Comfort Food at Its Best: Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
As the Thanksgiving feast comes to an end, you might find yourself with a refrigerator full of leftover turkey and side dishes. Instead of simply reheating the same old plates, why not turn those leftovers into a comforting, hearty dish that the whole family will love? Turkey Pot Pie is the perfect way to use up your leftover turkey, and it’s an ideal dish for those chilly post-holiday evenings. This recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household.
Why Turkey Pot Pie?
Turkey Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender, shredded turkey with vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, flaky crust. The best part? You can customize it to suit your tastes and use whatever leftovers you have on hand. Whether you have extra carrots, peas, or even green beans from your Thanksgiving meal, they can all find a delicious new home in this pie. Plus, the dish is perfect for making ahead and reheating, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup leftover vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (if not using leftovers)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded turkey, leftover vegetables, and frozen peas (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pot Pie:
- Pour the turkey mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- Roll out the pie crust (if using homemade) and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pot Pie:
- Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Turkey Pot Pie is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
A Versatile Recipe
One of the best things about Turkey Pot Pie is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have available. If you prefer a biscuit topping, you can use drop biscuits instead of pie crust. For a more decadent filling, substitute the milk with heavy cream. And if you’re short on time, using a store-bought pie crust is perfectly fine.
Turkey Pot Pie is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, making it perfect for the days following Thanksgiving. With its rich filling and flaky crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal, give this Turkey Pot Pie recipe a try. Your leftovers have never tasted so good!
