkey or chicken stock.
- If pie crust is not homemade, opt for high-quality store-bought crust for the best texture.
- Leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut.
- To make ahead, assemble the pie without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Allow pie to cool before cutting to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American