Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

If you’re staring down a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers and wondering how to turn them into something truly comforting and delicious, I’ve got you covered. This Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is a dream come true—rich, cozy, and topped with crispy, garlicky bread chunks that your whole family will love. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be asking yourself why you never thought to combine garlic bread and turkey pot pie before!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create a creamy filling with a rich garlic bread topping. Each component plays its role—from the mushrooms that add earthiness to the melting cheeses that seal in all that deliciousness.

• Olive oil: For a light, clean flavor when browning the mushrooms.
• Mushrooms: Adds a savory depth; sliced about 1/5″ thick works great to get a nice sear.
• Butter: Essential for that silky roux and buttery garlic bread topping.
• Onion: Brown, white, or yellow—whatever you have works fine, just finely chopped for even cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Double duty here—used in the filling and the garlic bread topping for intense flavor.
• Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and color; chopped into little bites.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce into a luscious filling.
• Milk: Any fat percentage works; it makes the filling creamy and comforting.
• Cooked chopped turkey or chicken: The star leftover protein turning this into a hearty meal.
• Frozen peas: For a pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
• Chicken or vegetable stock powder: Enhances flavor; I love using Vegeta powder.
• Salt and black pepper: Crucial for seasoning throughout.
• Salted butter (for topping): For coating the bread chunks, ensuring that perfect golden crust.
• Bread chunks: Soft breads are best here; cube about 1″ to cover the top nicely.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory umami notes when sprinkled over the topping.
• Mozzarella or other melting cheese: This melts on top to bind everything together with gooey deliciousness.

Variations

I love mixing it up with this Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to make it your own—after all, the best recipes are the ones that fit your taste and pantry!

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap turkey for extra mushrooms, chickpeas, or even roasted butternut squash; I once made it with just mushrooms and it was still insanely good.
• Cheese Options: Try sharp cheddar or gruyere on top instead of mozzarella to change the flavor profile dramatically.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat—my husband really likes this twist!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to thicken and gluten-free bread chunks to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Get Those Mushrooms Perfectly Browned

Start by heating olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat—this little sear adds so much flavor. Add your sliced mushrooms and let them cook without stirring too much until they develop a beautiful golden brown, about 4 minutes. Browned mushrooms bring a meaty richness that really complements the turkey. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Your Kitchen Will Smell Amazing!)

Lower the heat to medium-high and melt the butter in the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the diced carrot and cook another minute to soften it up. This is where your sauce base starts forming, and trust me, the smell alone is going to make your tastebuds dance.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Roux and Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and cook for one minute, stirring constantly; you’re making a roux here that’ll thicken your filling. Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry—that’s totally normal. Next, pour in half the milk while stirring quickly, and watch the roux dissolve almost instantly into a creamy sauce. Add the rest of the milk gradually, stirring well, then mix in the chicken or veggie stock powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Thicken and Build Your Filling

Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts bubbling gently and thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. This is a great test for perfect consistency—you want a sauce that’s thick but still saucy rather than gloopy. Now, fold in your chopped turkey, frozen peas, and browned mushrooms. Mix everything together until the filling is warm and well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Bread Topping

While the filling is resting, melt the salted butter and stir in the minced garlic for that punch of garlicky flavor. Toss the bread chunks in this buttery garlic mixture until evenly coated—this step is critical because it’s what makes the topping so heavenly. If you’re adding parmesan, sprinkle it over the bread’s surface for an extra umami boost.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Your Pot Pie

Spread the turkey filling evenly in your oven-proof skillet or casserole dish. Top it all with the garlicky bread chunks, making sure to cover the surface well. Finally, scatter your mozzarella or melting cheese over the top to get that perfect melty seal. Bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese starts to brown with those irresistible golden spots. Then, tent it with foil (to keep the cheese from sticking) and bake for another 10 minutes to ensure the bread topping crisps up beautifully.

Step 7: Ready to Serve and Impress!

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little more parmesan on top before serving. This Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is best enjoyed hot and gooey right out of the oven—grab a fork and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a fresh handful of chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top just before serving; it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that balances out the rich, garlicky flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some red pepper flakes for kick also work wonders here.

Side Dishes

Because this pot pie is quite filling, I usually pair it with something light and crisp like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest. For a heartier meal, roasted root vegetables or a warm bowl of homemade soup complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with garlic bread chunks—perfect for dinner parties or a cozy date night. Alternatively, bake it in a deep pie dish for a rustic family-style presentation, and let guests scoop out their own servings. Draping a festive napkin around the dish adds warmth to your table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since we start with cooked turkey, it stays fresh and safe longer than you might expect. Just know the garlic bread topping does lose some crispiness but reheats well.

Freezing

Freezing this pot pie works well if you wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap for double protection. I usually freeze it before baking and then let it thaw overnight before baking per instructions. This way, the garlic bread topping stays better rather than soggy.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven method: cover the pot pie with foil to avoid drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (usually about 20 minutes). If you want to bring back some crunch on the topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Microwave is okay for a quick fix but expect softer bread topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe has become my go-to for turning holiday leftovers or any cooked turkey into a satisfying new dish. It’s comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent—everything you want when you’re craving homey food. I can’t recommend it enough; whenever I make it, my family devours it within minutes and asks for seconds. So, grab your bread, heat up that skillet, and give this one a whirl—you won’t look at leftover turkey the same way again!

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