# Creamy Leftover Turkey Pot Pie: An Easy Thanksgiving Recipe

Turn Thanksgiving turkey and vegetables into a golden, creamy pot pie with a flaky top and a filling reheated safely to 165°F.

By The Signal Edition | Food / Thanksgiving Recipes
Published: 2026-10-25T17:49:30Z
Updated: 2026-10-25T18:06:59Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/thanksgiving-turkey-pot-pie-thx41
Image: https://www.thesignaledition.com/media/7edd29282bafcda29397d95b152e4eda.avif (A golden savory pot pie in a baking dish with a serving spoon; credit: Source: Unsplash)

## Summary
- Serves 6; total time 1 hour 10 minutes.
- The recipe includes exact quantities, numbered steps and make-ahead guidance.
- Perishable leftovers must be refrigerated promptly and reheated to 165°F when served hot.

## What makes this creamy leftover turkey pot pie work

Creamy Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a practical way to turn Thanksgiving ingredients into a distinct meal rather than a reheated copy of dinner. It appears in this U.S.-focused collection as a leftovers, brunch or holiday-drink option, not as a claim that it is a universal day-of Thanksgiving staple. Turn Thanksgiving turkey and vegetables into a golden, creamy pot pie with a flaky top and a filling reheated safely to 165°F. Yield: Serves 6. Prep time: 25 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes. Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes. This formulation was developed for The Signal Edition and uses established leftover-handling and reheating guidance. [1](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) [2](https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-11857222)

## Ingredients

You will need: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey stock; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups refrigerated cooked turkey, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 refrigerated 9-inch pie crust or sheet of puff pastry; 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water. Measure and prepare every ingredient before starting, especially when working with refrigerated leftovers, so the food spends as little time as possible at room temperature. [1](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) [2](https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-11857222)

## Step-by-step method

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and set a 9-inch deep pie dish on a sheet pan. 2. Melt the butter in a skillet; cook onion, carrots and celery for 8 minutes. Stir in flour for 1 minute. 3. Whisk in stock, then milk, and simmer 5 to 7 minutes until it coats a spoon. Add thyme, salt, pepper, turkey and peas. 4. Transfer to the dish, cover with pastry, crimp the edge, cut four vents and brush with egg wash. 5. Bake 35 to 45 minutes until deeply golden and the center reaches 165°F. Rest 15 minutes. [1](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) [2](https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-11857222)

## Make-ahead, storage and substitutions

Assemble the filling up to one day ahead, refrigerate it separately and add pastry just before baking. Replace turkey with cooked chicken, or use mushrooms and white beans for a meatless filling. Refrigerate within two hours and use within four days; reheat individual portions to 165°F. USDA guidance says perishable leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours, generally used within three to four days and reheated to 165°F when served hot. When in doubt about how long an ingredient remained out, discard it rather than relying on smell or appearance. [1](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) [2](https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-11857222)

## Reporting sources
1. [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Leftovers and Food Safety](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) (2020-07-31)
2. [Serious Eats: Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes That Turn Scraps Into Next-Day Meals](https://www.seriouseats.com/thanksgiving-leftover-recipes-11857222) (2025-11-27)