Turkey Pot Pies in a Jar: The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Transformation

As the holiday season draws near, the excitement of Thanksgiving feasts fills the air. We prepare elaborate meals, gather with loved ones, and indulge in delicious traditions. Yet, with all the joy and culinary creativity, one universal truth remains: the inevitable mountain of leftover turkey. While a simple turkey sandwich is always a treat, why not elevate your post-holiday dining experience with a truly comforting and convenient dish? Enter the Turkey Pot Pies in a Jar – a brilliant solution that transforms your surplus turkey into a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal. This recipe isn’t just about using leftovers; it’s about crafting a delightful, individual serving of classic comfort food that everyone will adore.

For many, the day after Thanksgiving is almost as anticipated as the main event itself, not for the bustling Black Friday sales, but for the culinary possibilities presented by the leftovers. This Turkey Pot Pie in a Jar recipe stands out as a particular favorite, offering a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy that delicious roast turkey all over again. It’s a dish that embodies warmth and nourishment, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick weeknight meal when you need something both comforting and easy.

Why Turkey Pot Pies in a Jar Are a Must-Try

The Genius of Individual Servings

The concept of serving pot pies in individual mason jars is nothing short of brilliant. It offers a rustic charm, makes for beautiful presentation, and ensures perfect portion control. Each person gets their own personal pot pie, complete with a golden, flaky crust. This method also simplifies storage and reheating, making it ideal for meal prepping or packing lunches for busy days. No more fighting over the last slice or dealing with messy casserole dishes – just grab a jar and enjoy!

A Classic Comfort Food Reimagined

Pot pie is a timeless classic, renowned for its rich, creamy filling and savory ingredients nestled under a delicious crust. Our turkey version takes this beloved dish and gives it a fresh, convenient twist. The combination of tender turkey, mixed vegetables, and a creamy, herb-infused sauce topped with a buttery pastry creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your soul, especially on a chilly day.

Effortless Preparation with Simple Ingredients

Despite its impressive appearance and gourmet taste, this recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps. Most of what you need might already be in your pantry or refrigerator, especially if you’re fresh off Thanksgiving. This ease of preparation makes it a fantastic option for a stress-free meal, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results with your family. For even more pot pie inspiration, be sure to check out our Chicken Pot Pies in a Jar recipe as well!

Customization and Dietary Adaptations: A Recipe for Everyone

One of the most appealing aspects of this Turkey Pot Pie in a Jar recipe is its remarkable versatility, particularly when it comes to dietary needs. This recipe was inspired by and adapted from my beloved Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie, and it carries forward the same flexibility.

Seamless Gluten-Free Integration

For those managing gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, pot pies can sometimes be a challenge due to the crust. However, the individual jar format completely revolutionizes this. I prepare the rich and creamy filling completely gluten-free, ensuring it’s safe for my consumption. Then, for the crust, I can use either gluten-free pie dough for myself or traditional, gluten-filled pastry for my husband, who enjoys gluten occasionally. This approach eliminates the need to prepare two entirely separate meals, saving significant time and effort in the kitchen while ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious, personalized meal. It’s a perfect example of how mindful cooking can cater to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor or convenience.

Beyond Gluten: Other Adaptations

• Vegetable Medley: While frozen mixed vegetables offer convenience, feel free to customize with your favorites. Diced carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or even mushrooms and celery can be added or swapped to your liking. Sautéing fresh vegetables lightly before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor and texture.
• Herb Variations: Thyme and rosemary lend a classic poultry flavor, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs. A pinch of sage, a dash of poultry seasoning, or a sprinkle of marjoram can introduce new aromatic dimensions to your pot pie.
• Crust Alternatives: Beyond traditional pie dough (gluten-free or regular), consider puff pastry for an extra flaky top, or even biscuit dough for a softer, bread-like topping. You can also make your own homemade pie crust for an added personal touch.
• Dairy-Free Options: For those avoiding dairy, plant-based milk or cream alternatives can be used to achieve a rich and creamy filling. Ensure your butter substitute is also dairy-free.
• Other Meats: While designed for turkey, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to other cooked meats like chicken or even shredded pork, making it a versatile base for future culinary experiments.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the many advantages of these individual pot pies is their suitability for make-ahead preparation and convenient storage. You can assemble the pies a day in advance, storing them unbaked in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. These pot pies also freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, cover them tightly or transfer the filling (without the crust) to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add a fresh crust if desired, and bake until heated through and golden. This makes them an excellent option for quick weeknight dinners or a comforting meal when you need something delicious with minimal fuss.

As you gather your ingredients and look forward to the culinary delights of the upcoming holiday, remember to save this fantastic recipe for Turkey Pot Pies in a Jar. It’s the perfect solution for your delicious leftover turkey and guarantees a cozy, comforting meal for a Friday night dinner or any day you crave a taste of homemade goodness.

Enjoy the process, and savor every delightful bite!

Created by: Kristy Still

Turkey Pot Pies in a Jar

Servings: 4 Pint Sized Mason Jars

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Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 4 Cups Cooked and Shredded Turkey Breast
• 2 Cups Turkey Broth
• 2/3 Cup of Cream
• 1/3 Cup of Regular All Purpose Flour
• 1 16 oz Bag of Mixed Vegetables
• ¼ Cup Diced Onion
• 1/8 Tsp Ground Thyme
• ¼ Tsp Rosemary Leaves
• 1 Refrigerated Container Regular Pastry Dough
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tbsp Water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the shredded turkey breast, turkey broth, and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, lowering the heat to a simmer. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and diced onion to the pot. Let the mixture heat through for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
5. Stir in the ground thyme and rosemary leaves, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
6. Carefully pour the turkey pot pie mixture evenly into 4 wide-mouth pint-sized mason jars, leaving some space at the top for the crust.
7. Place each jar inside a baking dish (such as a 9×13 inch pan) to make it easier to transfer them in and out of the oven. This also helps catch any potential overflow.
8. Unroll the refrigerated pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Use the lid of one of your mason jars as a guide to cut out four round shapes from the dough.
9. Carefully place one round of dough on top of each jar, gently pressing the edges down to seal it onto the rim of the jar. Repeat for all four jars.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this egg wash over the pastry crusts; this will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
11. If desired, sprinkle a little extra rosemary over the crusts for added flavor and visual appeal.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and flaky.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 Pint Sized Mason Jar