Turkey pot pie with biscuits is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for repurposing leftover turkey or just creating a cozy, hearty meal. This recipe combines creamy turkey filling with tender, flaky biscuits, offering a warm, savory treat the whole family will love.
Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving leftovers or simply craving a hearty dinner, this dish will become a go-to comfort food. Let’s dive into this easy, step-by-step guide on how to make turkey pot pie with biscuits.
Introduction: Why Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits?
Turkey pot pie with biscuits is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods: turkey pot pie and fluffy biscuits. The creamy turkey filling packed with vegetables is the heart of the dish, and the biscuits, placed atop the filling, bake up golden brown and flaky, adding a delightful texture contrast.
This dish is especially popular during the colder months or after holiday meals like Thanksgiving, where there are often plenty of turkey leftovers. But even if you’re making it from scratch, this recipe is simple and satisfying enough to make any night special.
Ingredients Needed for Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious turkey pot pie with biscuits:
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or turkey broth if available)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to preparing your Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits:
Preparing the Filling
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Garlic:
- Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Make the Roux (Thickening Mixture):
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce and give the filling a creamy texture. Cook for about 1 minute, ensuring the flour is well incorporated.
- Add the Broth and Milk:
- Gradually pour in chicken broth (or turkey broth if available) while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Next, add the milk and continue stirring. Let the mixture cook for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens and reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add the Turkey and Peas:
- Stir in the shredded cooked turkey and frozen peas. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (optional). Simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Pot Pie
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should remain in small chunks to create flaky biscuits.
- Add the Milk:
- Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits dense instead of fluffy.
Assembling and Baking the Pot Pie
- Assemble the Pot Pie:
- Pour the turkey and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon the biscuit dough in dollops over the top of the filling, making sure it covers the surface as much as possible.
- Bake the Pot Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Finishing Touches
- Cool and Serve:
- After baking, remove the pot pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) for a pop of color and added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade turkey pot pie with biscuits! This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and leftovers (if any!) can be enjoyed the next day.
Tips for the Best Turkey Pot Pie
To make your Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits truly exceptional, here are some expert tips to ensure it’s flavorful, comforting, and perfectly cooked every time:
1. Use Leftover Turkey for Extra Flavor
If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey or any other cooked turkey, it’s a great idea to repurpose it for this recipe. Shredded or chopped turkey adds rich flavor to the filling and helps you save time. You can also use turkey from a roast or any store-bought cooked turkey. The more flavorful the turkey, the better your pot pie will taste.
2. Make the Biscuit Topping Extra Flaky
For flaky biscuits, it’s crucial to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. The cold butter helps create pockets of steam while baking, which results in a flaky texture. Here’s how to ensure your biscuit topping is light and flaky:
- Use chilled butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and refrigerate it before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Stir until just combined. Overworking the dough can result in dense biscuits.
3. Add Extra Veggies for More Flavor and Nutrition
While the recipe calls for carrots, celery, and peas, feel free to add other vegetables that you love. Mushrooms, green beans, or corn can be great additions. These vegetables add more color, flavor, and texture to the filling. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for an even distribution throughout the pie.
4. Season Well for Depth of Flavor
Seasoning is key to making your turkey pot pie rich and flavorful. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper; they are essential in bringing out the flavors of the filling. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to elevate the taste. For a more savory kick, consider adding a little fresh thyme or rosemary—herbs that pair wonderfully with turkey and vegetables.
5. Choose the Right Cheese for Extra Creaminess
While not essential, adding a bit of cheese to the filling can make it even more comforting. Cheddar cheese, parmesan, or cream cheese are great options. Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or sprinkle some parmesan on top of the biscuits just before baking for extra richness.
6. Make the Filling Ahead of Time
To save time, you can prepare the turkey filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, creating a deeper taste. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the biscuit topping and follow the baking instructions. This is perfect for busy weeknights or if you’re meal prepping.
7. Bake the Biscuits to Golden Perfection
To ensure the biscuits bake perfectly, make sure they are evenly distributed across the top of the filling. If the biscuit dough is too thick in some areas, it may not cook through completely. If needed, use a spoon to evenly spread the dough. Also, make sure the biscuits are golden brown on top for the best texture and flavor.
8. Let the Pot Pie Rest Before Serving
After baking, it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the pot pie rest for about 5-10 minutes will allow the filling to set, making it easier to serve and preventing a runny filling. The biscuit topping will also maintain its crispy texture, ensuring every bite is perfect.
9. Customize with Herbs and Spices
For a personalized touch, experiment with different herbs and spices. A sprinkle of dried sage, parsley, or Italian seasoning can give your turkey pot pie a unique flavor profile. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some spice.
10. Consider a Different Topping Option
While the biscuit topping is classic, you can also experiment with different toppings:
- Puff pastry: For a more elegant version, replace the biscuit topping with a layer of puff pastry. Just roll it out and place it on top of the filling before baking.
- Mashed potatoes: For a twist, you can use creamy mashed potatoes as the topping instead of biscuits. It adds a velvety texture that pairs well with the savory filling.
Looking to explore more recipes? Don’t miss our pickle pie pizza!
Bonus Tip: Use a Casserole Dish or Dutch Oven
For an evenly baked turkey pot pie, use a casserole dish or a Dutch oven. These dishes retain heat well, allowing for even cooking and a golden-brown topping. If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, feel free to use a round or square baking dish of similar size.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the turkey pot pie with biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat the entire pot pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the biscuits are crispy again.
FAQ: Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can absolutely use leftover chicken in place of turkey. The recipe works well with either poultry, and leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute for turkey in this dish. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the filling.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The turkey filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the pie, just top it with the biscuit dough and bake as directed. This is a great option if you want to prepare ahead for a busy weeknight or special occasion.
3. Can I freeze the pot pie for later?
Yes, Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits freezes well. To freeze, fully assemble the pot pie (including the biscuit topping), but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. It might need a few extra minutes of baking time.
4. Can I substitute the biscuits with a different topping?
Absolutely! While biscuits are the classic topping, you can use puff pastry, mashed potatoes, or even pie crust as an alternative. If using puff pastry or pie crust, make sure to bake it until golden brown and cooked through. The texture and flavor will vary, but each option will still complement the filling beautifully.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk) for the regular milk in the recipe. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened, unflavored variety to avoid altering the taste. The recipe will still turn out creamy, but may have a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Turkey pot pie with biscuits is a comforting and filling meal that combines all the best elements of home-cooked food. The creamy turkey filling, the tender vegetables, and the buttery biscuit topping come together to create a dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or repurposing holiday leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish will definitely become a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and enjoy the warmth and coziness it brings to the table!