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Easy and Delicious Turkey Pot Pie Recipe:
As the leaves start changing color and the air turns crisp, our appetites shift to hearty comfort foods that warm us from the inside out.
Turkey Pot Pie is the ultimate cold-weather meal, evoking memories of home and hearth.
This classic dish combines a flaky, golden crust wrapped around a rich turkey and vegetable filling. Savory and soothing, it’s the essence of home cooking.
While pot pies require some time and effort to prepare, the results are well worth it.
Biting into a pot pie straight from the oven, as the steam escapes and the juices bubble up, is one of life’s simple pleasures.
The combination of tastes and textures is irresistible.
This easy Turkey Pot Pie recipe allows you to recreate that blissful experience in your own kitchen.
It comes together quickly in just a few simple steps. We’ll walk through making the luscious filling, constructing the pie, and baking it to flaky perfection.
Master this hearty meal; you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish to add to your fall recipe rotation.
Pot pies are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. But with our easy-filling recipe, you don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving.
All it takes is some simple chopped vegetables, creamy gravy, turkey, and a double crust to enjoy pot pie any night of the week.
It’s endlessly customizable as well to suit your tastes.
So pull out your pie plate, preheat your oven, and prepare for transport. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting turkey pot pie!
Ingredients For Turkey Pot Pie
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1⁄4 cup (1⁄2 stick) |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, peeled and diced | 1 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1⁄2 cup |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 Tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1⁄4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1⁄2 cup |
| Cooked turkey, diced | 2 cups |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Frozen pearl onions | 1⁄2 cup |
| Pie dough | 2 (9-inch) pie crusts |
Ingredient Benefits and Contributions
Butter – Provides richness and flavor to the filling. The fat in the butter helps carry the aromatic flavors of the other ingredients.
Onion – Provides aromatic flavor and moisture. Onions become sweet when cooked slowly, balancing the savory flavors in the filling.
Carrots – Provide sweetness, texture, and nutrition. The carrots cook down and add body and sweetness to the gravy.
Celery – Adds texture, crunch, and fresh flavor. The celery adds a crisp, vegetal note.
Thyme – Earthy, aromatic herb that complements poultry. Thyme enhances the other savory flavors.
Flour – Thickens the filling to make a luscious gravy. The flour helps bind the broth into a silky, clingy gravy.
Chicken broth – Provides savory flavor and moisture. The broth provides a meaty base for the gravy.
Milk – Adds creaminess to the filling. The milk gives the gravy a lush texture.
Turkey – Feature protein provides hearty flavor. Turkey is the star ingredient that defines this pot pie.
Peas – Bright, sweet pops of color and texture. The peas add pops of color and freshness.
Pearl onions – Mild, sweet onion flavor. The onions provide layers of onion flavor.
Pie dough – Flaky, golden crust is the crown jewel of pot pie. The flaky crust completes the homey comfort.
Turkey Pot Pie Recipe Details
| Total Calories | 930 calories |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
Turkey Pot Pie Tips
Use a mix of white and dark turkey meat for the best flavor. Dark meat offers more moisture.
Add frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh for an even easier pie. Just thaw before using.
Opt for celery leaves or parsley instead of thyme. The fresh green flavors pair well.
Swap in chicken or beef broth for variation. Use low sodium if needed.
Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or creamy mashed potatoes.
Flute or decorate the pie crust edges for a pretty presentation. Braid for a rustic look.
Sprinkle the top crust with shredded cheese, biscuit mix or breadcrumbs before baking for extra texture.
Cook pot pies in ramekins for single-serving handheld pies. Adjust bake time.
Refrigerate extra unbaked pies up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 months. Add 5 minutes to bake time.
Substitute pumpkin, sunflower seed, or lard pie crust for a flavor twist. Chill well before rolling.
The History of Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie originates from the traditional British meat pie. Early versions would have contained beef or lamb.
It wasn’t until the popularization of the turkey in England in the 1700s that the bird began appearing in pot pies.
England is well known for its savory pies. The addition of a pastry on top served as a way to keep the filling from drying out.
The first published meat pie recipe appeared in 1465. Pies were an inexpensive dish often made from leftovers.
The early colonists brought pot pie recipes to America.
The dish gained popularity in the US as a hearty, budget-friendly meal to feed large families.
Regional variations emerged over time. For example, Southern pot pies may contain smoked turkey versus roasted.
While old-fashioned pot pies used lard-based crusts, vegetable shortening became popular during the Industrial Revolution.
This allowed the pies to be mass-produced. Today, pot pie recipes are still a favorite for family dinners, Thanksgiving, and cooler weather.
Difficulty Level
Making turkey pot pie from scratch falls into the moderate difficulty category.
While it involves several steps, none are complicated on their own. As long as you set aside enough time, it should come together easily.
Here’s a breakdown of the difficulty level:
Prep work – Easy. Chopping the vegetables is simple but can be time-consuming. This is the most labor-intensive part. Having a food processor helps speed up the process.
Making the filling – Easy. The roux-based gravy requires whisking and simmering. The key is cooking the flour sufficiently to avoid a raw taste.
Assembling the pie – Medium. Fitting the top crust over the filling neatly and crimping the edges takes some finesse. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle.
Baking – Easy. Just follow the temperature and time recommendations. Peek at the bottom crust a few minutes early to prevent burning.
Cooling and slicing – Easy. Letting the pie rest before cutting allows clean slices without spillage.
You’ll gain confidence in making this pot pie with a couple of practice runs. Soon enough, it will become a cozy weeknight dinner staple.
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list. Taking it one step at a time results in an impressive homemade meal.
For beginners, start with store-bought pie dough and pre-cooked turkey until you get the hang of it.
Then, try making the crust and filling from scratch. Keep an eye on the gravy’s thickness.
If it seems too thin after adding the milk, mix a spoonful of cornstarch with water and stir in at the end to thicken.
When working with pie dough, resist overhandling it to prevent toughness. Work quickly and chill between steps.
Patch any tears before adding the top crust. If the bottom crust peeks through during baking, use a small piece of foil to cover just that section.
Once assembled, refrigerate or freeze extra pies for busy weeknights.
You can even prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately until ready to make. Share any extra slices with friends and neighbors.
More Thanksgiving Recipes on YourNewFoods
In addition to amazing turkey dishes, we have hundreds of recipes perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays:
Browse our Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes to start your feast off right. Enjoy cheesy dips, stuffing sausage balls, bruschetta cheese ball, and more.
Impress your guests with stunning Thanksgiving Side Dishes like roasted asparagus, French green bean casserole, Balsamic roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts gratin, cranberry sauce, and much more.
Check out our Vegan Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes and Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Dessert Recipe Roundups for special diets.
Satisfy the sweet tooth with these amazing 59 Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes, including decorated sugar cookies, bars, and drop cookies.
Get the complete holiday experience with our full Thanksgiving recipes menu ideas, from cranberry sauce to cocktails.
Tired of turkey? Roast up a savory ham or elegant beef Wellington for a meal that still feels special.
We provide recipes for every taste and dietary need here at YourNewFoods.com. Browse our thousands of recipes or contact us with requests for your favorite holiday dishes.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast!
Turkey Pot Pie FAQs
What type of turkey should I use?
A mix of white and dark meat works best for flavor and moisture. Use leftover roasted or smoked turkey.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble unbaked pies up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add 5 minutes to the bake time.
Can I freeze turkey pot pie?
The unbaked pies freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
What if my pot pie filling is too thin?
If the filling seems loose, mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water and stir into the hot filling to thicken.
My pot pie crust is soggy. How can I prevent that?
Dock or prick the bottom crust all over with a fork before adding filling to allow steam to escape.
What size pie dish should I use?
This recipe is designed for a standard 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Adjust bake time for other sizes.
Can I make individual pot pies?
Yes, for single-serve pies, divide filling between 6 ramekins and top with dough rounds. Reduce bake time to 20-25 minutes.
What sides go well with pot pie?
Pot pie is delicious with biscuits, mashed potatoes, cooked greens, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
What gravy thickener can I use?
Cornstarch and flour are the most common. Arrowroot and tapioca starch also work. For gluten-free, use cornstarch.
