This comforting turkey pot pie with a puff pastry crust is a brilliant way to create a luxurious-feeling meal on a tight budget. Using leftover roasted turkey or a rotisserie chicken and frozen puff pastry turns affordable ingredients into a special, family-sized feast. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, transforming simple ingredients into something truly memorable. I think that’s the real magic of a great homemade turkey pot pie recipe easy puff pastry—it’s not about fancy techniques, but about creating deep, satisfying flavor with what you already have. Whether you’re looking at a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe is your answer. It’s comfort food, made easy, with a golden, flaky top that promises and delivers pure joy.
Table of Contents
Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust
This comforting turkey pot pie transforms leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken into a special, family-sized feast. It features a creamy, herb-infused vegetable filling topped with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It is the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 35min
- Total Time: 55min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
- ½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt.
- Remove from heat. Stir in turkey, peas, and corn. Pour filling into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or 2-quart baking dish. Let cool slightly.
- Roll puff pastry to fit over dish. Drape over filling, trim or tuck edges, and cut a few slits in the center. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with flaky salt if using.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden and filling is bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Letting the filling cool slightly before adding the pastry helps prevent a soggy bottom. The slits in the pastry are essential for venting steam. For a chicken pot pie, substitute an equal amount of rotisserie chicken. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 120
Ingredients List

The foundation of this incredible Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust starts with simple, flavorful ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry right now.
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth
- ½ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
For the Crust & Finish:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Smart Swaps: No turkey? This becomes a quick chicken pot pie in a heartbeat. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. You can swap the milk for a full-fat, unsweetened non-dairy alternative if needed. The vegetable mix is flexible—green beans or diced potatoes are wonderful additions.
Timing
This Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust comes together faster than you might think, especially if your turkey is already cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
That’s nearly 30% faster than making a traditional double-crust pot pie from scratch, thanks to the puff pastry shortcut. It’s weeknight-friendly comfort food at its best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious result. The process is all about building layers of flavor.
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant. This base is what gives your homemade turkey pot pie its deep, savory foundation.
2. Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes; this cooks the raw flour taste out and creates your roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It will thicken beautifully as it cooks. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, then taste and add salt as needed.
3. Combine Filling and Assemble
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked turkey, frozen peas, and corn until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, herb-infused sauce. Pour the entire filling into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 2-quart baking dish. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the pastry—this helps keep the puff pastry crisp.
4. Top with Pastry and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet out just enough to cover your baking dish. Drape it over the filling. You can trim the edges or simply tuck them in for a rustic look. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the center of the pastry—this is crucial for venting steam so your crust doesn’t get soggy. Brush the entire top generously with the egg wash. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep, golden brown, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let the turkey pot pie casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust is hearty and satisfying. Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
This meal is a great source of protein from the turkey and vitamin A from the carrots. Using a rich broth builds flavor without needing excessive salt, and the vegetables add important nutrients and fiber to this comforting dish.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any special tools for this turkey pot pie recipe easy with biscuits alternative. A few basics will do:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven (for making the filling)
- A 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or 2-quart casserole dish
- A rolling pin (or a wine bottle in a pinch!)
- A pastry brush (for the egg wash)
- A sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.
- Transforms Leftovers into a Feast: It’s the ultimate purpose for holiday turkey, but just as delicious with a grocery store rotisserie chicken any night of the week.
- Simple Ingredients, Warm Memories: The ingredient list is straightforward, but the result tastes like it took all day. It’s the definition of cozy.
- The Flaky Crust is a Game-Changer: Forget soggy bottoms. The puff pastry bakes up incredibly light, buttery, and crisp—a perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- Flexible and Forgiving: Don’t have peas? Use green beans. Out of rosemary? Skip it. This recipe adapts to your fridge and still delivers.
- Feeds a Crowd Comfortably: It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. For another crowd-pleasing baked dish, try our Savory Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing the cozy comfort.
- Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Check that your puff pastry is gluten-free, or simply omit the crust and top the filling with mashed cauliflower or sweet potato for a shepherd’s pie vibe.
- Dairy-Free/Lighter: Substitute the butter with olive oil and use an unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk or oat milk in place of the dairy milk. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
- Lower-Carb: Increase the turkey and decrease the starchy vegetables like corn and peas. You can thicken the sauce with a sprinkle of xanthan gum instead of flour and skip the pastry, serving it as a creamy turkey stew.
- Vegetarian: Swap the turkey for a can of drained, rinsed white beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. You’ll have a hearty, meat-free pot pie that’s just as satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust is a complete meal, but a simple side or two can round it out perfectly.
- Keep it Simple: A bright, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy filling.
- Classic Comfort Pairings: For the ultimate cozy night, serve it with a scoop of mashed potatoes or our Simple and Delicious Tater Tot Casserole Recipe on the side.
- For a Holiday Vibe: If you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers, warm up some extra stuffing or cranberry sauce on the side.
- Presentation Tip: Let the pie rest for a full 10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set, so when you spoon it out, you get beautiful, clean layers of creamy filling and flaky pastry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small tips can make the difference between a good pot pie and a great one.
- Skipping the Veggie Sauté: Don’t rush softening the onions, carrots, and celery. This step builds a sweet, savory base that raw vegetables just can’t provide.
- Not Letting the Filling Cool Slightly: Pouring piping-hot filling under the pastry creates immediate steam, which can make the bottom crust soggy before it has a chance to bake. A 5-minute cool-down helps immensely.
- Forgetting to Vent the Pastry: Those little slits aren’t just decorative. They let steam escape, which is what allows the puff pastry to rise into beautiful, separate, flaky layers instead of becoming a dense lid.
- Using a Cold Egg Wash: Your egg wash should be at room temperature. A cold wash can slow the pastry’s rise. A good brush with the wash is also key for that professional, glossy golden-brown finish.
- Cutting In Immediately: I know it’s tempting, but letting the turkey pot pie rest is non-negotiable. It gives the filling time to thicken up, so it stays creamy on the plate instead of running everywhere.
Storing Tips for the Recipe

This dish makes fantastic leftovers, and you can even prepare it ahead of time.
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: This turkey pot pie freezes beautifully. Assemble the filling and let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, or even portion it into individual oven-safe containers. Wrap tightly. You can freeze it with or without the pastry topping. If freezing with pastry, add the unbaked pastry and egg wash just before baking. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating for Best Results: To preserve the flaky crust, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The microwave will work in a pinch but will soften the pastry. For another great make-ahead turkey meal, check out our Crockpot Turkey Chili.
Conclusion
This Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust is everything you want from a homemade comfort food recipe. It’s deeply satisfying, surprisingly simple, and turns everyday ingredients into a special occasion. That golden, buttery crust cracking open to reveal a creamy, savory filling is a moment of pure kitchen magic that never gets old. It’s regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Whether you’re using up a holiday bird or just want a cozy Sunday supper, this recipe is a keeper. I hope it brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine.
Let me know how your Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust turns out in the comments below. Did you add any extra veggies? Try it with chicken? I love hearing your twists. And don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations.
If you loved this baked comfort food, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie for an easy hands-off version, or our Sheet Pan Chicken and Stuffing for another simple, all-in-one meal.
FAQs about Turkey Pot Pie with a Puff Pastry Crust
Can you use puff pastry for pot pie?
Absolutely. Puff pastry is an excellent choice for a pot pie crust, offering a light, flaky, and buttery texture that beautifully complements the rich filling, especially for a turkey pot pie.
How do you keep puff pastry from getting soggy in turkey pot pie?
To prevent sogginess, ensure your turkey pot pie filling is thick and not excessively watery. Baking the pie at a sufficiently high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) allows the pastry to crisp up quickly before absorbing too much moisture.
What is the best way to cook turkey pot pie with a puff pastry crust?
For a turkey pot pie with a puff pastry crust, bake it in a preheated oven, typically around 400°F (200°C), until the pastry is deeply golden brown, puffed, and the filling is bubbling. This usually takes 25-35 minutes for a top-crust only pie.
Should you egg wash puff pastry for a pot pie crust?
Yes, an egg wash (beaten egg or egg yolk mixed with a little water/milk) is highly recommended. It gives the puff pastry a beautiful, glossy, golden-brown finish and can enhance flakiness, making your turkey pot pie even more appealing.
Can you prepare turkey pot pie with puff pastry ahead of time?
You can assemble the turkey pot pie filling and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The unbaked puff pastry can be draped over the filling just before baking. For a fully assembled pie, it's best to bake it fresh, as the pastry can become soggy if left unbaked with the filling for too long.
What's the difference between puff pastry and traditional pie crust for turkey pot pie?
Puff pastry uses layers of butter within dough to create an incredibly light, airy, and flaky texture when baked, often rising significantly. Traditional pie crust results in a more dense, tender, and crumbly crust that doesn't puff as much. Puff pastry offers a distinctively richer, more luxurious mouthfeel for turkey pot pie.
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