If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pieces of turkey mixed with vibrant vegetables smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy and topped with irresistibly golden puff pastry. Each bite is a celebration of warmth and home-cooked goodness, perfect for any day you want to feel cozy and content. This recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels yet impressive enough to become a weeknight favorite or a special occasion treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of taste and texture. Each item plays a crucial role—from the buttery puff pastry that crowns the dish to the savory spices that enhance the rich filling. You don’t need complicated or hard-to-find items, just simple essentials that promise big flavor.
- Butter or oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables while developing deep flavors.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and colorful, they bring a tender crunch and brighten the filling.
- Dried thyme or poultry seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that lifts the savory profile perfectly.
- Dried garlic and onion powders: These pantry staples add depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful base of the gravy, adding moisture and savoriness.
- Milk: Helps create a creamy, smooth sauce when combined with cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully, giving a luxurious texture.
- Dijon mustard: Optional but adds a subtle tang and complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a hint of umami that deepens the flavor.
- Butter: Added at the end for extra silkiness.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to brighten the filling.
- Lemon juice: Just a squeeze to enhance all the savory notes.
- Cooked and diced turkey: The star protein that makes this pot pie satisfying and hearty.
- Puff pastry sheet: Thawed and ready to puff up beautifully for a golden, flaky top.
- Egg and milk for egg wash: Creates a glossy finish on the pastry, tempting everyone at the table.
How to Make Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 425°F. This temperature is key to getting that puff pastry beautifully browned and crisp. If you have an oven-safe skillet around 10 inches, it works perfectly for this recipe. Otherwise, a greased 9-inch pie plate does the trick. Gather and prep your ingredients so everything is within reach when you start to cook—this makes the process smooth and fun.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Melt your butter in the skillet over medium heat, then toss in the frozen mixed vegetables along with the thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The vegetables don’t need to be thawed beforehand, saving you prep time! Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re starting to soften and mingle with those fragrant herbs. This step builds the foundation of flavor that makes this pie so delightful.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Pour in the chicken broth to infuse the vegetables with savory goodness. Whisk milk and cornstarch together until smooth to avoid lumps, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens wonderfully. This glossy, luscious gravy is what ties the whole filling together, making each bite creamy and comforting.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, butter, sour cream, and just a squeeze of lemon juice. These add layers of richness, tang, and a little brightness to balance the dish. Fold in the diced turkey evenly, then give it a final taste and tweak salt or pepper if needed. Spread the filling evenly in your skillet or pie plate—it’s ready for its crowning glory.
Step 5: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into an 11-inch square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into squares or diamonds—whatever shape you fancy. This not only makes serving a breeze but creates a charming, rustic look.
Step 6: Top the Pot Pie
Arrange the puff pastry pieces right over your filling, overlapping them slightly without worrying about sealing the edges. A light brush of your egg wash gives the pastry that irresistible golden sheen once baked. This step makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Pop your skillet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the pastry is puffed up and deep golden, and the filling is bubbling gently around the edges, you know it’s done. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this pause helps the gravy set a little, so every serving holds together beautifully and oozes deliciousness.
How to Serve Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme makes a lovely finishing touch, adding a fresh green pop and subtle herbal aroma. You can also grate a bit of sharp cheddar on top of the pastry during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist that elevates the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with a crisp side salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the pie’s rich filling. Simple roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans also complement nicely, keeping the meal balanced without overshadowing the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to delight guests or make it extra special, consider making individual pot pies using ramekins topped with puff pastry rounds. These personal portions look charming and ensure everyone gets a perfectly cooked crust. Alternatively, serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side for a festive touch that echoes classic holiday flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pot pie keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often meld even more, making for an even better meal the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this pot pie either before baking (just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap) or after it’s baked (once fully cooled). Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and prevent sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to keep the puff pastry crisp. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works, but the pastry won’t stay flaky. For best results, cover loosely with foil and warm for about 15-20 minutes, checking that it’s heated through and bubbling.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey from a holiday meal?
Absolutely! This Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey into a warm, satisfying dish that’s anything but boring. Just dice the turkey and stir it right into your filling for a fresh take on leftovers.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can substitute with pie dough or even biscuit dough in a pinch, though puff pastry offers that signature flaky, buttery texture that really makes this pot pie shine. If using alternative crusts, adjust baking time accordingly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free puff pastry and substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free thickening alternative such as arrowroot powder. Just make sure your broth and other seasonings are gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty meal.
Is it necessary to use Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard?
They’re optional but highly recommended for boosting depth of flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, the pot pie will still be delicious, but these ingredients add that subtle tang and umami that elevate the filling.
Can I add cheese to this pot pie?
Yes! Adding a sharp cheddar or Gruyère mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top before baking adds a lovely savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the turkey and vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a homemade pot pie that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare. This Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe invites you to create a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for cozy nights in. Grab your skillet, puff pastry, and leftover turkey, and make this delicious dish your new go-to comfort food. You’ll feel proud and happy with every bite!
Print
Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Turkey Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Featuring a creamy vegetable and turkey filling topped with flaky puff pastry, it’s baked to golden perfection in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or festive meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 2 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (no need to defrost)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or poultry seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 (14.5-oz) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but delicious)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (just a squeeze, optional)
- 3 cups cooked and diced turkey
Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 425°F. Use a ~10-inch oven-safe skillet or grease a 9-inch pie plate. Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Cook the filling: Heat butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add frozen mixed vegetables, dried thyme or poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are thawed and beginning to soften.
- Make the gravy: Pour in the chicken broth. In a separate measuring jug, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
- Finish the filling: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, additional butter, sour cream, and a small squeeze of lemon juice if using. Fold in the cooked turkey until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spread filling evenly in the skillet or pie plate.
- Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into an 11-inch square. Cut into squares or diamonds using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Top the pot pie: Arrange the pastry pieces slightly overlapping on top of the filling without sealing edges. Brush the puff pastry lightly with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deep golden, and the filling is bubbling at the edges. Let the pot pie sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute leftover cooked turkey with cooked chicken if preferred.
- Puff pastry can be found fresh or frozen; make sure to thaw it properly before rolling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with oil and use a non-dairy milk and sour cream alternative.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the filling to a pie plate before topping and baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, before assembling.
