Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a cozy and hearty dish perfect for any time of year, especially after a festive holiday meal. If you have leftover turkey and are looking for a creative way to transform it into something delicious, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The stuffing crust adds a savory twist to the classic turkey pot pie, making it even more flavorful and satisfying. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish step-by-step.
Ingredients for Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
For the Stuffing Crust:
- 3 cups leftover stuffing (or prepared stuffing mix)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (for extra moisture)
- 1 egg (optional, to help bind the stuffing)
Instructions for Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a roux. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, followed by the cream or milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine the Filling: Add the shredded turkey, peas, carrots, potatoes, and seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary). Stir to combine and allow the filling to simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing Crust
- Prepare the Stuffing: If using leftover stuffing, place it in a bowl and add a bit of chicken broth to moisten it. If using store-bought stuffing mix, follow the package instructions to prepare it, adding extra broth for moisture.
- Bind the Stuffing: For a more cohesive crust, you can add an egg to the stuffing mixture to help bind it together.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Filling: Pour the creamy turkey filling into a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Stuffing: Spoon the prepared stuffing mixture over the turkey filling, spreading it out evenly to cover the top.
- Bake: Bake the pot pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and crispy on top.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the pot pie to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Slice into generous portions and enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect for Leftovers
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a great way to use up leftover turkey, making it a fantastic post-holiday meal option. It’s the perfect way to give new life to your Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.
2. Comfort Food at Its Best
This dish combines the best elements of comfort food – creamy filling, hearty turkey, savory vegetables, and a crispy stuffing topping. It’s an all-in-one meal that will keep you full and content.
3. Easy to Customize
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. You can swap out vegetables, add more seasonings, or even use gluten-free stuffing if needed. The possibilities are endless!
4. Family-Friendly
The entire family will love this comforting dish, from kids to adults. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy vegetables in a fun and flavorful way.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
- Use Homemade Stuffing: If possible, make your own stuffing from scratch for a richer, more flavorful crust. It’s also a great way to use up any stale bread you have on hand.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms to the filling to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just assemble the pot pie, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Conclusion
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a delicious and satisfying dish that turns leftover turkey into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. With its creamy filling, savory vegetables, and crispy stuffing topping, it’s a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re using up leftovers or making a fresh batch, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the holidays in a new and exciting way. Try it today and bring a warm, delicious twist to your dinner table!
Serving and Storage Tips for Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
Serving Tips:
- Let It Cool Before Serving: After baking, allow the turkey pot pie to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve without it running out.
- Pair with a Side: Serve your turkey pot pie with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple cranberry sauce for a festive touch. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to balance out the richness of the pot pie.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the pot pie in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes for a charming and personalized dish at dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover turkey pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it well to maintain freshness.
- Freezing for Later: Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust can be frozen for future meals. To freeze:
- Before Baking: Assemble the pot pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the topping is golden.
- After Baking: If you have baked leftovers, allow the pot pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat leftover pot pie in the oven for the best results. Place the pot pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil if necessary to prevent the stuffing from becoming too brown.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid Microwaving: While microwaving is convenient, it can lead to a soggy crust. For the crispiest topping, always opt to reheat in the oven.
- Reviving the Crust: If the stuffing crust has softened during storage, you can freshen it up by placing the pot pie under the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
With these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust for several days, savoring every comforting bite!
1. Can I use store-bought stuffing for the crust?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought stuffing for the crust of your turkey pot pie. If you don’t have leftover stuffing, a prepared stuffing mix is a convenient option. Just follow the instructions on the package and add a little extra broth for moisture if needed. For the best flavor, try to choose a savory stuffing mix with herbs.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust can be made ahead! You can assemble the pot pie, then refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled pie for up to 3 months and bake it directly from the freezer (just allow extra baking time).
3. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! If you don’t have turkey on hand, you can substitute it with cooked chicken. The dish will still be delicious, with the same creamy filling and savory stuffing crust. Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make the stuffing crust without egg?
Yes, you can make the stuffing crust without an egg. The egg is optional and helps bind the stuffing together for a firmer crust. If you prefer not to use an egg, just ensure the stuffing is moist enough by adding extra broth. The crust will still be flavorful, but it may be a bit more crumbly.
PrintTurkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
This Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is the ultimate comfort food, using holiday leftovers to create a rich, creamy filling topped with a flavorful, crispy stuffing crust. Perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or corn)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffing Crust:
- 3 cups leftover stuffing
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (to help bind the crust)
- Optional: 2-3 tbsp turkey broth or water (if the stuffing is dry)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the milk or cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the shredded turkey, peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Pot Pie:
- Pour the turkey filling into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a medium bowl, mix the stuffing with the beaten egg. If the stuffing is dry, add turkey broth or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds together.
- Spread the stuffing evenly over the turkey filling, pressing it gently to form a crust.
4. Bake:
- Place the pot pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the stuffing crust is golden and crispy.
- Let the pot pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pot pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- No Leftover Stuffing? Use store-bought stuffing mix, prepared according to package instructions.
- Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, green beans, or chopped spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.