Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

There’s something special about a warm, flaky crust encasing a heartwarming filling, and that’s exactly what you get with Individual Turkey Pot Pies. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making pot pies during the colder months, and it always felt like a hug from the inside. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was a prelude to cozy family dinners, laughter, and stories shared over a hearty meal. These Individual Turkey Pot Pies have become a staple in my household, especially when we have leftover turkey from a festive meal. I love how they can be tailored to each person’s taste, making them perfect for gatherings or just a quiet evening at home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins
Prep Time:
0 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
500 kcal
Protein:
25 g
Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
Fat:
30 g
Tools Used:
Large Pot, Saucepan, Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

The Best Thing About This Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Comfort Food at Its Best

What makes Individual Turkey Pot Pies so beloved is their comforting nature. There’s nothing quite like sinking your fork into that golden, flaky pastry, revealing a rich, savory filling beneath. It’s a celebration of flavors that warms your heart.

Perfect for Leftovers

These pies are a fantastic way to utilize leftover turkey, transforming it into a dish that feels entirely new and exciting. Instead of letting that turkey go to waste, why not give it a second life? You’ll be surprised how quickly these pies disappear!

Customizable to Your Liking

One of the best parts about making Individual Turkey Pot Pies is the freedom to customize the filling. Not only can you adjust the vegetables to your preference, but you can also experiment with different herbs and spices. The possibilities are endless!

Great for Meal Prep

These pot pies are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch on the weekend and freeze them for quick dinners during the busy week. Just heat them up and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in no time!

A Delightful Presentation

Presentation matters, and serving Individual Turkey Pot Pies in their own ramekins adds a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Your family and friends will surely be impressed with this charming dish.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love them! Getting little ones involved in the cooking process can be a joyful experience. Let them help cut the puff pastry and fill the ramekins. They will love eating something they helped create!

Main Ingredients for Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

The ingredients for Individual Turkey Pot Pies come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the savory turkey and vegetables to the creamy sour cream and flaky puff pastry. These components work together harmoniously, bringing comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

  • 4 cups turkey or chicken stock – This acts as the flavorful base for your sauce, adding depth and richness.
  • 12 tablespoons butter – Essential for creating a velvety sauce and adding richness.
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour – This thickens the sauce, giving it that comforting, creamy texture.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only) – Provides a lovely herbal note that complements the turkey perfectly.
  • 16 ounce package of frozen vegetable for soup mix – Brings color, crunch, and nutrition to your pies.
  • 4 cups turkey; cooked and shredded – The star of the pie, giving it that homey feel.
  • 1/2 cup Breakstone’s Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and tang, enriching the filling.
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough; thawed according to package directions – The flaky crust that holds everything together.

The Process for Making Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Making Individual Turkey Pot Pies is a delightful journey that combines cooking techniques with a personal touch. From preheating the oven to assembling the pies, each step brings you closer to that warm pot pie experience. Let’s dive into the process and bring these comforting delights to life!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, take a moment to lightly butter the insides of six oven-safe ramekins. This will ensure that your Individual Turkey Pot Pies release easily once they are baked.

  2. In a small saucepan, heat the stock until hot but not boiling. This step is crucial as it will help in creating a smooth sauce when combined with the other ingredients. Keep an eye on it!

  3. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the flour to the pot, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This will create a roux, which is essential for thickening your sauce.

  4. Slowly whisk in the heated stock to the roux while continuing to stir. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be creamy and smooth, perfect for enveloping your turkey and vegetables.

  5. Now it’s time to add in the salt, pepper, thyme, frozen vegetables, and the cooked and shredded turkey. Stir everything together and heat until the vegetables and turkey are warmed through, which should take around 10 minutes. Then, stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated, ensuring each bite will be rich and flavorful.

  6. Meanwhile, lightly flour a clean work surface and unfold your sheets of thawed puff pastry. Roll the dough slightly to ensure it fits your ramekins. Using the top of one of the ramekins as a template, cut out 6 circles from the puff pastry sheet.

  7. Divide the turkey mixture evenly between the six ramekins, making sure each one is generously filled. This is where the magic of the Individual Turkey Pot Pies begins!

  8. Place a puff pastry circle directly on top of each filled ramekin, gently pressing the edges down. This will create a lovely, flaky crust on top of your pot pies. Arrange the ramekins on a sheet pan for easy handling.

  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. The smell will be irresistible, and you’ll know they’re ready when you see that beautiful golden color.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer longer to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix different vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to suit your taste.
  • Pastry Tips: For an extra crispy top, brush the puff pastry with an egg wash before baking.
  • Serving Suggestion: Allow the pot pies to rest for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns from the hot filling.

Recipe Notes about Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

These tips will help you perfect your Individual Turkey Pot Pies. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned chef, there’s always something new to learn!

  • Storage: Allow leftover pot pies to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pot pies for up to two months. Just bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
  • Pairing: These pies pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Variations: Feel free to mix in different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor profile.
  • Serving Size: Each ramekin serves as a perfect individual portion, making them great for gatherings.

What to Pair With Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Pairing your Individual Turkey Pot Pies with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options!

  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pot pies perfectly.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and provides a lovely contrast to the savory pies.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For an extra hearty meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes topped with a bit of gravy.
  • Apple Sauce: A side of homemade apple sauce adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the pot pies.
  • Occasions: These pot pies are perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy date night at home.
  • Seasonal Pairings: During the colder months, consider serving with warm bread or biscuits to soak up any leftover filling.

FAQ

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. The cooking process remains the same, and the result will be just as comforting and delicious. Feel free to use any cooked poultry you have on hand.

To store leftover Individual Turkey Pot Pies, let them cool completely before wrapping each ramekin in plastic wrap or foil. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to two months.

You can customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences! Popular choices include peas, carrots, and green beans. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Using fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor, but frozen mixes are also perfectly acceptable for convenience.

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies. For unbaked pies, you can freeze them and bake directly from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to the cooking process.

Conclusion

In summary, Individual Turkey Pot Pies are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. They’re not just delicious; they’re also practical for using up leftovers and adaptable to your taste preferences. I encourage you to try making these pot pies for yourself. You’ll find that they fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas while satisfying your cravings.

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

Individual Turkey Pot Pies

The ultimate comfort food, Individual Turkey Pot Pies are filled with savory turkey and vegetables, enveloped in a crispy, flaky crust. Perfect for utilizing leftovers, these delightful individual servings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight for a delicious, cozy meal!
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
  • 12 tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves only)
  • 16 ounce package of frozen vegetable for soup mix
  • 4 cups turkey; cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 cup Breakstone’s Sour Cream
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough; thawed according to package directions

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter the insides of six oven-safe ramekins.
  2. In a small saucepan, heat the stock until hot but not boiling.
  3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir constantly over low heat for 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in the heated stock and simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Add in salt, pepper, thyme, frozen vegetables and shredded turkey; heat until warmed through. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
  6. Meanwhile, lightly flour a work surface and unfold your sheets of thawed puff pastry. Roll the dough slightly. Use a ramekin as a template to cut out 6 circles.
  7. Divide turkey mixture evenly between the six oven-safe ramekins.
  8. Place a puff pastry circle on top of each ramekin. Place ramekins on a sheet pan.
  9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Notes

  • Storage: Allow leftover pot pies to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pot pies for up to two months. Just bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
  • Pairing: These pies pair beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Variations: Feel free to mix in different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique flavor profile.
  • Serving Size: Each ramekin serves as a perfect individual portion, making them great for gatherings.

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