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How to Make Homemade Turkey Pot Pie from Scratch

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This Turkey Pot Pie recipe is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey! In this recipe, a delicious filling made with a from-scratch sauce sits between two layers of flaky, buttery homemade pie crust for a meal your entire family will love.

When I cook for Thanksgiving, I always make enough to ensure we have plenty of leftover roast turkey. After eating it plain for a couple days, I always try to find other ways to use it, and one of our favorites is this Turkey Pot Pie recipe (along with turkey sliders, turkey cranberry sandwich and turkey tetrazzini).

You can even use a store-bought pie crust (especially if you have one leftover that you didn’t get to use to make Thanksgiving pies) for an easy and delicious recipe that will prolong your turkey enjoyment.

You can also make a crust from scratch (which is my preference) so the the delicious filling made with a from-scratch sauce will be nestled between two layers of flaky, buttery homemade pie crust for a meal your entire family will love.

Making turkey pot pie from scratch at home may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with the right tips and techniques. This classic comfort food is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious homemade turkey pot pie ready for the oven in no time.

Ingredients Needed

To make turkey pot pie at home, you will need:

  • Pie crust Premade frozen pie crust works well for ease, or make your own using flour, butter, salt and cold water.

  • Turkey Leftover roasted or smoked turkey works great, Both white and dark meat work

  • Vegetables: Onion, celery, carrots, peas, green beans and potatoes provide flavor, texture and nutrition.

  • Butter: Butter helps create the roux to thicken the filling.

  • Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the filling when combined with broth.

  • Broth: Chicken or turkey broth provides moisture and flavor.

  • Milk or cream: For a creamy, luxurious filling.

  • Herbs and seasonings: Salt, pepper, parsley, onion powder, garlic salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for how to make turkey pot pie from scratch:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F-425°F. Pot pies bake best at high heat.

2. Prepare the Filling

  • Dice and cook the vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, potatoes) in butter or oil over medium heat until soft.

  • Make a roux by stirring flour into the cooked vegetables. Slowly whisk in broth, then milk or cream.

  • Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.

  • Stir in cooked turkey meat, frozen peas and any other vegetables.

3. Assemble the Pot Pies

  • Pour the filling evenly into ramekins or a pie dish.

  • Roll out pie dough and cut into rounds. Place over the filling. Crimp edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust.

  • Beat an egg with cream and brush over the top crust. This gives it a beautiful golden color.

4. Bake the Pot Pies

  • Place pot pies on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F – 425°F for 35-45 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

  • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Be careful when cutting into the hot filling.

Turkey Pot Pie Tips

  • For convenience, use frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh.

  • Add mushrooms, corn, or other favorite vegetables to the filling.

  • Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of turkey broth, if desired.

  • For a quicker shortcut, use canned soup and frozen vegetables.

  • Individual pot pies can be made in ramekins for fun servings.

  • Pot pies can be assembled then frozen raw for up to 4 months.

  • Cover the crust edges with foil if browning too quickly while baking.

  • Let pot pies stand 5-10 minutes before cutting for easy slicing.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Leftover turkey pot pie holds well for 3-4 days refrigerated. It also freezes wonderfully:

  • Allow pot pie to cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

  • Thaw in refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

  • Alternatively, freeze just the pot pie filling in a zip top bag, then thaw and assemble with fresh crust before baking.

With simple ingredients likely already in your pantry and refrigerator, homemade turkey pot pie is an easy and comforting dish perfect for holidays, cold weather and anytime you need a hearty meal the whole family will love. Follow the step-by-step instructions and make this American classic at home.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

  • Crust. See notes on this All Butter Pie Crust Recipe for substitutions on the crust ingredients and for detailed instructions on how to make it. You can also use a store-bought crust to save time.
  • Roasted turkey. I use this roast turkey recipe every year on Thanksgiving. Sometimes we also make crock pot turkey breast. We always make a large bird so that we can have leftovers to use in recipes like this turkey pot pie, or to use to make turkey sandwiches.
  • Red potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes can be used in place of red potatoes.
  • Carrots, Celery, Peas, Corn. You can add or subtract just about any of the veggies in this recipe and use your favorites with great results.
  • Chicken Base. I suggest better than bouillon for the best flavor. Or, you can substitute 2 cups of chicken broth for the base + water in this recipe.
  • Whole milk. 2% or 1% milk work well, I do not recommend using fat-free milk.
  • All-purpose flour. You can sub gluten-free all-purpose flour if desired. Also bread flour works well in a pinch.
  • Egg Wash. Optional but recommended. You can use just an egg yolk or just cream if desired, but I find a combination works the best.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie

There are a few steps in this turkey pot pie recipe, but it really is easy to make. As always, we’ll walk through the process step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video.

Making the best homemade crust takes less than 5 minutes, so I suggest trying it if you can. You can follow this all-butter pie crust tutorial and video for more detailed information on how to make it!

It’s important to make the crust first because it has to chill for at least 1 hour before being rolled and used in this turkey pot pie recipe.

You can also use a store-bought crust and skip this step.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

The next step in this recipe is to make the sauce, and then set it aside while you cook potatoes and veggies for the filling. I love this from-scratch sauce so much! To do this, whisk together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt pepper and milk together in a small bowl.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

In a 4-quart pan over medium heat, boil water, then add the chicken bouillon and whisk until dissolved. Add the milk mixture to boiling water/bouillon and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to use later.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

To make the filling begin by cooking the potatoes. Add the potatoes, 2 tablespoons butter and garlic and water to a large, nonstick saucepan and cover. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.

Once the potatoes are soft, add the carrots, onion, celery and additional 2 tablespoons butter. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

Once the veggies are cooked, add the peas, corn and turkey.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

Then, stir in the sauce until everything is evenly distributed. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

how to make homemade turkey pot pie

How to make Turkey Pot Pie

FAQ

What goes in a turkey pot pie?

Filling
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine.
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion.
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.
  • 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth.
  • 1/2 cup milk.
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked turkey.
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed.

How to keep the bottom crust of a chicken pot pie from getting soggy?

Add frangipane to the bottom of your pie – Lining the bottom of your pie crust before adding the filling is a go-to tip for many bakers.Nov 6, 2023

Can you use mashed potatoes in turkey pot pie?

Pour vegetables and gravy over cream of chicken soup layer in the pan. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of pie. Bake in the preheated oven until filling is bubbling, about 45 minutes.

What is chicken pot pie filling made of?

Ingredients
  1. 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast.
  2. 1 (15 ounce) can mixed vegetables, drained.
  3. 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup.
  4. ½ cup milk.
  5. 2 (9-inch) deep-dish frozen pie crusts, thawed.

How do you make a turkey pot pie?

This Turkey Pot Pie is made in one pan, with tender turkey or chicken, vegetables, and a creamy gravy topped with puff pastry for an easy dinner idea that’s also freezer friendly! In a medium skillet, melt butter and add carrots, potatoes, onion and celery. Cook, stirring often, over medium heat, until nearly tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Can you use leftover Turkey pie crust for pot pies?

Using leftover, tender turkey, it comes together quickly, with the help of frozen pie crusts. As with all pot pies, there are a few common steps you’ll want to know: Pillsbury™ pie crusts are simply unrolled to use! One crust lines a pie plate, the other is used to top the savory filling, for a crisp covering to hold the fillings.

How do you make a Turkey pie crust?

Add the turkey cubes, peas, 1/2 cup cream, parsley, garlic salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into two ungreased 9-inch pie plates. Taste of Home Unroll the pie crusts, and place one over each pie plate. Taste of Home Trim the crusts, and seal them to the edge of the pie plates. Taste of Home

How do you make Turkey pies without meat?

Prevent a soggy bottom crust by baking on a sheet pan or foil-lined pan. Brush the bottom crust with egg wash too or sprinkle breadcrumbs before filling. Customize seasonings to your taste – sage, rosemary, cumin all work great. Make turkey and veggie pot pies for non-meat eaters by omitting the turkey.

How do you know if a turkey pot pie is done?

When the crust is golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling through the steam vents, they’re done. This hearty turkey pot pie uses 1 pie crust as the topping and plenty of delicious vegetables and cooked turkey in the creamy gravy filling. See the recipe Notes for vegetable substitutions and other ingredient suggestions.

How long does it take to cook a turkey pot pie?

Bake 20 minutes; cover edge of crust with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. A ¼ to ½ teaspoon of poultry seasoning, which is heavy in dried sage, stirred into the filling is a natural complement to a turkey pot pie.

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