This easy leftover turkey pie uses all the ingredients you will have left over after an epic Christmas dinner. Don’t let your leftover turkey go to waste! Give your leftovers a mouthwatering makeover by creating an irresistible pie that will make you forget the original meal. Christmas dinner in a tasty pie including roast turkey, a mixture of cooked vegetables, gravy and a bit of cream.
Don’t let your leftover turkey go to waste this Thanksgiving and Christmas. Unlock its hidden potential with this irresistible turkey pie recipe. From crispy golden crust to melt-in-your-mouth filling, you will want more than one slice.
Introducing my irresistible creamy leftover turkey pie. A mouthwatering creation that unlocks the hidden potential of your leftover turkey by creating a pie that captures the spirit of Christmas dinner.
Make the most of your leftover turkey, cooked vegetables and elevate the pie flavours with gravy and cream. Enjoy this delicious twist on traditional Christmas dinner long after the holiday festivities have ended. Don’t let your turkey go to waste and dive into the world of leftover turkey pie with puff pastry top.
Why you’ll love this leftover turkey pie recipe
I love how it breathes new life into any leftover turkey. Rather than simply reheating slices of dry turkey on Boxing Day, this recipe combines it with a medley of other ingredients, elevating it to a whole new level.
It looks incredible and tastes delicious. The golden crust, perfectly browned and crisp, hides a savoury filling bursting with tender turkey, vegetables, and a heavenly blend of gravy and flavour.
Your guests won’t believe that such a masterpiece was born from the remnants of Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas roast.
In addition to its deliciousness and wow factor, this turkey pie with puff pastry recipe is incredibly easy to make. You can effortlessly put together a pie that will rival even the most elaborate dishes.
A Pie that Captures the Spirit of Christmas Dinner
This leftover turkey pie is the perfect way to use leftover turkey. It’s a delicious dish that captures the spirit of Christmas dinner.
Christmas dinner is a time-honoured tradition filled with warmth, love, and indulgence. It’s a feast that brings families together, creating memories that last a lifetime. And I believe that this recipe captures that spirit in a pie.
Boxing Day Pie
Just like the centrepiece turkey on your Christmas table, your leftover turkey pie should be a showstopper. Consider adding decorative pastry shapes on top, creating a festive scene with Christmas trees, snowflakes, or even reindeer.
These artistic touches not only elevate the visual appeal of your pie but also bring that extra touch of holiday magic to the table. Plus it is fun for little and big kids.
Making the Most of Your Cooked Vegetables for a leftover turkey pie
Don’t let those leftover vegetables go to waste. Instead, chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them into your turkey pie filling.
Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips intertwining with the tender turkey filling, creates a truly satisfying and wholesome Christmas dinner experience in every bite.
Incorporating a medley of flavours and textures from your leftover vegetables can elevate your pie to a whole new level of deliciousness.
leftover turkey pie Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Leftover Turkey
After indulging in a hearty Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, it’s exciting to think about the creative ways to transform the remaining turkey into delicious dishes. Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from sandwiches and salads to casseroles and soups.
Leftover Roasted Vegetables
Don’t overlook the hidden potential of those roasted vegetables sitting in your fridge. They can be transformed into mouthwatering dishes that will have everyone coming back for more.
You can use a combination of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and onions, or any other roasted vegetables you have on hand for this leftover turkey pot pie.
Gravy
The magic of this pie, lies in the gravy. It brings richness and depth to the leftover turkey pie with puff pastry and helps you use up any leftover gravy too. The velvety texture of the gravy blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a satisfying bite with every forkful.
If you don’t have any gravy leftover, then simply make up a batch of fresh gravy to use.
Cream
An optional extra is to add a splash of cream to take your pie to the next level. Whether you opt for double cream (heavy cream), single cream, or even a dollop of crème fraîche, the addition of cream adds a luxurious and velvety quality to the filling.
The combination of the rich gravy and creamy goodness enhances the flavours of the turkey and vegetables. It creates a harmonious balance that elevates the overall taste of the creamy turkey pie recipe.
Puff Pastry
The crowning glory of your leftover turkey pie has to be the golden, flaky puff pastry crust. With its countless layers of buttery, flaky goodness, a perfectly baked puff pastry crust adds a luxurious texture and a stunning visual appeal to any dish.
You can have the pastry just as a topping to make it a pot pie which is the best idea if the filling is hot. If you allow it to cool you can add a pastry base to the pie as well.
How to make leftover turkey pie – step by step
Keep scrolling to the bottom of the page to find the full printable instructions and ingredient quantities.
Heat the olive oil in deep frying pan over a medium/low heat. Add the chopped onions and chopped bacon. Allow them to soften but not brown.
Chop up any vegetables that are bigger than bitesize.
Once the bacon is cooked add the leftover (or freshly cooked) vegetables.
Once the vegetables are in stir in the leftover turkey.
When the turkey is warm, add the gravy and bring it up to a simmer.
Add the double cream and season with salt and pepper.
Add the pie filling to the pie dish and leave about 1cm at the top.
Roll out the pastry and drape it over the pie dish. Trim off any excess and crimp the edges.
Brush a beaten egg over the pastry and cook straight away.
When it’s bubbling nicely remove from the heat and add it to the pie dish. Leaving about 1cm from the top.
Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Top Tips
It’s important to properly store your leftover turkey. Once the festivities have ended, carve any remaining turkey meat off the bones and place it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent it from drying out, ensuring the juiciest and most flavorful meat for your pie.
While the classic combination of turkey, vegetables, and gravy is always a winner, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and additional ingredients. Consider adding herbs like thyme or sage for an extra layer of flavour.
Be generous with your seasoning. A little extra salt, pepper, and herbs can go a long way in enhancing the taste of the turkey and vegetables.
Think about the presentation. A beautifully decorated Christmas leftover pie is not only visually appealing but also adds to the overall experience. Consider using cut-out shapes from the extra pie crust to create intricate designs on top of the pie or simply brush the pastry with an egg wash for a golden and glossy finish.
How to use up Christmas dinner leftovers
Don’t let your festive bounty go to waste. Turkey pie not only adds a delicious twist to the classic dish, but it also helps reduce food waste and maximize the flavours of your Christmas dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the Christmas leftover pie alongside a fresh green salad or a medley of more roasted vegetables to add some vibrant colours and textures to the plate. A fresh salad or would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
If you want to embrace the comforting essence of the pie, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy serving of cauliflower puree.
For those looking for a more adventurous twist, consider serving the pie with a tangy cranberry sauce or a zesty citrus salsa. The tartness of the cranberry sauce or the brightness of the citrus salsa will provide an irresistible burst of flavour.
Once your pie is beautifully baked and ready to be served, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Equipment
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- Frying Pan
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Pie Dish(approx 20cm)
- Silicone spoon
Substitutions and variations for a leftover turkey pie
Vegetable Medley
Add some extra veggies to your pie filling for a burst of colour and flavour. Consider sautéing a mix of bell peppers, zucchini / courgette , and carrots before mixing them into the turkey and gravy mixture. This addition not only adds nutritional value to your dish but also gives it a fresh, vibrant taste.
Cheesy Delight
Take your leftover turkey pie to the next level by incorporating different types of cheese. Add a generous amount of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even a creamy brie on top of the filling before adding the pie crust. As the pie bakes, the cheese will melt and create a gooey layer.
Spices
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add a touch of winter wonderland to your pie filling.
Add a little Luxury
For an extra burst of indulgence, consider incorporating cranberries, chestnuts, or even a splash of brandy. These additions provide a nod to the classic flavors of Christmas and will have your guests continuing the holiday season with every delicious bite.
Spicy Kick
If you like bold flavours, consider adding some heat to your turkey pie. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different spices like cumin, paprika, or chilli powder.
A fresh herb Twist
Fresh herbs can bring a burst of freshness and aroma to your leftover turkey pie. Consider adding a handful of chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the filling mixture.
Sweet and Tangy
For those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savoury flavours, adding a hint of sweetness to your pie can be a game-changer. Incorporate a handful of dried cranberries or even sliced apples into the filling to create a harmonious blend of flavours. The tartness of the fruit will complement the turkey.
Using leftover gravy or freshly made gravy
Using leftover gravy in your turkey pie not only adds a delicious twist to the classic dish, but it also helps reduce food waste and maximize the flavours of your Christmas leftover pie. We all know that feeling of having too much food leftover after a festive feast!
If you don’t have any leftover gravy then you can make up a new batch to use for the pie. Making your own gravy allows you to have complete control over the flavours and seasoning in your pie.
Storing leftover turkey pie / Making ahead of time options
Let the pie cool completely before you store it. This will prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the storage container, which could make the crust soggy. Once it has cooled, carefully cover the pie with a layer of plastic wrap or in an air tight container.
Freezing for later
When it comes to storing your leftover turkey pie, the freezer is your best friend. By freezing it, you can extend its shelf life and have a delicious meal waiting for you whenever you’re in the mood.
Simply place the wrapped pie in the freezer in a freezer safe container, making sure it won’t get squashed.
How to defrost a turkey pie
Once you’re ready to indulge in your frozen homemade turkey pie, the best way to thaw it is by transferring it to the fridge the night before. To reheat put the pie in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
leftover turkey pie FAQS
Top Questions
What is a pot pie in the UK?
What to do with turkey after cooking?
How long is leftover turkey good in the fridge?
How long does turkey pie last?
What can you do with leftover roasted vegetables?
What is a pot pie in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, a pot pie is a beloved comfort food that dates back centuries. It is a savoury dish made with a rich, flaky pastry crust that encases a hearty filling of meat, vegetables, and gravy. Traditional fillings for pot pies in the UK include beef, chicken, lamb, and of course, turkey.
Normally a pot pie only has a pastry crust on the top of the pie.
What to do with turkey after cooking?
Leftover turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy meals or something a bit more gourmet, there are plenty of options to put your leftover turkey to good use.
One simple and tasty idea is to make turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey soup or stew. You could even turn your leftover turkey into a stir-fry or curry. Plus of course make this delicious Christmas leftover pie.
How long is leftover turkey good in the fridge?
Leftover turkey can last up to four days in the fridge. This means that you have a few days to enjoy the mouthwatering flavours of your leftover turkey creations before it’s time to bid farewell to any pieces left.
How long does turkey pie last?
If you’ve freshly homemade your pie with leftover turkey, it will generally stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days.
What can you do with leftover roasted vegetables?
The best thing to do with leftover roasted vegetables is make a Christmas leftover pie. Roasted vegetables are incredibly versatile, and their rich, earthy flavours can add depth to a variety of dishes. One idea is to incorporate them into a hearty soup, salad or stew.
More Leftover Christmas Dinner Recipes you might like
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Recipe
Easy Leftover Turkey Pie
Equipment
- Pie Dish (approx 20cm)
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- olive oil
- 1 Onion
- 2 Bacon rashers
- 350 g (12 oz) Leftover vegetables (I used Brussels sprouts and carrots but you can use anything you like)
- 500 g (18 oz) Leftover turkey
- 4 tbsp double cream / heavy cream (you could use any cream you have leftover like single cream or even creme fraiche)
- 400 ml chicken gravy (I used our leftover gravy but you can also use turkey gravy)
Pie Top
- 1 sheet Puff pastry
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Remove the puff pastry from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 220ºC / 428ºF.
- Heat the olive oil in deep frying pan over a medium/low heat. Add the chopped onions and chopped bacon. Allow them to soften but not brown.
- Once the bacon is cooked add the leftover (or freshly cooked) vegetables.
- Once the vegetables are in and warm, chop the leftover turkey and it to the pan.
- Add the gravy, cream and season with salt and pepper.
- When it's bubbling nicely remove from the heat and add it to the pie dish. Leaving about 1cm from the top.
- Roll out the pastry and drape it over the pie dish.
- Trim off any excess and crimp the edges.
- Brush a beaten egg over the pastry and cook straight away.
- Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Making the pie filling in advance
- Once you've made the filling you can allow the filling to cool, store it in the fridge and make the pie later or even freeze it for another meal.
- If the filling is cold you can add the puff pastry to the bottom of the pie dish first as the heat will not melt the puff pastry before it cooks.
Notes
- The pie filling can be made in advance and chilled or frozen.
- You can use leftover cooked vegetables or cook fresh to add to the pie filling.
- Gravy made stock is best but bisto chicken gravy works just as well.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
This is a great recipe for using up leftover turkey, but I’ve also used it with chicken. Full of flavour and nothing goes to waste.
Incredible! This is comfort food at its best! Definitely saving this for all of leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
What a pretty pie and a fantastic way to use leftover turkey. I love that it’s easy to throw together and it’s something the whole family will enjoy.
I love recipes that use leftover turkey! I always have so much of it after Thanksgiving, so I am definitely going to give this a try. Thank you so much for this recipe 🙂
Always looking for more ways to use leftover turkey this time of year! This looks like a delicious pie!
Love this Easy Leftover Turkey Pie recipe, will come in handy for the holidays, especially with lots of leftovers. Definitely will make it. We usually make tortas like sandwiches. But is good to know another recipe. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I cheated and made this with leftover chicken and vegetables from this week’s roast and it was so delicious! I love making the most of leftovers and this recipe definitely did that. I can’t wait to make it again with leftover turkey at Christmas.
What a fabulous pie! I love all the vegetables in with the turkey and such a lovely rich sauce.
Love this, the touch of cream is a genius touch!