Classic Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes
I absolutely love making this Classic Turkey Pot Pie, especially during the colder months when comfort food is at its best. There's something heartwarming about a flaky crust filled with tender turkey and vibrant veggies simmered in a savory sauce. This dish is not only a fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey, but it also warms my soul and fills my kitchen with comforting aromas that remind me of home. The combination of herbs and buttery crust makes each bite incredibly satisfying!
When I first tried making turkey pot pie, I was amazed by how much flavor could be packed into a single dish. I started experimenting with different herbs and spices, and I found that fresh thyme and rosemary complemented the richness of the turkey beautifully. This pie quickly became a family favorite, especially during holidays when we have plenty of turkey leftovers to use.
One tip I’ve learned is to let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the pie crust. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures it bakes up perfectly golden and flaky. It's little details like this that elevate the dish and make all the difference!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and comforting flavors that remind you of family gatherings
- Flaky, buttery crust that adds the perfect texture
- Uses up leftover turkey in a delicious way
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Classic Turkey Pot Pie plays a crucial role in creating rich flavors and textures. The cooked turkey not only provides protein but also infuses the sauce with its savory essence. The frozen peas and carrots bring not only color but also sweetness that balances the dish's heartiness. Diced potatoes enhance the filling's creaminess when cooked, while the mix of dried thyme and rosemary introduces a fragrant herbal note that is both comforting and nostalgic.
The use of butter and all-purpose flour to create a roux is essential for a thick, luscious filling. Cooking the roux until it is golden gives the sauce a deeper flavor. When whisking in the chicken broth and milk, aim for a smooth consistency, which should thicken within a few minutes over medium heat. If the filling seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to achieve the desired texture.
Perfecting the Crust
For a flaky, golden crust, it's critical to handle the pie crust carefully. If you are using store-bought crusts, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling to prevent cracking. When rolling out the crust, dust your surface lightly with flour to avoid sticking. Ensure that your bottom crust is well formed in the pie dish to help contain the filling during baking.
After sealing the edges of the pie, make sure to cut several slits in the top crust. This allows steam to escape and prevents sogginess. A well-ventilated pie will have a nicely browned crust, so keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, checking for that beautiful golden color after 30 minutes in the oven. If the edges brown too quickly, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil to shield them from direct heat.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Classic Turkey Pot Pie:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can begin the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your heartwarming Classic Turkey Pot Pie:
Prepare the Filling
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Add the shredded turkey, peas and carrots, diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust and then cover with the second crust. Seal the edges and make slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Bake the Pie
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Now that your delicious turkey pot pie is ready, it’s time to dig in!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the filling. You can also experiment with other vegetables like corn or green beans for variety.
Storage and Reheating
This turkey pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after baking. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. If you want to freeze the pie, it’s best to do so before baking. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and it can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake your frozen pie, just pop it into the oven directly from the freezer, remembering to increase the baking time by about 15 minutes.
To reheat leftover pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the pie loosely with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you want the crust to be crispy again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating. A microwave can also be used for quick reheating, but it may result in a less crispy crust.
Ideal Pairings
To enhance your meal, consider serving your turkey pot pie with a simple side salad. A mix of leafy greens dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the rich pie beautifully. The acidity in the dressing can help balance the creamy filling, making for a well-rounded meal. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.
If you want to elevate your pot pie experience, pair it with a glass of white wine. A Chardonnay or a dry Riesling would work wonders with the savory flavors of the turkey and herbs. Alternatively, a refreshing citrus-based sparkling water can cleanse your palate and make for a delightful accompaniment, especially during a cozy dinner gathering.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Any cooked poultry will work well in this recipe.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free pie crust.
→ Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie to bake later. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.
→ What should I serve with pot pie?
A simple side salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely with turkey pot pie for a complete meal.
Classic Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
I absolutely love making this Classic Turkey Pot Pie, especially during the colder months when comfort food is at its best. There's something heartwarming about a flaky crust filled with tender turkey and vibrant veggies simmered in a savory sauce. This dish is not only a fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey, but it also warms my soul and fills my kitchen with comforting aromas that remind me of home. The combination of herbs and buttery crust makes each bite incredibly satisfying!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Home-Cooked Classics Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened. Add the shredded turkey, peas and carrots, diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust and then cover with the second crust. Seal the edges and make slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the filling. You can also experiment with other vegetables like corn or green beans for variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 18g