Name: Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ stick unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ cups yellow onion; 4 stalks celery; 1 cup Carrot; 1½ cups butternut squash; ¼ cup frozen peas; 1 cup corn; 2 cups roasted turkey; 3 cloves garlic; ½ tsp Sage; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups turkey Gravy; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup prepared biscuits

Transform your leftover turkey into a comforting and savory pot pie. This recipe is packed with hearty vegetables and topped with golden biscuits, making it an ideal meal to enjoy after the holidays or any time you crave a cozy dish.

Photos of Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Some ingredients you might not commonly have at home include butternut squash and sage. Butternut squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the filling, while sage provides a warm, earthy note that complements the turkey. You may also need to pick up heavy cream to achieve the rich, velvety consistency in the gravy.

Ingredients For Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.

Olive oil: Used in combination with butter for sautéing.

Yellow onion: Provides a savory base flavor.

Celery: Adds crunch and flavor.

Carrot: Gives sweetness and color.

Butternut squash: Adds sweetness and a creamy texture.

Frozen peas: Contributes color and a slight sweetness.

Corn: Adds a sweet, crisp texture.

Roasted turkey: The star of the dish, adding savory protein.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor.

Sage: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

Kosher salt: Enhances and balances the flavors.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the gravy.

Turkey gravy: Adds richness and depth.

Heavy cream: Provides a rich, velvety texture to the gravy.

Prepared biscuits: Used as the topping, becoming golden and flaky in the oven.

One reader, Dionis Roy says:

This leftover turkey pot pie recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the biscuits on top are golden and delicious. It's a comforting, hearty meal that makes great use of leftovers. Highly recommend!

Dionis Roy

Techniques Required for Making the Perfect Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

How to sauté vegetables: Explanation on how to cook vegetables in a pan with butter and oil until they are softened. How to whisk: Explanation on how to combine liquids thoroughly using a whisk. How to thicken gravy: Explanation on how to cook a liquid mixture until it reaches a thicker consistency. How to arrange biscuits: Explanation on how to place biscuits over the filling in a pan. How to bake: Explanation on how to cook food in an oven until it reaches the desired doneness.

How To Make Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

If you have no idea what to do with leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, this turkey pot pie recipe is for you. It requires minimal ingredients, too.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½stickunsalted butter
1tbspolive oil
1½cupsyellow oniondiced
4stalksceleryfinely diced
1cupcarrotfinely diced
1½cupsbutternut squashdiced delicata
¼cupfrozen peasthawed
1cupcorn
2cupsroasted turkeyshredded
3clovesgarlicminced
½tspSage
1tspkosher saltto taste
1 tspfreshly ground black pepperto taste
2cupschicken broth
2cupsturkey Gravy
1cupheavy cream
1cupprepared biscuits

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
Add the corn, squash, peas, turkey, garlic, sage, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan until the squash is tender.
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and gravy until well combined. Whisk in the cream.
Pour the gravy mixture into the pan. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently until the gravy thickens.
Remove the pan from the heat and arrange the biscuits over the filling.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 497.82kcal
Fat: 33.19g
Saturated Fat: 16.62g
Trans Fat: 0.34g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.20g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.24g
Carbohydrates: 33.50g
Fiber: 4.38g
Sugar: 8.56g
Protein: 18.85g
Cholesterol: 112.68mg
Sodium: 999.81mg
Calcium: 140.13mg
Potassium: 756.20mg
Iron: 2.61mg
Vitamin A: 607.23µg
Vitamin C: 15.96mg

One Simple Technique to Elevate Your Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

When sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and enhances the overall texture of the pot pie. Additionally, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth if the vegetables start to stick; this will add extra flavor to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare onion, celery, carrot, and butternut squash in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use frozen ingredients: Opt for frozen peas and corn to save time on prep.

Leftover turkey: Utilize roasted turkey leftovers to avoid cooking meat from scratch.

Pre-made gravy: Use store-bought turkey gravy to cut down on preparation time.

Ready-to-bake biscuits: Use prepared biscuits instead of making dough from scratch.

One-pan cooking: Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishwashing.

Substitute Ingredients For Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar fat content and texture as butter.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar flavor profile and texture.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste.
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes offer a similar sweetness and texture.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slight nutty flavor.
corn - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Mixed vegetables can add variety and similar texture.
roasted turkey - Substitute with roasted chicken: Roasted chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a similar earthy, aromatic flavor.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and salinity.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth offers a similar liquid base with a different flavor profile.
turkey gravy - Substitute with chicken gravy: Chicken gravy has a similar consistency and flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a similar richness with a slight coconut flavor.
prepared biscuits - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry offers a similar flaky texture and can be used as a topping.

How to Beautifully Present Your Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Use individual ramekins: Serve the leftover turkey pot pie in small, elegant ramekins to give each guest their own perfectly portioned dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh sage or parsley on top of each ramekin for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a biscuit lattice: Instead of placing whole biscuits on top, cut them into strips and weave them into a lattice pattern for a visually appealing and professional touch.
Use a ring mold for presentation: If using a large skillet, cut out portions with a ring mold to create perfectly round servings. Place each round on a plate with a biscuit on top.
Drizzle with cream: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of heavy cream around the edge of the plate to add a touch of elegance and richness.
Add a side salad: Pair the pot pie with a small, crisp side salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Serve on fine china: Present the dish on fine china or a high-quality plate to elevate the overall dining experience.
Use a microplane for zest: Grate a small amount of lemon zest over the top of the pot pie just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
Include a sauce drizzle: Drizzle a light turkey gravy or reduced chicken broth sauce around the edge of the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.
Finish with a touch of sea salt: Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of the biscuits just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a subtle crunch.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Delicious Pot Pie

Oven: Used to preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pot pie until the biscuits are golden brown.
Large oven-safe skillet: Used to sauté the vegetables and cook the filling before transferring it to the oven.
Whisk: Used to combine the chicken broth, gravy, and cream until well mixed.
Large bowl: Used to mix the chicken broth, gravy, and cream together.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan while cooking the filling.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like chicken broth, gravy, and heavy cream.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the sage, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Used to chop the onion, celery, carrots, and butternut squash.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the vegetables.
Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic cloves.
Spatula: Used to help transfer the filling and arrange the biscuits over the filling.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot skillet when transferring it to and from the oven.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Turkey Pot Pie: A Guide

Allow the turkey pot pie to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the crust soggy.
To store leftovers in the refrigerator, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pot pie to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pot pie. Wrap the skillet or dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and contents. The pot pie will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat a refrigerated pot pie, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the skillet or dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat a frozen pot pie, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the skillet or dish loosely with foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and the filling is bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to crisp up the biscuit topping.
If you want to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled pot pie into servings and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, unwrap and place the frozen serving on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Pot Pie for Optimal Taste

Preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). Place the leftover turkey pot pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the biscuits are crispy.
If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the biscuits to brown and crisp up nicely.
For a quicker reheat, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of the turkey pot pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep in mind that the biscuits may become slightly soggy in the microwave.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover turkey pot pie. Preheat the air fryer to 350°f (175°c) and place a single serving of the pot pie in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the biscuits are crispy.
For a stovetop reheat, place a single serving of the turkey pot pie in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the filling from drying out. Cover the pan and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling is hot and bubbly.
If you want to freeze your leftover turkey pot pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight and then follow one of the above reheating methods.

Interesting Trivia About the Origins of Pot Pie

A fun fact about this leftover turkey pot pie recipe is that it creatively utilizes leftover turkey and vegetables to create a comforting and hearty dish. The combination of butternut squash, corn, and peas adds a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for using up holiday leftovers.

Is Making Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Cost-Effective for Home Cooks?

This leftover turkey pot pie recipe is highly cost-effective, especially post-holiday when roasted turkey is abundant. Utilizing vegetables like onion, celery, carrot, and butternut squash adds nutritional value without breaking the bank. The use of frozen peas and corn further stretches the budget. With chicken broth and leftover turkey gravy, the dish is both hearty and economical. The addition of prepared biscuits tops it off perfectly. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4: $15-$20 USD.

Is Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?

This leftover turkey pot pie recipe, while comforting and delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The use of butter and heavy cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish.
The biscuit topping, likely made with refined flour and more butter, further increases the calorie and carbohydrate content.
The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which could provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

However, the inclusion of some vegetables like onions, celery, carrots, and squash does offer some nutritional benefits. The use of leftover turkey is also a plus, as it is a lean protein source.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the butter with a healthier oil like olive oil or avocado oil, and reduce the amount used.
Swap the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative like evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt.
Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the filling, such as adding more carrots, peas, and introducing leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for the biscuit topping to increase fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates.
Reduce the amount of gravy used, or make a healthier version using low-sodium broth and a flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious pot pie that still satisfies your comfort food cravings.

Editor's Thoughts: Why Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Is a Must-Try

This leftover turkey pot pie recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for utilizing holiday leftovers. The combination of vegetables and roasted turkey creates a rich, flavorful filling, while the addition of heavy cream and turkey gravy ensures a creamy texture. The use of prepared biscuits as a topping adds a delightful, flaky contrast. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. However, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. Overall, it's a satisfying and efficient way to repurpose leftover turkey.

Enhance Your Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the crispy, caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts paired with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the glaze, making it a perfect companion to your Leftover Turkey Pot Pie.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with the rich aroma of garlic. This classic comfort food is elevated with a hint of rosemary and parmesan, creating a harmonious balance with the hearty flavors of your pot pie.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: A refreshing salad featuring tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp mixed greens. Tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette, this vibrant dish adds a burst of color and a zesty contrast to the rich, savory notes of your main course.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with a sweet and sticky honey sauce, sprinkled with a touch of thyme. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey, creating a delightful side that complements the savory depth of your turkey pot pie.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crumble spiced with cinnamon and topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel. The tartness of the apples and the aromatic spices provide a comforting finish that pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of your main dish.

Delicious Alternatives to Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie: A comforting classic, this dish features tender chicken, carrots, peas, and a creamy gravy all nestled under a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

Vegetable Shepherd's Pie: A hearty and satisfying dish, this pie layers a medley of root vegetables, lentils, and a savory gravy beneath a golden mashed potato topping. Ideal for a vegetarian twist on a classic.

Beef and Mushroom Pie: Rich and flavorful, this pie combines tender chunks of beef with earthy mushrooms and a robust gravy, all encased in a buttery pastry. A true comfort food delight.

Seafood Pot Pie: A luxurious take on the pot pie, this recipe features a mix of shrimp, scallops, and fish in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden pastry crust. Perfect for seafood lovers.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie: A delightful combination of savory ham and melted cheese wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. This pie is easy to make and perfect for using up leftover ham.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, firm mushroom caps and carefully remove the stems. Sauté finely chopped mushroom stems, garlic, and shallots in olive oil until fragrant. Mix in breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream cheese for a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper, then stuff the mixture back into the mushroom caps. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.

Bruschetta: Create a vibrant and fresh bruschetta to kick off your meal. Start with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, minced garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. For an added twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella pearls on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Desserts:

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Imagine a velvety pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust. The creamy pumpkin filling is perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pecans for an added crunch. This dessert is a delightful way to end your meal, offering a rich and comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of your leftover turkey pot pie.

Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp is the perfect complement to your main course. The tender apples are baked with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a buttery oat crumble. Serve it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast between the crisp topping and the soft apples creates a delightful texture that will leave your guests craving more.

Why trust this Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe:

This leftover turkey pot pie recipe is a perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting, hearty meal. The combination of butternut squash, carrots, and celery adds a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The creamy gravy made from chicken broth and heavy cream ensures a rich, savory filling. Topped with golden biscuits, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Trust this recipe for a delicious, no-waste solution to your leftover turkey.

Want to share your own leftover turkey pot pie creations or discuss tips and tricks? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk all things turkey pot pie!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and corn?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender.

What can I use if I don't have turkey gravy?

If you don't have turkey gravy, you can use additional chicken broth and thicken it with a bit of flour or cornstarch. It won't have the same depth of flavor, but it'll still be delicious.

Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just add the biscuits on top and pop it in the oven.

What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! You can cook the filling in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the biscuits and baking.

Can I use store-bought biscuits instead of making my own?

Definitely! Store-bought biscuits work perfectly fine and save you some time. Just place them on top of the filling and bake as directed.