As much as I love turkey dinner, I think I might love the leftovers even more!
A flaky pie crust encases a creamy filling brimming with turkey and vegetables, which is baked until golden and bubbly. Turkey Pot Pie is the ideal way to enjoy leftover roast turkey!
Nothing beats turkey Tetrazzini, turkey broccoli rice casserole, and of course, this pot pie recipe made with leftover turkey!
Ah, the turkey pot pie. A warm, comforting dish that evokes memories of cozy nights and family gatherings. But what happens when you have leftovers? Or, better yet, what if you want to make a pot pie in advance and freeze it for later?
Fear not, fellow pie enthusiasts! The answer is a resounding YES, you can absolutely freeze a turkey pot pie. In fact, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious dish whenever the craving strikes, without the hassle of prepping and cooking from scratch.
But before you toss that pot pie in the freezer there are a few things you need to know:
Freezing Freshly Made Pot Pie:
- Cool it down: Let your freshly baked pot pie cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This will prevent the filling from becoming soggy and the crust from getting mushy.
- Wrap it up tight: Once cooled, wrap the pot pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will protect the pie from freezer burn and ensure it stays fresh.
- Label and date: Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents, so you know exactly what it is and when you made it.
- Freeze it flat: Place the wrapped pie in the freezer on a flat surface. This will help it freeze evenly and prevent the crust from getting crushed.
Freezing Unbaked Pot Pie:
- Assemble the pie: Prepare the filling and crust according to your recipe. Assemble the pie in your desired baking dish, but do not bake it.
- Cool it down: Place the unbaked pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm.
- Wrap it up tight: Follow the same wrapping instructions as for a baked pot pie.
- Label and date: Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents.
- Freeze it flat: Place the wrapped pie in the freezer on a flat surface.
Thawing and Reheating:
Baked Pot Pie:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: For best results, thaw the frozen pot pie in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the filling to thaw evenly and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Reheat in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the thawed pot pie on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is golden brown.
Unbaked Pot Pie:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: Thaw the frozen pot pie in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the thawed pot pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Pro Tips for Freezing Turkey Pot Pie:
- Use freezer-safe pie crust: If you’re making your own crust, use a recipe that is specifically designed for freezing.
- Don’t overfill the pie: Leave some space between the filling and the top of the crust to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Vent the pie: Before freezing, cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months: For best quality, freeze your turkey pot pie for no longer than 3 months.
Now that you know how to freeze a turkey pot pie, you can enjoy this comforting dish whenever you want! Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or simply want to have a delicious meal on hand for unexpected guests, freezing a turkey pot pie is a convenient and delicious solution. So go ahead, indulge in this classic comfort food and savor the flavors of home, even when you’re short on time.
How to Make Turkey Pot Pie
For this recipe, the filling is similar to a chicken pot pie. I love to use leftover turkey, leftover veggies, and a pre-made pie crust. It takes almost all of the prep work out of this recipe!.
- Cook onions until tender. To make a roux, combine flour and milk (see the recipe below).
- Toss sauce with turkey and veggies. Fill a pie crust.
- Using a fork, “crimp” the edges all around, add the top crust, pinch the edges to seal the pot pie, and cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape. By doing this, you can keep the pot pie from baking with its edges popping.
Ingredients in Turkey Pot Pie
I usually combine veggies, savory spices, turkey, and creamy sauce, all baked into a flaky pie crust. Be kind to yourself and know that almost anything can be baked into this pot pie!
Got peas? Got carrots, leftover roast vegetables, or potatoes? It all goes perfectly in a pot pie!
Freezer Friendly Turkey Pot Pie
Can Turkey Pot Pie be frozen?
Definitely! Turkey pot pie can be frozen either before or after baking. Prepare as directed and cool completely. Cover tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To bake from frozen : Preheat oven to 375°F and unwrap pie. Bake for about 80-90 minutes or until golden and the filling is bubbly.
Can you freeze Turkey pie crust?
Stir in turkey and peas; divide mixture among 4 ungreased 5-in. pie plates. Unroll crust; cut into quarters. On a work surface, reroll 1 quarter into an 6-in. circle; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edge; cut slits in top. Repeat with remaining crust and potpies. Cover and freeze 2 potpies for up to 3 months.
How do you cook a frozen turkey pot pie?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush the crust with an egg wash. Pop the frozen pot pie in the oven, on a baking sheet to catch spills, and bake for 80-90 minutes until it is golden and bubbling. If the crust is getting too dark simply tent some foil over top for the remaining cooking time. Turkey Pot Pie can absolutely be served by itself!
How do you make leftover Turkey Pot Pie?
You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this leftover turkey pot pie: 1. Cook the frozen vegetables and celery. 2. Saute the onions in butter, then whisk in the flour and seasonings. 3. Whisk in the broth and milk to thicken the sauce. 4.