Name: Turkey Dinner Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1/2 cup cooked potatoes, diced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup turkey or chicken gravy; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Table of Contents: Turkey Dinner Pie

Turkey Dinner Pie

TURKEY DINNER PIE: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Leftover Magic!

Remember those glorious holiday meals, brimming with delicious turkey and all the fixings? What if you could recapture that cozy feeling, that heartwarming flavor, without spending all day in the kitchen? This Turkey Dinner Pie recipe is your answer! It’s a brilliant way to transform your leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas feast into a spectacularly satisfying and surprisingly easy meal. Forget slaving over multiple dishes – we’re putting the entire dinner inside a pie!

This isn’t just any pot pie; it’s a celebration of everything you love about a traditional turkey dinner. We’re talking tender turkey, flavorful stuffing, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy, all enveloped in a flaky, golden-brown crust. It’s the ultimate leftover turkey pie, a comforting hug in food form, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up holiday leftovers, or simply craving a hearty savory turkey pot pie on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers.

This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights in, a relaxed family dinner, or even a potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize flavor, turning a potential post-holiday chore into a delightful culinary experience.

Alternate Names & Variations

This delightful dish goes by many names! You might also find recipes called “Turkey Tetrazzini Pie,” “Thanksgiving Leftover Pie,” or simply “Holiday Dinner Pie.” Some variations include adding different vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the filling. For a truly decadent twist, consider adding a layer of brie or cheddar cheese under the mashed potato topping. If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken can be substituted for the leftover turkey, though the flavor won’t be quite the same as using those cherished holiday remnants.

Ingredients: Turkey Dinner Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of comfort food:

Hot Water Pastry:

* 4 cups (480g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
* 1 teaspoon table salt
* 1 cup (227g) water
* 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, beef suet, or lard

Leftovers for Filling:

* 1 1/4 cups (313g) stuffing (your favorite recipe!)
* 1 cup (227g) squash or mixed vegetables (leftover roasted or steamed works great)

* 4 cups (475g) turkey, cut into 1” pieces (dark and white meat are both delicious)
* 1 cup (245g) turkey gravy (homemade or good quality store-bought)
* 1 cup (230g) mashed potatoes (creamy and well-seasoned)
* 1 1/4 cups (325g) whole-berry cranberry sauce

Egg Wash:

* 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Hot Water Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter (or suet/lard) using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the hot water, mixing until a dough forms. Chef’s Tip: The water needs to be hot, but not boiling, to properly activate the gluten in the flour.
2. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
3. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.

4. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the pastry to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang.
5. Layer the Filling: Start with a layer of stuffing (about half of it) spread evenly across the bottom of the pie crust. Next, add the chopped turkey, followed by the squash or vegetables. Pour the turkey gravy over the turkey and vegetables, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
6. Add the Sweetness: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the gravy layer, distributing it evenly. Top with the remaining stuffing.

7. Potato Topping: Gently spread the mashed potatoes over the stuffing layer. Chef’s Tip: For a beautiful golden-brown finish, create swirls or peaks in the mashed potatoes with a fork.
8. Cover & Crimp: Roll out the remaining pastry to a 10-inch circle. Place it over the mashed potato layer. Trim the excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
9. Egg Wash & Bake: Brush the top crust with the egg wash. This will give it a lovely shine and golden color. How long to bake turkey dinner pie? Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Chef’s Tip: If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

10. Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Approximate Calories: 650-750 per serving (depending on ingredients used)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Turkey Dinner Pie isn’t just about throwing leftovers together; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The hot water pastry provides a sturdy yet flaky base, while the layering technique ensures that each component of the dinner is represented in every bite. The gravy acts as a binder, keeping the filling moist and flavorful.

The key to success is using well-seasoned leftovers. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of extra herbs or spices to the gravy or mashed potatoes if they seem a little bland. This recipe is truly easy comfort food for family dinners and a fantastic way to extend the joy of a special meal. It’s also incredibly adaptable – feel free to swap out vegetables or add a different sauce to suit your preferences.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover Turkey Dinner Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing: This pie freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire unbaked pie, or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Chef’s Tip: For best results, freeze the pie before baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating: To reheat a whole pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion: Turkey Dinner Pie

So there you have it – a truly magical way to transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting and delicious Turkey Dinner Pie! Don’t let those precious remnants go to waste. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a family favorite. I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments below, and let me know how your pie turned out. Happy baking!