Looking for a delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers? This Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is the perfect solution! Combining the savory flavors of turkey with a creamy vegetable filling, all topped with a crispy stuffing crust, this dish is not only comforting but incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re working with leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken, this pot pie is sure to please your family and guests. Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food that combines convenience, flavor, and nostalgia.
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Why You’ll Love This Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe
This turkey pot pie with stuffing crust is the epitome of comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, hearty, and a great way to make use of your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The stuffing crust adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that takes the traditional pot pie to a new level. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe makes a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and filling.
Ingredients
• Turkey: Ideal for using up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or any cooked turkey you have on hand. It adds a savory, tender bite to the pie.
• Veggies: Frozen peas and carrots provide color and nutrition, while onions and celery add depth of flavor to the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the creamy sauce, ensuring a rich and hearty filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the stuffing and adds moisture to the crust.
• Chicken Broth: This savory liquid is the base of the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the turkey and veggies.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce, making every bite indulgent.
• Stuffing: The star of the show! Use leftover stuffing or premade stuffing mix. Cornbread, cranberry, or sausage stuffing all work wonderfully.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• No Turkey? No Problem! Swap out turkey for leftover rotisserie chicken or diced ham for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free stuffing and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Vegan: Replace the turkey with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or lentils, and use dairy-free stuffing to keep it vegan-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until it turns light brown.
- Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
- Add the Turkey and Veggies: Stir in the shredded turkey, peas, and carrots, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Stuffing Crust: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing with the beaten egg. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form the Stuffing Crust: Lay two pieces of parchment paper on a flat surface. Place the stuffing mixture between them and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a circle large enough to cover the skillet.
- Assemble the Pot Pie: Carefully remove the top layer of parchment paper, and flip the flattened stuffing onto the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the stuffing crust is golden and crisp.
- Let It Rest: Once baked, let the pot pie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Tips & Tricks
- Resting Time: Allow the turkey pot pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Avoid Soggy Crust: To prevent a soggy crust, make sure the stuffing is properly cooked and not too wet before layering it over the filling.
- Skillet Size: A 12-inch oven-safe skillet works best for this recipe. If you’re using a larger skillet, the layers may be thinner, which could affect the texture of the crust.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This turkey pot pie with stuffing crust is a complete meal on its own, but you can always enhance it with some tasty sides.
• Side Dish Ideas: Serve with a refreshing green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
• Sauces and Toppings: A dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of gravy adds a festive touch and extra flavor to each bite.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling and stuffing the day before, then simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Seasonal Twist: Perfect for Thanksgiving Leftovers
This turkey pot pie with stuffing crust is a great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s also perfect for any time of year when you have extra turkey or chicken on hand. The comforting combination of turkey, vegetables, and stuffing makes it an ideal dish for fall or winter gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or serving it at a holiday feast, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a delightful and comforting way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers or any extra turkey you might have. This hearty dish offers a creamy filling paired with a golden, crispy stuffing crust that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or as a special treat, this recipe is easy, filling, and perfect for any occasion. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s no surprise that this turkey pot pie will become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought stuffing for the crust?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought stuffing for the crust. Whether you’re in a pinch or just want to save time, premade stuffing works perfectly for this recipe. If you’re making your own stuffing, just be sure it’s cooled before adding the egg to create the topping.
2. Can I freeze Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pot pie (before baking) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
3. Can I make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, you can make this turkey pot pie with stuffing crust in any oven-safe skillet or a baking dish. If you’re using a baking dish, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size and depth of the dish.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings at 50% power for 1-2 minutes.
More Relevant Recipes
- Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing: A slow-cooked comfort food dish combining tender chicken with savory stuffing, making it a perfect dish to serve alongside your turkey pot pie. Ideal for using leftovers or preparing a new meal that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
- Turkey Sweet Potato Chili: A delicious and hearty chili made with lean turkey and sweet potatoes. This recipe provides a rich, flavorful alternative to the turkey pot pie and works wonderfully for colder months or post-holiday meals.
- Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie: This comforting dish is a close cousin to the turkey pot pie, featuring a savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes instead of stuffing. It’s easy to prepare in the slow cooker, perfect for using up turkey leftovers in a cozy and filling way.
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. The savory turkey, vegetables, and creamy sauce are topped with a golden, crispy stuffing crust, making this dish a delicious, cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (35%)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, at room temperature
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken or turkey
- 3 cups cooked and cooled stuffing
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle in flour, and cook while stirring for 1 minute until it turns a light brown color.
- Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the shredded turkey or chicken, peas, and carrots, making sure everything is evenly mixed and coated in the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked stuffing with the beaten egg until well combined.
- Place two sheets of parchment paper on a flat surface. Put the stuffing mixture between the sheets and flatten it into a circle large enough to cover the skillet using a rolling pin.
- Remove the top piece of parchment paper, then flip the flattened stuffing crust over the turkey and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Discard the second piece of parchment paper.
- Bake the pot pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the stuffing crust is golden and crispy.
- Allow the pot pie to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken further.
Notes
- Ensure the stuffing is not too wet before adding the egg to avoid a soggy crust.
- If you’re using a larger skillet, be aware the layers might be thinner, which could affect the crust’s texture.
- Rest the pie for 10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and to let the sauce set.
- This recipe can be made ahead by preparing the filling and stuffing the day before and assembling it when ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 582 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1545mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 106mg