Turkey pot pie is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you have leftover turkey from a holiday feast or just want a hearty, home-cooked meal. This savory pie combines tender turkey, a creamy vegetable-filled gravy, and a flaky golden crust that will warm your soul. If you’ve been wondering how do you make homemade turkey pot pie, this guide will walk you through the process with easy-to-follow steps and tips to make your pot pie perfect every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic homemade turkey pot pie, gather these ingredients:
– Turkey: 2 to 3 cups cooked, chopped or shredded turkey (leftover roast turkey works perfectly)
– Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, peas, potatoes (optional), and mushrooms (optional)
– Butter: About 1/3 to 1/2 cup for sautéing and making the roux
– Flour: 1/4 to 1/3 cup to thicken the sauce
– Chicken or turkey broth: 1 to 2 cups for the gravy base
– Milk or cream: 2/3 to 1 cup for richness (whole milk or cream recommended)
– Seasonings: Poultry seasoning, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic (fresh or powder)
– Pie crust: Either one double pie crust (top and bottom) or a single crust for topping
– Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water or milk to brush on the crust for a golden finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor base for your pot pie filling.
Next, stir in the flour and seasonings like poultry seasoning, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes to create a roux, which will thicken your gravy.
Slowly whisk in the chicken or turkey broth and milk, adding a little at a time and stirring constantly. The mixture will first look thick and lumpy but will smooth out as it heats. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens to a creamy gravy consistency.
Now, stir in your cooked turkey, frozen peas, and cooked potatoes if you like. Let the filling warm through and combine flavors on low heat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the pie.
2. Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F to 400°F depending on your recipe.
Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Pour the turkey and vegetable filling evenly into the crust.
Cover with the second pie crust, trimming any excess dough. Pinch the edges to seal the pie well, and cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the top crust with the egg wash to give it a beautiful golden color once baked.
3. Bake the Pot Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. The crust should be golden brown and the filling bubbly.
Once baked, let the pot pie cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set so it won’t spill out when you cut into it.
Tips for the Best Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
– Use leftover turkey: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers or any cooked turkey you have on hand.
– Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like green beans, corn, or mushrooms.
– Make mini pot pies: Use ramekins or small pie dishes for individual servings. Adjust baking time accordingly.
– Thicken the filling properly: Let the gravy simmer until thickened to avoid a watery filling.
– Pie crust options: Use store-bought pie crust for convenience or homemade for extra flakiness.
– Add potatoes: Dice and cook potatoes before adding them to the filling for extra heartiness.
– Egg wash magic: Don’t skip the egg wash on the crust for that irresistible golden shine.
Turkey pot pie is a warm, comforting dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With tender turkey, creamy gravy, and a flaky crust, it’s a meal that brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or using up leftovers, this homemade turkey pot pie recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!