Can You Really Beat the Comfort of a Turkey Pot Pie with Drop Biscuit Topping?
There's something incredibly warm and inviting about a turkey pot pie. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your stomach but conjures up memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. If you’re celebrating leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or simply craving comfort food that feels like a warm embrace for your soul, turkey pot pie with drop biscuit topping is the perfect recipe for you.
In this post, we’ll walk you through making this delicious dish that’s certain to bring flavor and family together at the table. And maybe even better, its simple and easy to put together on a weeknight. Let’s dive in!
Why Turkey Pot Pie?
Turkey pot pie is the ultimate way to enjoy leftover turkey. Last Thanksgiving I had cooked an extra large turkey and froze some for later meals. Here was the perfect chance to take advantage of my turkey stash. This dish features a rich and savory filling paired with a soft and warm biscuit topping, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
This dish is very versatile. If you don't have turkey, try chicken or even pork tenderloin pieces here. Want it completely vegetarian, then omit the meat and just bump of the vegetables and add some sautéed mushrooms for that umami flavor that is so satisfying. Get creative and make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this delightful dish, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Filling:
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
1/3 cup butter or olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon herbs de province
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Madeira or Cream Sherry
2-3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable if omitting the meat)
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh) - can substitute green beans
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Drop Biscuit Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon parsley (minced, optional)
1 cup milk
Preparing the Turkey Pot Pie Filling
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. If substituting the mushrooms for meat, add them here. Sauté until the veggies are tender and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes). Add in the garlic if using) and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the flour and let it cook for an additional minute. Deglaze the pan with the Madeira. Next, add the broth while stirring. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens—this should take around 3-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the turkey and peas, add the bay leaf and herbs then season with salt and pepper. Mix well, then cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or even just long enough for you to assemble the biscuit topping.
Creating the Drop Biscuit Topping
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, (parsley if using) and salt until well-blended.
Add Milk: Gradually stir in the milk until just combined; do not overmix! A few lumps are just fine.
Top the mixture: If you are in a hurry and don't really care if your biscuits have a brown top, then drop the dough by spoonfuls right onto the vegetable and meat mixture in the saucepan and cover for 15-20 minutes, just until the biscuits are firm and cooked inside. Then spoon out and.... Enjoy!
Option 2, Bake It: Pour the filling into a greased casserole dish or other deep oven safe dish, drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls and then bake. (next steps below)
Baking the Pot Pie
With the pot pie filled and topped with flavorful drop biscuits, it’s time to bake:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (170°C).
Bake Time: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool, Serve, and Enjoy: Let the pot pie cool for a few minutes before serving. That first bite will be well worth the wait!
Tips for the Ultimate Turkey Pot Pie
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. For a fresh twist, corn adds sweetness, and sweet potato or butternut squash are also a good option. But the sky is the limit, try kale pieces, cauliflower, turnip, even beets might be an interesting and colorful twist.
Seasonings: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to elevate the dish, rather than using the dried like I did above.
Freezing: This recipe freezes well. Assemble the pot pie and wrap it tightly before baking. Just omit the topping until you are ready to bake it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake directly from the freezer—just remember to extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Variations to Consider
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun twists on the classic pot pie:
Curry Turkey Pot Pie: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the filling for a unique, flavorful experience.
Cheesy Biscuits: Incorporate shredded cheese into your biscuit topping for an extra indulgent treat.
Single Serving: Use ramekins to create individual pot pies, perfect for serving guests or for meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore the turkey pot pie with drop biscuit topping. For starters, it’s very forgiving—use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Since it’s loaded with protein and vegetables, it’s a complete meal that satisfies. Plus, imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while it bakes—it’s a scent that beckons anyone nearby to join you for dinner.
The Final Thought
Turkey pot pie with drop biscuit topping is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. It can be a quick meal if you already have cooked turkey on hand, the result is truly rewarding. The combination of creamy filling and fluffy biscuits is unbeatable when it comes to cozy meals.
So, can you really beat the comfort of this all-in-one dish? We believe you can't! Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food that delivers a wholesome meal that is simple and delicious.
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