Thanksgiving Pot Pie: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food during the holidays—Thanksgiving pot pie! There’s just something magical about a flaky crust hugging a warm, savory filling of tender turkey and perfectly cooked vegetables. Every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day, and it brings back the happiest memories of family gatherings around the table. I remember the first time I made this; the kitchen smelled heavenly as the aroma of thyme and rosemary filled the air. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also a delightful way to use up leftover turkey! Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new holiday tradition!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Thanksgiving pot pie:

2 cups cooked turkey, shredded (leftover turkey is perfect!)
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas (frozen works great!)
1 cup potatoes, diced (I love using Yukon Gold for their creaminess)
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cups chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought is just fine)
1 cup milk (I go for whole milk for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing those veggies to perfection)
1 package pie crusts (store-bought makes it easy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade is amazing!)

Feel free to adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand or your personal favorites. The beauty of this dish is its versatility!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Preparing this Thanksgiving pot pie is a breeze when you follow these simple steps! Let’s dive right in and get that delicious aroma filling your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial because a hot oven will give your crust that perfect golden-brown finish!
While the oven is heating up, grab a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the chopped onion, diced celery, carrots, and potatoes. Cook these beauties for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re tender and fragrant.
Now, it’s time to add the star of our show! Stir in the shredded turkey, peas, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, and milk. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. You’ll want those flavors to meld together beautifully!
Once your filling is ready, carefully pour it into a pie dish. Don’t be shy; make sure it’s evenly spread out!
Now, cover that delicious filling with your pie crust. Make sure to seal the edges well—no one wants a messy pie! You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges for a nice touch.
To let steam escape while it bakes, cut a few slits in the top crust. This is a fun part; you can even create a little design if you’re feeling artsy!
Pop the pie in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when the crust is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly, it’s done!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set a bit so it doesn’t ooze out when you slice it!

And there you have it! A perfectly baked Thanksgiving pot pie that’s ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every savory bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends.
Delicious flavor from tender turkey and a medley of fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a flaky crust.
A comforting meal that warms your soul and brings back fond memories of Thanksgiving gatherings.
Perfect for using up leftover turkey, minimizing waste while maximizing flavor!
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices, making each pie uniquely yours.
It’s a one-dish wonder—less cleanup means more time for dessert!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Thanksgiving pot pie turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few delicious successes!).

Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in all the delicious filling, be careful not to overfill your pie. Leave a little space at the top to prevent the filling from bubbling over while baking.
Use cold pie crust: If you’re using store-bought crusts, make sure they’re cold when you work with them. This helps achieve that flaky, tender texture that’s the hallmark of a great pie crust!
Let it cool: After baking, resist the urge to dive right in! Allowing the pie to cool for about 10 minutes helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve without a messy situation.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to play around with fresh herbs! Adding fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor, so don’t hesitate to get creative.
Check your oven: Ovens can be tricky! If you know yours runs hot or cool, keep an eye on the pie toward the end of the baking time. Adjust as necessary to get that gorgeous golden crust.
Cover edges if browning too fast: If the edges of your crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll become a Thanksgiving pot pie pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking process, and let your kitchen fill with those wonderful holiday scents!

Variations of Thanksgiving Pot Pie

The beauty of Thanksgiving pot pie lies in its versatility! You can customize it to match your taste or use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to take your pot pie to the next level:

Vegetable Medley: Swap out the traditional veggies for a mix of your favorites! Think green beans, corn, or even butternut squash for a sweet twist. The sky’s the limit!
Spice It Up: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a hint of heat. A dash of curry powder can also give it a unique and aromatic flair.
Herb Infusion: Try using fresh herbs instead of dried! Chopped parsley, sage, or even dill can add a delightful freshness that elevates the overall flavor.
Crust Choices: While I love a classic pie crust, experimenting with different crusts can be a game-changer. Use puff pastry for an extra flaky finish or even a biscuit topping for a cozy, homemade feel.
Cheesy Delight: For the cheese lovers out there, sprinkle some shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) into the filling before covering it with the crust. You’ll get gooey, melty goodness in every bite!
Potato Topping: Instead of a traditional crust, top your filling with mashed potatoes for a Shepherd’s Pie vibe. It’s a comforting twist that’s sure to please!

These variations not only make the dish uniquely yours but also ensure that you can enjoy this comforting meal throughout the season, no matter what ingredients you have available. Get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover Thanksgiving pot pie? Yes, please! Storing it properly ensures you can savor those delicious flavors later. Here’s how to do it right:

Cooling: First, let your pot pie cool completely at room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make your crust soggy.
Storing: Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’re feeling fancy, you can transfer slices into an airtight container for easier handling. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Want to save it for later? You can freeze your pot pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label it with the date so you can keep track!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to retaining that delightful texture:

Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the crust.
Microwave Reheating: In a pinch, you can microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking often to ensure it heats evenly.

Just a little patience with the reheating process will reward you with a warm, comforting meal that tastes just as good as when it was fresh out of the oven. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into the deliciousness, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. But here’s a rough breakdown for one serving of this hearty Thanksgiving pot pie:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

So there you have it! This pot pie is not only a comforting meal but also packs a decent protein punch, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. Enjoy every flavorful bite without the guilt!

FAQ About Thanksgiving Pot Pie

Got questions about making the perfect Thanksgiving pot pie? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you on your culinary journey:

Can I use a different meat besides turkey?
Absolutely! While turkey is traditional, you can substitute chicken, or even a mix of different meats if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded for an easy blend into your filling!

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem! Dried herbs work just fine in this recipe. Generally, use about one-third of the amount for dried herbs compared to fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, go for about 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme instead.

Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the filling and assemble the pot pie, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!

How can I make my crust extra flaky?
For an extra flaky crust, try using cold butter and ice-cold water when making your pie crust. If you’re using store-bought, keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. A cold crust will help achieve that delightful flakiness we all love!

Can I freeze the pot pie?
Definitely! You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed!

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Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.