Why You’ll Love This Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
When you take your first bite of this homemade turkey pot pie, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a cherished comfort food.
The warmth of the flaky crust cradles a rich, savory filling that bursts with flavor. Each forkful combines tender turkey and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful harmony that wraps you in nostalgia.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate. The way the aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes makes it even more special.
Trust me, this isn’t just dinner—it’s a moment worth savoring, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
You’ll love it!
Ingredients of Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
When it comes to whipping up a hearty, satisfying dish, few things hit the spot quite like homemade turkey pot pie. The combination of a flaky, buttery crust and that warm, savory filling is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, making it a two-for-one deal.
Let’s plunge into the ingredients you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.
Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1 tablespoon cold butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup potato, diced & peeled
- 1/2 cup carrot, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the filling)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Now that you’ve got your shopping list ready, it’s important to note a few things about these ingredients. First off, feel free to get creative. If you have some leftover vegetables from last night’s dinner, toss them in.
Maybe some green beans or even mushrooms? The beauty of pot pie lies in its versatility. And that cheddar cheese? It’s not mandatory, but trust me—it adds a nice flavor kick that you won’t want to skip.
Finally, remember that while frozen vegetables are a quick and easy option, nothing beats the fresh crunch of veggies. Just keep an eye on cooking times if you decide to go that route.
With your ingredients in hand, you’re already on your way to a delicious dinner. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
Alright, let’s plunge into the fun part—making this delightful homemade turkey pot pie. First up, grab your food processor and toss in 2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cover it up and give it a couple of pulses to blend.
Next, add in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Just imagine how that cheesy goodness is going to melt into the crust. Pulse again until you get fine crumbs, and then it’s time for the fats—2/3 cup of shortening and 1 tablespoon of cold, cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Now, here comes the tricky part: while the processor is still running, gradually add in 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold water until a dough forms. Once that’s done, divide the dough into two balls, with one slightly larger than the other, wrap them in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, let’s get started on the filling. In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and toss in 1 cup of diced and peeled potatoes, 1/2 cup of thinly sliced carrots, 1/3 cup of chopped celery, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, and 1 minced garlic clove.
Sauté these veggies for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing. Then, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, cover it up, and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until those veggies are tender.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 cup of milk until smooth—this will be your thickening agent. Gradually add this mixture to your veggie medley, bring it to a boil, and stir for about 2 minutes until it thickens up beautifully.
Finally, fold in 1 1/2 cups of cubed cooked turkey, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, and 1/2 cup of frozen corn, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of dried tarragon, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes.
Now for the assembly! Roll out your larger pastry ball to fit a 9-inch pie plate, then carefully transfer it into the plate, trimming the edges as needed.
Pour that piping hot turkey filling into the crust and roll out the remaining pastry to cover the top. Trim, seal, and flute those edges like a pro. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top to let the steam escape—nobody wants a soggy pie.
Pop your masterpiece in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes until it’s gloriously golden brown. And just like that, dinner is served.
I recommend plunging in immediately, but be careful—it’s hot. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. Enjoy!
Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Substitutions & Variations
After savoring that delicious homemade turkey pot pie, you might find yourself wanting to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
I love swapping turkey for leftover chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. You can easily replace the veggies too; try adding bell peppers or green beans for a fresh crunch.
If you’re in the mood for something zesty, a touch of shredded jalapeño or a sprinkle of cumin works wonders.
For the crust, consider using puff pastry or even biscuit dough for a unique texture.
The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
What should you serve alongside your homemade turkey pot pie to create a well-rounded meal? I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The crisp greens and vibrant veggies complement the rich filling perfectly.
You might also consider some roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, for added flavor and nutrition. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of creamy mashed potatoes can elevate the comfort factor.
Finally, don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices! These sides balance the meal and keep everyone coming back for more.
Additional Tips & Notes
While making your homemade turkey pot pie, keep a few additional tips in mind to enhance your dish.
First, for a flakier crust, make sure your ingredients are cold. I often chill my mixing bowl too!
If you want a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling.
Don’t skip the slits in the top crust; they allow steam to escape and prevent a soggy pie.
Finally, I recommend letting it rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes serving much easier.
Enjoy your delicious creation!