Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie: A Comforting Classic

Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts are glorious, aren’t they? The perfectly roasted turkey, the mountains of side dishes, and the joyful company. But what happens after the feasting? The inevitable leftovers! While turkey sandwiches are a delicious tradition, there’s only so much cold turkey one can eat. That’s where this Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie recipe comes to the rescue. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that transforms those holiday remnants into a brand new family favorite.

This isn’t just any pot pie. This is *Dad’s* pot pie. It’s the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations, adapted and perfected along the way. It’s unfussy, flavorful, and designed to use up every last morsel of that delicious leftover turkey. And while this recipe leans towards simplicity and tradition, we’ll also explore ways to customize it to your family’s preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Uses Leftovers Creatively:** No more turkey fatigue! This recipe turns leftovers into a completely new and exciting meal.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** A warm, creamy filling topped with a flaky crust – what’s not to love? It’s pure comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapted to use different vegetables, herbs, and even different types of crust.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
* **Reduces Food Waste:** A responsible way to use up leftover turkey and vegetables, preventing food waste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the amount of leftovers you have. Here’s a general guideline:

**For the Filling:**

* **Leftover Cooked Turkey:** About 4-5 cups, shredded or cubed. Dark or white meat, or a mix, works perfectly. Even the slightly drier pieces of turkey become incredibly tender in the creamy sauce.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* (Optional) 1 cup chopped mushrooms
* (Optional) Other vegetables you might have leftover, such as green beans or Brussels sprouts, can be added, too. Aim for a total of 4-5 cups of vegetables.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons (half a stick), unsalted or salted.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup. This will help thicken the sauce.
* **Chicken Broth:** 3-4 cups. Use low-sodium if preferred, as the turkey and other ingredients may already be seasoned.
* **Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half:** 1 cup. This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. Milk can be used in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory, earthy flavor.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon. Compliments the turkey beautifully.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Remember to taste the filling as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
* **(Optional) Turkey Gravy:** 1/2 cup. Leftover gravy adds a delicious depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, don’t worry, the pot pie will still be fantastic.

**For the Crust:**

You have a few options for the crust:

* **Store-Bought Pie Crust:** The easiest and quickest option. You’ll need either one double crust (for top and bottom) or one single crust (for the top only). If using a frozen crust, make sure to thaw it according to the package directions.
* **Puff Pastry:** A flaky and buttery option that adds a touch of elegance.
* **Homemade Pie Crust:** If you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade pie crust is always a winner. There are countless recipes online for both traditional and gluten-free pie crusts.
* **Biscuit Topping:** For a rustic and easy topping, use refrigerated biscuit dough. Simply place the biscuits on top of the filling and bake.

**Equipment:**

* Large Dutch oven or pot
* 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet
* Rolling pin (if using pie crust)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* If you’re using fresh vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, mushrooms), chop them into bite-sized pieces.
* If you’re using leftover cooked vegetables, simply set them aside. You can add them directly to the filling later.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Melt the butter in the large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This step helps to build a flavorful base for the pot pie filling.
* If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the pot along with the other vegetables and sauté for another 3-5 minutes, until they are tender.

**3. Make the Roux:**

* Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is absorbed by the butter and vegetables. This creates a roux, which will help to thicken the sauce.
* Be careful not to burn the flour. Keep stirring constantly to ensure it cooks evenly.

**4. Add the Liquid:**

* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Start with 3 cups and add more if needed to achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

**5. Add the Turkey and Vegetables:**

* Stir in the shredded or cubed leftover turkey, frozen peas, frozen corn, and any other leftover cooked vegetables you’re using.
* If you have leftover turkey gravy, stir it in now. This will add extra flavor and richness to the filling.

**6. Season the Filling:**

* Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to the filling. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the turkey and gravy may already be seasoned, so start with a small amount of salt and pepper and add more to taste.

**7. Simmer the Filling:**

* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the filling for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further. This step is important for creating a cohesive and flavorful pot pie filling.

**8. Prepare the Crust:**

* **If using store-bought pie crust:** Unroll the pie crust and place it over the pie dish or oven-safe skillet. Trim the edges and crimp them with a fork. If using a double crust, line the bottom of the pie dish with one crust and fill it with the turkey mixture. Then, top with the second crust, trim the edges, and crimp them. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
* **If using puff pastry:** Cut the puff pastry to fit the top of the pie dish or skillet. You can create a decorative edge by folding over the edges of the pastry. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
* **If using homemade pie crust:** Roll out the dough to fit the pie dish or skillet. Follow the same instructions as for store-bought pie crust.
* **If using biscuit topping:** Arrange the biscuits on top of the filling, slightly overlapping them. This creates a rustic and comforting topping.

**9. Assemble the Pot Pie:**

* Pour the turkey filling into the prepared pie dish or oven-safe skillet.
* Top with your chosen crust (pie crust, puff pastry, or biscuits).

**10. Bake the Pot Pie:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Bake the pot pie for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.

**11. Let it Rest:**

* Remove the pot pie from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

**12. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the pot pie warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie. This dish is perfect on its own or with a side salad.

Tips and Variations

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. Roasting the vegetables beforehand can add extra flavor.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as sage, parsley, or chives. Fresh herbs can be added at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little kick.
* **Add Cheese:** Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist.
* **Use Different Meats:** If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use cooked chicken, ham, or even ground beef. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
* **Make Individual Pot Pies:** Divide the filling into individual ramekins and top with puff pastry or biscuit dough. This is a great way to control portion sizes and make the pot pies even more elegant.
* **Freeze for Later:** Leftover pot pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the pot pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw the pot pie in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Egg Wash:** For an extra golden and glossy crust, brush the top of the pie crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) before baking.
* **Add Wine:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) to the filling along with the chicken broth. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a delicious flavor.
* **Use Leftover Stuffing:** If you have leftover stuffing, you can add it to the filling or crumble it on top of the pot pie before baking for a unique twist.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free pie crust or biscuit mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the experience:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pot pie.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness that complements the savory flavors of the pot pie.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra comforting meal, serve the pot pie with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes make a delicious and healthy side dish.
* **Bread:** A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Storing Leftover Pot Pie

If you have any leftover pot pie (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store it:

* **Refrigerator:** Let the pot pie cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, bake the pot pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.

Conclusion

Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a testament to the power of comfort food. It’s a way to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas by transforming leftovers into something truly special. So, the next time you find yourself with a pile of leftover turkey, don’t just make a sandwich – make Dad’s pot pie. You’ll be glad you did!

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and crusts to create your own family favorite. And remember, the most important ingredient is love!

Happy cooking, and happy feasting!