Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies tired of leftover turkey that sits in your fridge getting drier and more unappetizing by the day? These adorable Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies transform those holiday leftovers into golden, flaky individual masterpieces that make everyone forget the original feast entirely.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! As a recipe developer and the heart behind Cooks Foody, I’ve spent years perfecting these Mini Thanksgiving Turkey creations after facing the annual post-holiday leftover challenge.
Two years ago, after staring at containers of turkey taking up half my refrigerator space, I invented these Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies that became so popular with my family that they now request them more than the main Thanksgiving meal!
These Mini Thanksgiving Turkey delights promise tender chunks of seasoned turkey, tart cranberries, and creamy vegetables all wrapped in buttery, golden pastry.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover essential Mini Thanksgiving Turkey preparation techniques, turkey leftover optimization secrets, foolproof pastry methods, and answers to common pot pie questions that will make you excited about turkey leftovers for the first time ever.
Why This Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Works
This Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pie recipe delivers unmatched flavor, convenience, and versatility that makes it perfect for post-holiday meal planning:
• Uses affordable, easy-to-repurpose leftover turkey that creates gourmet Mini Thanksgiving Turkey results • Individual portions ready in just 45 minutes for perfect family serving sizes
• Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers, meal prep, or freezing for future meals • Elegant presentation transforms humble leftovers into restaurant-quality individual servings • Make-ahead friendly Mini Thanksgiving Turkey components allow stress-free entertaining
Choosing the Right Turkey for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Selecting quality turkey meat is critical for creating the perfect Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies that maximize flavor and texture.
Best Cuts for This Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
The foundation of exceptional Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies starts with proper turkey selection. Both white and dark meat work beautifully, with dark meat providing richer flavor and white meat offering classic appeal. Leftover roasted turkey creates the most authentic Mini Thanksgiving Turkey taste, though fresh cooked turkey works perfectly too.
Buying Tips for Perfect Results
Look for moist, well-seasoned leftover turkey without dry edges or tough skin. Remove any skin, bones, or cartilage before dicing into uniform pieces. If using fresh turkey, cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe Mini Thanksgiving Turkey preparation.
Smart Substitutions for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Swap turkey for rotisserie chicken when leftovers aren’t available, or use duck for elegant variations. Ground turkey works when mixed with diced vegetables, creating different textural interest in your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies.
Ingredients & Prep for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Turkey Prep Essentials for Perfect Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Creating ideal Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies requires precise preparation techniques. Dice turkey into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking and elegant presentation. Remove all skin, bones, and tough connective tissue before incorporating into your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey filling mixture.
Pot Pie Filling Components
• 3 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Allow filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy pastry bottoms in your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey creations.
Pastry and Assembly Essentials
Stock your kitchen with refrigerated pie crusts for convenience, or make homemade pastry for superior flavor. Egg wash creates beautiful golden tops on your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Follow these detailed steps to create bakery-quality Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies that impress every family member.
Pre-Cooking Prep for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare 6 individual ramekins with cooking spray. Roll pie crusts and cut circles for tops and bottoms of each pot pie. Season diced turkey with herbs and set aside while preparing the creamy filling for your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey masterpieces.
Cooking Method for Perfect Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth. Gradually add chicken broth and cream, cooking until thickened. Stir in turkey, vegetables, cranberries, and seasonings. Fill pastry-lined ramekins with mixture and top with pastry circles, sealing edges for your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies.
Baking Check for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and filling bubbles around edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety underbaking leaves raw pastry while overbaking creates tough Mini Thanksgiving Turkey crusts.
Cooling Process for Optimal Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Cool Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies for 10 minutes before serving to prevent burns and allow filling to set properly. This resting time ensures clean slices and prevents molten filling from spilling out.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie Results
Avoiding Soggy, Tough Pastry in Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Don’t skip the roux it prevents watery filling that creates soggy bottoms. Pre-bake pastry shells for 5 minutes if using very moist filling. Vent tops properly to release steam during baking for perfectly crisp Mini Thanksgiving Turkey crusts.
Essential Tool Recommendations for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Invest in quality 6-ounce ramekins for perfect individual portions, a pastry brush for egg wash application, and kitchen shears for easy pastry trimming. A wire cooling rack prevents soggy bottoms on your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Store baked Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies in the refrigerator for up to 4 days covered with foil. Freeze unbaked versions for up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen with additional cooking time.
Flavor Variations for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Transform your basic Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies into exciting new creations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Spiced Holiday Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Add warming spices like thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of nutmeg for deeper holiday complexity. Orange zest brightens the cranberries while complementing the savory turkey in your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey variations.
Comfort Food Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Replace cranberries with classic peas and carrots for traditional pot pie appeal. Add diced potatoes for heartier texture that makes these Mini Thanksgiving Turkey creations even more satisfying.
International Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Create curry-spiced versions with golden raisins and almonds, or Mediterranean styles with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs for unique Mini Thanksgiving Turkey experiences.
| Variation | Key Additions | Flavor Profile | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Peas, carrots, thyme | Classic, comforting | Fall, winter |
| Cranberry Orange | Orange zest, dried cranberries | Bright, festive | Thanksgiving, Christmas |
| Curry Spiced | Curry powder, golden raisins | Exotic, warming | Winter, special occasions |
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried tomatoes, basil | Fresh, herbaceous | Spring, summer |
Serving Suggestions for Your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Perfect Pairings for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Serve your magnificent Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies with simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the rich pastry. Roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots create beautiful, colorful accompaniments that complement the flavors.
Beverage Combinations
Pair these Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies with Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay for adults, while sparkling apple cider or herbal tea create perfect comfort food pairings for cozy family dinners.
FAQs About Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies?
Thaw frozen cooked turkey completely and pat dry before dicing for your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies. Excess moisture from frozen turkey can make filling watery, so drain thoroughly after thawing.
How Do I Fix Runny Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie Filling?
If filling seems too thin, create additional roux with equal parts butter and flour, then whisk into the mixture. Cook until thickened before assembling your Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies for best results.
Are These Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pies Safe During Pregnancy?
When turkey is cooked to proper internal temperature (165°F) and eggs in pastry are fully cooked, these Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies are perfectly safe for pregnant women to enjoy as part of balanced nutrition.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into these incredible Mini Thanksgiving Turkey pot pies tonight your family will be absolutely amazed by how you’ve elevated simple leftovers into gourmet individual masterpieces! This recipe proves that the best meals often come from creative repurposing of holiday ingredients.
Print
Mini Thanksgiving Turkey Ultimate 6-Serving Leftover Transformation
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Individual pot pies featuring tender leftover turkey, tart cranberries, and mixed vegetables in creamy sage sauce, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into gourmet individual servings.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked turkey, diced
2 refrigerated pie crusts
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cooking spray for ramekins
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and spray 6 ramekins with cooking spray.
2. Roll out pie crusts and cut circles for tops and bottoms of ramekins.
3. Line each ramekin with pastry circle, pressing into bottom and sides.
4. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create roux.
6. Gradually add chicken broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
7. Cook until mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Stir in turkey, mixed vegetables, cranberries, sage, salt, and pepper.
9. Divide filling evenly among pastry-lined ramekins.
10. Top each with pastry circle and crimp edges to seal.
11. Brush tops with beaten egg and cut small vents in each.
12. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and filling bubbles.
13. Cool for 10 minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Notes
Use any combination of leftover turkey – both white and dark meat work well.
Pre-bake pastry shells 5 minutes if filling seems very wet.
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze unbaked pot pies up to 3 months, bake from frozen adding 10-15 minutes.
Individual ramekins should be about 6-ounce capacity for best results.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot pie
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mini pot pies, turkey leftovers, Thanksgiving leftovers, individual pot pies, cranberry turkey