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Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. What makes this pot pie really shine is the unique stuffing crust – it’s crispy, flavorful, and adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy turkey and vegetable filling. You’ll find that this dish works perfectly for using up leftover turkey after holidays or for making a cozy dinner when you want something hearty without the fuss of homemade pie dough.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the stuffing crust elevates the whole meal. It’s like two classic comfort foods combined in one dish, which makes it irresistibly good and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe will quickly become a staple you’ll want to return to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique Stuffing Crust: Adds a crispy, flavorful twist that’s more interesting than traditional pie crust.
  • Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy turkey filling with vegetables and herbs makes it hearty and satisfying.
  • Great for Leftovers: Perfect way to reinvent leftover turkey into a whole new comforting meal.
  • Simple to Prepare: No complicated dough – plus easy steps that even busy weeknights can handle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe plays an important role in layering flavor and texture. From fresh herbs adding brightness to the tender turkey and veggies, to the homemade stuffing crust bringing that perfect crunch — these ingredients come together beautifully. When shopping, aim for fresh herbs and good-quality turkey, and if possible, use stale bread or dry it yourself for the best stuffing texture.

  • Cooked diced turkey breast: Leftovers work great here, just chop it up so it blends well with the filling.
  • Olive oil: Helps soften the shallots and herbs without overpowering flavors.
  • Large shallots: They have a subtle sweetness that’s nicer than regular onions for this filling.
  • Fresh parsley, thyme, and sage: These herbs brighten and season the filling and the stuffing crust perfectly.
  • Celery stalks: Provide crunch and freshness, a classic pot pie veggie you’ll want to include.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color and variety without extra chopping.
  • Turkey or chicken broth: Use low sodium if you prefer to control salt levels easily.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to highlight all the fresh ingredients.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to that ideal creamy, saucy consistency.
  • Whole wheat French bread: Cubed and toasted, this becomes the crumbled base for the stuffing crust.
  • Butter: Gives richness to the stuffing crust’s base flavors.
  • Medium onion: Finely minced to add sweetness and a savory touch to the crust.
  • Bell’s turkey seasoning: This seasoning blend elevates the stuffing’s classic taste with a herby kick.
  • Large egg: Binds the stuffing crust so it holds together nicely as it bakes.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe is. You can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or dietary needs, which is great for making it your own. I sometimes switch up the veggies or swap in herbs to suit seasons or just keep things interesting.

  • Vegetarian Twist: Leave out the turkey and add mushrooms or cooked lentils to keep it hearty and meaty in texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread cubes for the crust and a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
  • Herb Variations: Mix rosemary or marjoram into the stuffing crust for a different herbal profile I personally enjoy during fall.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the filling to give it a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing Crust

Start by cubing your whole wheat French bread — I like to do this the night before so it has time to dry out. If your bread is fresh, no worries! Just bake the cubes on two baking sheets at 250°F for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re firm and lightly toasted. This is a key step because a dry bread cube will soak up the moisture perfectly without turning soggy.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing Mix

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced onion, celery, parsley, sage, Bell’s turkey seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium-low until everything is soft and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes. Then let it cool a few minutes before transferring to a large bowl with the toasted bread cubes. Whisk together the beaten egg and chicken broth, then pour over the bread mix and stir until combined — this ensures your stuffing crust will hold together nicely once baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Pot Pie Filling

Wipe your skillet clean and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, parsley, thyme, and sage, cooking until just tender – about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the celery and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until softened. Next, add frozen mixed vegetables, the diced turkey, 2 cups of turkey broth, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together wonderfully.

Step 4: Thicken the Filling

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of turkey broth with the cornstarch until completely smooth — this step helps you avoid lumps. Add this slurry to the filling and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens nicely, about 4 to 6 minutes. The result should be a creamy, hearty base that’s ready to be topped with the stuffing crust.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your filling to a deep 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then spoon the stuffing crust mixture over the top and smooth it out to cover the filling completely. Place the dish in a 425°F preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges. I usually keep an eye on the crust toward the end to make sure it doesn’t over-brown.

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe

  • Use Stale Bread for Stuffing: I discovered this trick when I realized fresh bread gets mushy fast—dry bread or baked cubes soak up liquid perfectly without falling apart.
  • Don’t Skip the Herbs: The combination of sage, thyme, and parsley really brightens the pot pie filling and stuffing, elevating simple ingredients to something aromatic and special.
  • Watch Your Oven Time: I learned to start checking crust color around 30 minutes to avoid burning the stuffing topping while ensuring the filling is piping hot.
  • Thicken Gradually: Adding the cornstarch slurry slowly and stirring well helps you avoid lumps and achieve that perfect creamy filling every time.

How to Serve Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe

A clear glass baking dish filled with a creamy casserole that has a golden brown, slightly crispy top layer with small bubbles and uneven textures. The casserole has visible layers of soft, light beige stew with chunks of white meat and pieces of orange carrot mixed in, creating a thick, hearty base below the browned surface. The dish sits on a white marbled countertop with a blurred background of light colors and two glasses containing a pale yellow drink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with garnishes — a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme right before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the warm, savory flavors. Sometimes I add a few crispy fried sage leaves on top of the crust for a beautiful and tasty touch that guests always ask about.

Side Dishes

This turkey pot pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. I also love serving it alongside some roasted root vegetables or a simple cranberry sauce — the tartness is a great contrast that brings out the flavors of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pie in individual ramekins topped with the stuffing crust for charming single servings. It also looks gorgeous plated with a drizzle of herb-infused gravy or a dollop of cranberry relish on the side. These little touches make it feel festive and extra special for holiday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. This Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe holds up beautifully for 3-4 days, making it perfect for batch cooking or next-day meals. Just keep in mind that the crust will soften a bit but still tastes delicious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pot pie successfully by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil before placing in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake to crisp the crust. Freezing makes it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To keep the crust tasty and somewhat crisp when reheating, I prefer warming it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes instead of the microwave. This method refreshes the flavors and texture so it feels almost freshly baked again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use leftover turkey for this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe?

    Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey breast is perfect for this recipe. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the filling. This is one of my favorite ways to reinvent holiday turkey leftovers into a comforting, hearty meal.

  2. What if I don’t have Bell’s turkey seasoning?

    No worries! You can substitute with a mix of poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The key is to use herbs that complement turkey flavor in the stuffing crust, so feel free to adjust based on what you have.

  3. Can I make the stuffing crust ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, spread it over the filling and continue as usual.

  4. How do I keep the stuffing crust from getting soggy?

    Using stale or toasted bread cubes helps the crust hold up better by absorbing moisture without becoming mushy. Also, make sure not to overload the filling with liquid; thicken it well before assembly. Baking at a high initial temperature ensures a crisp top.

Final Thoughts

Making this Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring a little extra comfort and creativity into the kitchen. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the stuffing crust always surprises people with its delicious twist. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how this potholder-worthy dish becomes your go-to for cozy nights or holiday leftovers. Trust me, once you taste that crispy, herby topping against the creamy turkey filling, you’ll be hooked just like my family is!

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Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 138 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Turkey Pot Pie with Stuffing Crust is a comforting and hearty dish that transforms leftover turkey into a flavorful main course. Tender diced turkey and mixed vegetables are simmered in a savory broth thickened with cornstarch to create a creamy filling. This filling is then topped with a homemade stuffing crust made from toasted whole wheat bread cubes mixed with fresh herbs, sautéed aromatics, turkey seasoning, and broth to bind it all together. Baked until golden and bubbling, this pot pie offers a delicious twist on traditional recipes, perfect for a cozy family meal or holiday leftovers.


Ingredients

Turkey Filling

  • 5 cups cooked diced turkey breast (about 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large shallots, chopped (3/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 ounce package frozen mixed vegetables
  • 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Stuffing Crust

  • 10 ounces whole wheat French bread, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 2 large stalks celery, minced
  • 8 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Bell’s turkey seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: Stale cubed bread works best here; you can cut the bread the night before and let it sit to harden. If your bread is fresh, preheat the oven to 250°F and bake the bread cubes on two baking sheets for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through until the bread is completely firm.
  2. Make the Stuffing Mixture: In a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the minced onions, celery, parsley, sage, Bell’s turkey seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Sauté on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Combine Stuffing Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large bowl and add the toasted bread cubes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, then pour this over the stuffing mixture. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the bread is evenly moistened.
  4. Prepare the Turkey Filling: Wipe the skillet clean and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, parsley, thyme, and sage, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just softened. Add the chopped celery and cook another 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Simmer Vegetables and Turkey: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, diced turkey, 2 cups of turkey broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
  6. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup turkey broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add this slurry to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the filling thickens, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the turkey filling to a deep 9 x 13-inch oven-safe baking dish. Evenly spread the stuffing mixture over the top to form a crust. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the stuffing crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.

Notes

  • This recipe uses stale bread for the stuffing crust, but fresh bread can be dried in the oven at a low temperature.
  • Using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and parsley enhances the flavor of both the stuffing crust and the filling.
  • The cornstarch slurry thickens the filling perfectly without making it too heavy.
  • Leftover cooked turkey breast is ideal, making this dish a great option for holiday meal leftovers.
  • You can swap the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh veggies if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 760.5 mg
  • Fat: 7.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.5 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 49.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 140.5 mg

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