As the holiday season approaches, there’s something comforting about repurposing your Thanksgiving leftovers into a hearty, satisfying meal. Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie is a perfect way to do just that. This dish combines tender turkey with a creamy, flavorful sauce and a medley of vegetables, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pie crust.
Whether you’re using up leftover turkey or chicken, this recipe transforms those extra bits into a family favorite that’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal after the big feast, this pot pie is sure to become a tradition in your household.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups leftover turkey or chicken, cut into cubes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, corn, green beans, or your favorites)
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 cups unbleached or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening (or Earth Balance for a dairy-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, stir in the flour. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until the flour becomes bubbly and thickens into a roux. Add the chopped onion, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.
Next, gradually add the chicken broth and milk to the roux mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing it to thicken for another minute or so. Once it has reached a nice creamy consistency, stir in the cubed turkey and your choice of mixed vegetables. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—peas, carrots, corn, and green beans all work beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
To make the pie crust, start by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut the room-temperature vegetable shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or fork until it resembles the texture of large peas. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg, ice-cold water, and vinegar together. Pour this mixture over the flour and shortening, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
Divide the dough in half, and flatten one portion into a disc. Roll it out between two sheets of wax paper, being careful not to overwork the dough to ensure a tender crust. Once rolled out, peel off the top sheet of wax paper and invert the dough onto a 9-inch pie pan. Gently peel away the second sheet of wax paper and press the dough into the pan.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once your filling is ready and the pie crust is prepared, it’s time to assemble the pot pie. Pour the creamy turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Take the second half of the dough and repeat the rolling process to form the top crust. Invert this crust over the filling and seal the edges by pinching the crusts together. Use a sharp knife or fork to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pot Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips, then bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up through the slits in the crust. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie is golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm with a side of cranberry sauce or a simple green salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Conclusion:
Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie is a wonderfully versatile and comforting dish that takes advantage of your holiday leftovers while adding a delicious twist. The flaky homemade crust combined with the rich turkey and vegetable filling is the ultimate cozy comfort food, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings.
Whether you’re enjoying it after a long day of holiday festivities or as a casual weeknight dinner, this turkey pot pie is sure to be a hit at your table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch those leftovers into a whole new meal that feels special and satisfying every time. Try it out this season and make it a family tradition of your own!
