Southern Turkey Pot Pie with Leftover Roast Turkey

What do you usually do with your turkey leftovers?

If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, turn it into a creamy, comforting Southern-style turkey pot pie with a flaky, buttery crust. This soul-food inspired recipe is a delicious way to repurpose cooked turkey and serve a warm, savory meal the whole family will enjoy.

What makes a Southern leftover turkey pot pie recipe?

This pot pie combines leftover turkey with a rich, savory gravy, mixed vegetables, and classic Southern seasonings, all baked inside a flaky double crust. The result is a comforting, home-style dish that tastes like it came straight from the oven even when made from leftovers.

What is Southern leftover turkey pot pie made of?

The filling uses cooked turkey, gravy, mixed vegetables, a little broth, chicken bouillon, cornstarch for thickening, and heavy cream to make a smooth, flavorful sauce. A double pie crust gives the dish its golden, flaky finish. Simple pantry staples and a handful of seasonings make this an easy, satisfying soul food meal.

Kitchen equipment for a Southern turkey pot pie

• Instant Pot electric pressure cooker (optional)
• Instant Pot Omni Plus oven or regular oven
• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
• Aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to protect crust edges

Ingredients for Southern leftover turkey pot pie

• 2 pie crusts, homemade or store-bought (double crust)
• 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked turkey breast
• 12 oz mixed vegetables (frozen or canned) — if using frozen, add 4 oz vegetable or chicken broth
• ¼ cup cold water
• ¼ cup turkey or chicken gravy
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning (such as Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions for Southern leftover turkey pot pie

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (if using a conventional oven). Grease a 9-inch pie pan and line it with the bottom pie crust.
2. In a large pot over low heat, combine the turkey gravy and chicken bouillon until the bouillon dissolves. (You can use an Instant Pot on the ‘keep warm’ setting with the lid off.)
3. Add the mixed vegetables (with their broth) and the heavy whipping cream to the pot.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the vegetable mixture to thicken.
5. Mix in the turkey and poultry seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Top with the second pie crust, trim excess dough, and crimp or flute the edges to seal. Use a fork if desired.
7. Cut an “X” or several slits in the center of the top crust to vent steam while baking.
8. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes in a conventional oven, or 17–20 minutes in an Instant Pot Omni Plus oven, until the crust is golden and bubbling through the vent.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired.

Pro tips:

• Shred leftover turkey or use cooked chicken as an easy substitute.
• Protect the crust edges with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning.
• Use a pizza cutter to slice neat, even pieces once the pie has rested.
• Turn any leftover pie dough into simple pie crust cookies for an easy dessert.

What do you pair with turkey pot pie?

Pot pie is a hearty main that already contains meat and vegetables, but a few classic Southern sides complement it well:

• Homemade cornbread
• Southern-style creamed corn or corn pudding
• Creamy mashed potatoes

Southern leftover turkey pot pie FAQs

How do you fix bland turkey pot pie?

Seasoning is the key. This recipe builds flavor with gravy, chicken bouillon, stock, precise salt and pepper, and poultry seasoning. Adjust seasonings to taste and consider adding a touch of onion or garlic powder if you prefer more depth.

Can you use canned or frozen vegetables?

Yes. Use canned, frozen, or fresh vegetables. Popular choices include peas, carrots, corn, celery, potatoes, butternut squash, or green beans. If using frozen vegetables, add a little extra broth as noted in the ingredients.

Ingredient swaps

Substitutions that work well:

• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of gravy, or half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Add optional herbs like fresh or dried thyme, onion powder, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Brush the crust with an egg wash before baking for a glossy finish, and brush with butter or olive oil after baking for extra richness.

What part of the turkey should you use?

Leftover cooked turkey breast (skin removed) works best. Shred or cube the meat and add it to the filling. Dark meat will also work if preferred.

Can this turkey pot pie be made ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble and freeze the pie, cooked or uncooked, in an airtight container for up to 90 days. Thaw before baking if frozen uncooked.

How do you store leftover turkey pot pie?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Reheat slices until warmed through.

How do you thicken turkey pot pie filling?

This recipe uses cornstarch, which thickens efficiently during cooking and baking. You can also thicken with flour, adding it gradually while cooking, or make a roux from butter and flour for a rich base.

How do you keep the bottom of the pie from getting soggy?

Ensure the filling is thick, not soupy, before pouring it into the crust. Cornstarch or a properly made roux helps keep the filling cohesive. Pre-baking the bottom crust briefly (blind baking) is another option for extra protection.

How does this turn out with a double crust?

• A double crust seals in the filling and creates a golden top and bottom. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
• Make a vent in the top crust so steam can escape and the filling can bubble without making the crust soggy.
• Cover edges with foil during baking if they brown too quickly.

How do you make pie crust from scratch?

• Use a classic pie crust method—cut cold butter into flour, add a little cold water, and handle the dough minimally for a flaky crust.
• Roll the dough with a rolling pin before placing it in the pie pan and again to top the filling.

Can you freeze the filling alone?

Yes. Freeze the filling or the assembled pie in an airtight container for up to 90 days. If freezing the filling alone, thaw before assembling and baking.

What did you think about this Southern leftover turkey pot pie recipe?

Leftover turkey becomes a cozy, flavorful meal in this Southern-style pot pie. Whether you make it with turkey or chicken, the double crust, creamy filling, and comforting seasonings make it a go-to for using extra cooked poultry. Try it and enjoy a hearty, soul-food inspired dinner.