I absolutely love this Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’ve got leftover turkey or want to turn a simple weeknight dinner into something special, this pot pie fills the house with the most inviting aromas and offers a flaky, buttery crust encasing a rich, creamy filling. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone linger at the table just a little longer.

When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my go-to for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, but honestly, it’s fantastic any time of year. You’ll find that making it from scratch isn’t as intimidating as it seems—all the parts come together pretty easily, and the result is so worth the effort. Plus, you can customize it with whatever veggies or herbs you love, so it’s a winner every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort Food Classic: The flaky crust and creamy turkey filling make it irresistibly cozy.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Great way to transform extra turkey and veggies into a new meal.
  • Customizable & Versatile: Swap veggies, use cream or milk, or add herbs to suit your taste.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead or frozen, making it super convenient.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully for a rich, hearty filling with a flaky crust. Just a little prep, and you’ll be amazed at how elegant and satisfying this Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe turns out.

  • Egg: Used for the egg wash, it helps create that gorgeous golden crust you’ll love.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the filling and helps cook the onions perfectly.
  • Onion: Diced and sautéed, it brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
  • All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce so it’s creamy, not runny.
  • Poultry seasoning: Gives that classic turkey pie flavor with a hint of sage and rosemary.
  • Dried thyme leaves: Adds an earthy, fragrant note.
  • Chicken broth: Provides savory liquid that blends the flavors perfectly.
  • Milk or cream: Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and rich.
  • Potato: Diced and cooked, it bulks up the filling so it’s extra hearty.
  • Frozen vegetables: Thawed carrots, peas, and corn—feel free to swap with fresh or leftover veggies.
  • Cooked chopped turkey: The star of the dish! Leftovers work great here.
  • Double pie crust: For that crisp, buttery casing around your delicious filling.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak things to suit your mood or pantry. You can make it more indulgent, keep it light, or even sneak in extra veggies depending on what you’ve got on hand.

  • Swap the protein: I’ve made this with chicken and even ham when turkey isn’t around—it’s just as delicious.
  • Vegetable mix: Sometimes I use fresh green beans and mushrooms instead of frozen veggies for a bit of variety.
  • Dairy choice: Using cream instead of milk gives it a richer sauce, perfect for celebrating special occasions.
  • Herbs and spices: Adding fresh parsley or a pinch of nutmeg can really elevate the flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust and Egg Wash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water—this egg wash will give your crust that beautiful golden shine. Set this aside because you’ll be brushing it over the crust later, and trust me, it makes a huge difference in how your pot pie looks when it’s done.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add your diced onion. Cook gently until the onions turn translucent and tender, about 5 minutes—that’s when their natural sweetness really comes out. Next, sprinkle in the flour, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This step thickens the sauce and builds the flavor base.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Bring to a Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk a little at a time, stirring after each addition. The mixture will thicken up pretty fast but don’t worry—it’ll smooth out as you keep mixing. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce it to a gentle simmer for about 1 minute. This cooking step is key to having that creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every bite.

Step 4: Stir in Turkey, Vegetables, and Potatoes

Take the saucepan off the heat and fold in your chopped cooked turkey, thawed frozen veggies, and cooked diced potatoes. Make sure everything is well combined but don’t overmix—you want pockets of chunks that shine through the creamy sauce. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Roll out one pie crust into a 9″ pie plate, pressing gently to fit. Spoon your hearty turkey filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Brush the edges of the crust with your egg wash to help seal the top crust. Place the second crust over the filling, pinch edges together tightly to seal, and cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Finish by brushing the egg wash all over the top crust for that perfect, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the pie at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and you see bubbling filling peek through the vents. If the crust starts to brown too fast, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning. Once baked, let it cool on the counter for at least 10–15 minutes before cutting—this helps the filling to set and keeps everything from slipping out when you slice.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

  • Use Leftover Turkey Wisely: I love using turkey that’s a day or two old since it’s easier to chop and has developed flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with egg wash is my go-to trick for getting that golden, bakery-quality finish.
  • Thicken Gradually: Adding broth and milk slowly prevents lumps and ensures your filling is perfectly smooth.
  • Vent the Top Crust: Cutting slits in the crust helps steam escape so your pie won’t get soggy inside.

How to Serve Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

A slice of golden brown pie with a flaky crust sits on a white plate decorated with blue flowers and fruit patterns, showing a thick filling of light beige filling mingled with small pieces of orange carrots and corn, topped by a slightly puffed crust. Above, half a pie with a similar crust rests in a white pie dish with small round bumps along its edge, the pie surface scored with slits. To the right, a clear glass filled with a pale drink sits on a white marbled surface alongside two cream-colored roses, while a gold fork lies next to the pie slice on a pale pink cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving to add a pop of color and bright flavor. Sometimes a little flaky sea salt on top of the crust adds that satisfying crunch. These small touches make it feel like you’re enjoying something truly special.

Side Dishes

Since this pot pie is a meal in itself, I usually keep sides simple—maybe a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts. Mashed potatoes or a buttery dinner roll can also round out the plate nicely if you want a bit more comfort food on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when I want to impress guests, I make individual mini pot pies using ramekins or muffin tins—everyone loves getting their own personal pie. You can also use decorative crust cutters for the top layer to add fun shapes that make the presentation extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pot pie covered tightly in the refrigerator, where it keeps nicely for up to 3 days. I find that letting it cool fully before wrapping helps avoid soggy crust. When you’re ready, slice and reheat portions individually for an easy lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe freezes beautifully either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen—just add 15–20 minutes to the bake time and watch for bubbly filling. For baked leftovers, wrap tightly and freeze in portions for a quick weeknight meal.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flakiness, but if you’re in a rush, zap it in short bursts and finish with a quick oven crisp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey in this pot pie?

    Absolutely! This Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe works wonderfully with cooked chicken as well. Simply swap the turkey with the same amount of cooked chicken—leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

  2. Do I have to use a double pie crust?

    A double crust gives you that classic pot pie look with a sealed top and bottom, but you can also make it with just a top crust if you prefer a rustic filling scoop. Just place the crust on top and let the edges bake directly on the pie plate.

  3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

    Yes, fresh veggies work great but should be lightly cooked first until tender-crisp so they don’t release too much water and make the filling runny. Steaming or sautéing is perfect before adding them to the filling.

  4. How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor again.

  5. Can I prepare this pot pie ahead of time?

    You sure can! Assemble the pie and either refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking or freeze it to bake later. Just remember to add some extra baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and practical—a dish that feels special but is straightforward enough for any night of the week. I recommend giving it a try, especially if you want something that warms you up from the inside out while impressing anyone you share it with. Trust me, once you make this pot pie, it’ll be hard to go back to store-bought again!

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Homemade Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 148 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 43 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
  • Yield: 6 slices
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This comforting Turkey Pot Pie recipe features a flaky double crust filled with a creamy mixture of turkey, vegetables, and potatoes, seasoned with poultry herbs for a hearty meal perfect for using up leftovers or enjoying a classic American dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Filling

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup milk or cream
  • 1 potato, diced and cooked
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables, thawed
  • 2 cups cooked chopped turkey

Pie Crust and Topping

  • 1 double pie crust
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon water (mixed with egg for wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and set aside for brushing the crust later.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and cook the diced onion until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Flour and Seasonings: Stir in the all-purpose flour, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
  4. Incorporate Broth and Milk: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, adding a little at a time and stirring continuously. The sauce will start thick and then become smooth as it heats. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently stir in the cooked turkey, thawed vegetables, and cooked diced potatoes until evenly mixed.
  6. Assemble Pie: Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Pour the turkey filling evenly into the crust. Brush the edges of the crust with the egg wash to help seal. Place the second crust on top, pinch the edges together firmly, and cut several slits in the top crust to vent steam. Brush the top crust with the reserved egg wash.
  7. Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving to let the filling set.

Notes

  • Turkey can be replaced with cooked chicken if preferred.
  • Leftover vegetables can substitute frozen vegetables for convenience.
  • If using fresh vegetables, cook them to tender-crisp before adding to the sauce to maintain texture.
  • Potatoes can be cooked quickly in the microwave as a time saver.
  • If the crust browns too quickly during baking, loosely cover the pie with foil to prevent burning.
  • To make ahead: Assemble the pie and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze before baking.
  • If baking from refrigerated, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure heated through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pie)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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