Mashed Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie: Comfort Food Reinvented
Are you craving the ultimate comfort food experience? Look no further! This Mashed Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie recipe takes the classic pot pie to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, flavorful turkey filling, nestled beneath a fluffy cloud of golden-brown mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or simply whenever you need a warm hug from your dinner plate.
This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Say goodbye to boring turkey sandwiches and hello to a creative and comforting culinary creation!
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** The combination of creamy turkey filling and fluffy mashed potatoes is pure comfort food heaven.
* **Leftover Turkey Savior:** This recipe transforms leftover turkey into a brand new, exciting meal.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
* **Relatively Easy to Make:** While it may seem impressive, this pot pie is surprisingly simple to prepare.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends of all ages.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Turkey Filling:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
* 1 cup milk or heavy cream (for extra richness)
* 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
**For the Mashed Potato Topping:**
* 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Potato masher or electric mixer
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of creating this delicious Mashed Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie. Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
**Part 1: Preparing the Turkey Filling**
1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add the Herbs:** Stir in the dried thyme, sage, and rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant. These herbs infuse the vegetables and the entire dish with a wonderful savory aroma.
3. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
4. **Whisk in the Broth and Milk:** Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream) until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
6. **Add the Turkey and Vegetables:** Stir in the cooked turkey, frozen peas, and frozen corn. If using mushrooms, add them at the beginning with the other vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings to your preference. You may want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
7. **Simmer Again:** Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat the turkey and vegetables through. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
**Part 2: Preparing the Mashed Potato Topping**
1. **Boil the Potatoes:** Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
2. **Drain the Potatoes:** Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
3. **Mash the Potatoes:** Add the milk (or heavy cream), butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. If using sour cream or cream cheese, add it now for extra richness. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in as well. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
**Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Pot Pie**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Pour in the Filling:** Pour the turkey filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. **Top with Mashed Potatoes:** Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the turkey filling, creating a smooth and consistent layer. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative finish.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the pot pie to prevent the mashed potatoes from burning.
5. **Let it Rest:** Let the pot pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Pot Pie
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Opt for fresh vegetables, good-quality turkey or chicken broth, and real butter.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become gummy. Cook them until they are just tender enough to pierce with a fork.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season both the filling and the mashed potatoes generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar can brighten up the flavors of the filling.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can prepare the turkey filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the pot pie and bake as directed. This is great for meal prepping or entertaining.
* **Broil for Extra Browning:** For an extra golden-brown mashed potato topping, broil the pot pie for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, green beans, or carrots. Get creative and use what you have on hand.
* **Add Cheese:** A sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, on top of the mashed potatoes before baking can add extra flavor and richness.
* **Make Individual Pot Pies:** For a fun and elegant presentation, divide the filling into individual ramekins and top with mashed potatoes. Bake until golden brown.
* **Freeze for Later:** This pot pie can be frozen for later enjoyment. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
## Variations and Customizations
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chicken Pot Pie:** Substitute the turkey with cooked chicken for a classic chicken pot pie.
* **Vegetarian Pot Pie:** Omit the turkey and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth.
* **Sweet Potato Topping:** Replace the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more vibrant topping.
* **Cauliflower Mash Topping:** For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes. Roast the cauliflower until tender, then mash it with milk, butter, and seasonings.
* **Biscuit Topping:** If you prefer a flaky crust, top the filling with refrigerated biscuit dough instead of mashed potatoes.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the filling.
* **Spicy Pot Pie:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
## Serving Suggestions
This Mashed Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dining experience:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pot pie.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed green beans or broccoli are a healthy and flavorful addition.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness.
* **Gravy:** If you have extra gravy from your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, drizzle it over the pot pie for added richness and flavor.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
*Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
## Making it Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the turkey or chicken broth is also gluten-free.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in intervals until warm. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to prevent it from drying out.
## Conclusion
This Mashed Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie is a truly special dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s comforting, flavorful, and a great way to use up leftover turkey. With its creamy filling and fluffy mashed potato topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm your heart and soul.
Enjoy!