Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and hearty turkey pot pie with a flaky crust or biscuit topping.

Introduction

After Thanksgiving, leftover turkey, gravy, and vegetables can become the star of a new meal. This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie turns your festive leftovers into a comforting, warm dish perfect for lunch or dinner. With options for a flaky pastry crust or a biscuit topping, this pot pie is both versatile and satisfying. Follow this step-by-step guide for a golden, hearty pie that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2–3 cups leftover cooked turkey, diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
• 2 cups leftover gravy or homemade turkey gravy
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Crust:
• 1 sheet puff pastry (or homemade pie crust)
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• Or For Biscuit Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix diced turkey, vegetables, and gravy. Add milk or cream to loosen if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the turkey and vegetable mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
4. Choose Topping: Crust: Roll puff pastry or pie crust over filling, trim excess, and brush with beaten egg. Biscuit: Prepare biscuit dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the filling evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes (biscuit) or 30–35 minutes (puff pastry) until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
6. Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the pot pie cool 5 minutes before serving to set the filling and avoid burns.

Tips & Tricks

• If gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk or stock to reach desired consistency.
• Frozen vegetables can be used; just thaw and drain excess water to prevent soggy filling.
• For extra flavor, sauté onions, garlic, or herbs in butter before adding to filling.
• Egg wash on puff pastry creates a beautiful glossy finish.
• Biscuit topping can be flavored with cheddar or herbs for variety.

Real-Life Example

After last Thanksgiving, I used leftover turkey and vegetables to make this pot pie. I opted for a biscuit topping, and the family loved the fluffy, golden biscuits on top. The gravy absorbed into the turkey and veggies perfectly, creating a comforting, hearty dish that felt completely new yet familiar. Everyone devoured it in minutes!

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought crusts are convenient and work perfectly for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pot pie and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add extra 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.

Q3: Can I freeze the pot pie?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a comforting, hearty meal. Whether using a flaky pastry crust or a biscuit topping, this dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy the whole family. With simple steps, practical tips, and options for make-ahead preparation, your leftover turkey will be celebrated all over again in this delicious pot pie.