Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug from Grandma. After the hustle and bustle of holiday feasts and gatherings, there’s something incredibly satisfying about taking those leftovers and turning them into a comforting meal. This recipe is all about transforming juicy leftover turkey into a show-stopping pot pie that’s bursting with flavors. What I love most is how easy it is to make, and the scrumptious combination of creamy filling nestled in a flaky crust takes it to the next level. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid wasting food while treating your loved ones to something special. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on this delicious adventure.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Leftover Turkey Pot Pie works wonders for several reasons. First, the rich and savory combination of flavors creates a satisfying bite every time. You’ll experience the creaminess of the filling alongside the flaky crust—it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Utilizing leftover turkey means you’re not only getting a second meal out of your holiday feast, but you’re also creating something completely new and comforting. The balance between the creamy filling and the crispy topping enhances every mouthful, making it a delight that everyone will remember.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Imagine a chilly day when you crave warmth and comfort. This pot pie is perfect for those moments, whether it’s a post-holiday feast or any day of the week that could use a pick-me-up. You’ll appreciate that it simplifies cooking, utilizing ingredients you likely have on hand, which cuts down on prep time. This family-friendly recipe is both nostalgic and satisfying, bringing people together around the dinner table. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this remarkable dish:

• 2 strips bacon (approx 57g), diced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• ½ cup diced yellow onion (66g) (about ½ medium onion)
• 1 stalk celery (approx ½ cup or 65g), diced
• 1 small carrot (approx ½ cup or 76g), diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper (plus more to taste)
• ⅓ cup (41g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (79ml) chicken or turkey stock
• 1 cup (237ml) nonfat milk (whole milk may be substituted)
• ½ cup frozen corn (62g), thawed
• 1 cup frozen peas (110g), thawed
• 1 cup chopped cooked green beans (100g)
• 2 cups shredded cooked turkey (264g)
• 2 recipes pie crusts (consider using refrigerated crusts for convenience)

Preparing the Base

Heat the Oven and Cook Bacon

Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, grab a medium saucepan and cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir it until it’s nicely browned, then set it aside, leaving some of that delicious grease in the pan.

Sauté Vegetables

Next, add olive oil to the same pan where you cooked the bacon. Toss in your diced onion, celery, and carrot. Stir everything together, letting it cook for about 3-5 minutes until those vegetables are nice and tender.

Season and Thicken

Now, here comes the flavorful part! Sprinkle in the dried thyme, ground sage, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir before adding the flour. Cook for an additional minute to let those spices mingle. Gradually stir in the stock and milk, watching as it transforms into a creamy mixture that thickens beautifully.

Combine Ingredients

Once the mixture reaches a thick and velvety stage, remove the pan from the heat. Fold in the thawed corn, peas, green beans, and, of course, the shredded turkey and cooked bacon. Mix everything until it’s well combined, and let’s move on to the next step!

Assembling the Pot Pie

Prepare the Pie Crust

Grab a 9-inch pie plate and lay down one pie crust to cover the bottom and sides. This is the foundation of your masterpiece.

Fill the Crust

Spoon that hot, delicious filling into the crust. Spread it evenly so each slice will have a bit of everything.

Top the Pie

Cover everything with the second crust. Press the edges together firmly to seal it in, and then crimp them if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top to let steam escape while it bakes.

Baking the Pot Pie

Bake until Golden

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! Place your pot pie on a cookie sheet (to catch any drips) and bake it for about 40-55 minutes. Watch as the crust becomes golden brown and irresistibly tempting.

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve, consider pairing your pot pie with a refreshing side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread also makes a lovely addition, adding that extra comfort to your weeknight dinner.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pot pie turns out perfectly, make sure the filling is hot before you add the top crust. This helps everything cook evenly. After baking, allow it to cool slightly before slicing; this will make for a prettier presentation and help avoid a spill.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can swap the bacon for ham if you’re after a different flavor. If you’re in a rush, using store-bought chicken broth can save you even more time.

Storage Tips

For any leftovers (if there are any!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to one month. You can bake it directly from frozen; just add some extra baking time.

Pairing Ideas

When it comes to drinks, a light chardonnay or even cranberry juice pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pot pie, offering a refreshing contrast that balances the meal nicely.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen turkey instead of freshly cooked?
Definitely! Just give your cooked frozen turkey plenty of time to thaw before using it in the recipe.

2. How do I make the filling gluten-free?
You can easily use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to keep the recipe gluten-friendly.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just assemble the pie ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner.

4. How can I make it dairy-free?
Simply switch to a non-dairy milk alternative and either skip the bacon or use a vegan substitute to keep it dairy-free.

5. What can I serve it with?
A simple green salad or some steamed veggies will complement the richness of the pot pie beautifully.

This Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a heartwarming meal. With its rich filling and flaky crust, it provides comfort and satisfaction, leaving everyone at the table asking for seconds. Embrace the nostalgia and the joy of gathering with family over this classic dish that you can savor any day!

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