Tired of serving the same old holiday appetizers that disappear without anyone remembering what they ate? These Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies transform your holiday spread into an unforgettable feast with perfectly portioned, flavor-packed bites that guests will be talking about long after dessert.
As the culinary team at Cooks Foody, we’ve spent countless holiday seasons perfecting these festive gems Elizabeth’s love for comfort classics meets Daniel’s creative flair, resulting in a recipe that’s become our signature holiday contribution.
You’ll discover the secrets to choosing the perfect turkey, creating flaky pastry shells, balancing sweet and savory flavors, and presentation tips that’ll make these Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies the star of your table.
Why This Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies Recipe Works
These Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies deliver the perfect trifecta of flavor, convenience, and versatility that busy home cooks crave:
• Uses budget-friendly ingredients you likely have on hand – ground turkey, frozen cranberries, and basic pantry staples create gourmet-tasting results
• Prep in just 20 minutes for maximum flavor impact with minimal kitchen stress
• Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners – easily scales up or down depending on your crowd
Choosing the Right Turkey for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Best Turkey Cuts for This Recipe
Ground turkey breast works beautifully for these Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies because it provides lean protein without overwhelming the delicate cranberry flavors. The fine texture allows for even distribution in small pie shells while maintaining moisture throughout baking.
Buying Tips
Look for ground turkey with a bright pink color and avoid any packages with excessive liquid pooling. Ask your butcher to grind fresh turkey breast if you want ultimate freshness, or choose organic ground turkey for the cleanest flavor profile.
Substitutions
Swap ground turkey for finely diced leftover roasted turkey breast, ground chicken, or even ground beef for different flavor profiles that still complement the cranberry filling.
Ingredients & Prep for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Turkey Prep Essentials
Pat ground turkey dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning. This prevents soggy pie bottoms and ensures proper browning during the initial cooking phase.
Seasoning Blend
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Let the seasoned turkey sit for 10 minutes at room temperature for flavors to meld before cooking.
Pantry Staples
Olive oil for sautéing, fresh or dried cranberries, mini pie shells (store-bought or homemade), chicken broth for moisture, and a touch of honey to balance the tartness create the perfect foundation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Pre-Cooking Prep for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Remove pie shells from freezer 10 minutes before filling. Preheat oven to 375°F and arrange shells on a rimmed baking sheet for easy handling.
Cooking Method for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned ground turkey for 5-6 minutes, breaking up chunks until no pink remains. Add cranberries and cook 3 minutes until they begin to pop and release juices.
Doneness Check for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Ensure turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer. The cranberries should be softened but still hold their shape for the best texture contrast.
Resting for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Let the turkey-cranberry mixture cool for 5 minutes before filling pie shells to prevent soggy bottoms and allow flavors to settle.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Avoiding Dry Turkey in Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Don’t overcook the ground turkey it continues cooking in the oven. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry before filling shells.
Tool Recommendations for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
A small ice cream scoop ensures uniform filling portions, while a digital meat thermometer guarantees food safety. Silicone mini muffin pans make removal easier than metal versions.
Storage & Reheating for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Store baked pies in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Freeze unbaked filled pies up to 1 month bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.
For more festive dessert inspiration that pairs beautifully with these savory bites, check out our Cherry Dessert Pizza it’s the perfect sweet ending to your holiday meal.
Discover endless holiday recipe inspiration and beautiful food photography on our Pinterest you’ll find hundreds of tested recipes and stunning plating ideas that’ll transform your kitchen confidence!
Flavor Variations for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Spicy Twist for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño to the turkey mixture for guests who love heat with their holiday flavors.
Low-Carb Options for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Replace traditional pie shells with portobello mushroom caps or bell pepper rings for a keto-friendly version that’s equally satisfying.
Global Flavors for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Transform these bites with international flair: add curry powder and golden raisins for Indian-inspired pies, or use dried cherries with fresh thyme for a French countryside twist.
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Turkey, cranberries, sage | Traditional holiday | 20 mins |
| Spicy | Add jalapeño, red pepper flakes | Bold and warming | 22 mins |
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, feta | Bright and herby | 25 mins |
| Asian-Inspired | Ginger, soy sauce, green onions | Umami-rich | 23 mins |
Serving Suggestions for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Pair these Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies with roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots for a complete holiday spread. Create a beautiful appetizer table alongside our Chocolate Chip Cookies for guests who want to skip straight to dessert.
A sparkling apple cider or cranberry juice mocktail complements the tartness perfectly, while providing a festive, family-friendly beverage option.
FAQs About Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies
Can I use frozen cranberries in Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly no need to thaw them first. They’ll release slightly more juice during cooking, which actually enhances the flavor.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms in Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies?
Pre-bake pie shells for 5 minutes before filling, and always let the turkey mixture cool before assembling. This creates a barrier that keeps crusts crisp.
Are Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies safe for pregnant women?
Yes, as long as the ground turkey reaches 165°F internal temperature and the pies are consumed fresh or properly reheated to steaming hot.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and create these show-stopping Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies tonight – they’re guaranteed to become your new holiday tradition! Join over 5,000 home cooks who’ve discovered that impressive holiday entertaining doesn’t require culinary school training, just quality ingredients and a willingness to try something new.
Ready for more holiday magic? Try our Cherry Dessert Pizza next for a dessert that’s just as memorable as these savory bites your guests will think you’ve been hiding secret chef skills all along!
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Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies: 5 Festive Bites Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Savory, flaky, and perfectly bite-sized these Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies combine tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy filling baked inside golden pastry shells for the ultimate holiday appetizer or leftover makeover.
Ingredients
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to drizzle after baking)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles. Press each circle into a muffin cup to form mini crusts.
3. In a bowl, mix shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Spoon the filling evenly into each crust.
5. Top with a small pastry cutout (optional) and brush with beaten egg.
6. Bake 18–20 minutes, or until crusts are golden and filling is hot.
7. Cool slightly, drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!
You can swap cream cheese with brie or goat cheese for a richer flavor.
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months — bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: mini turkey cranberry pies, thanksgiving leftovers, holiday appetizer, turkey hand pies