Turkey Pie Recipe

The Coziest Turkey Pie Recipe for Comforting Family Dinners

Comfort arrives with this hearty turkey pie that promises warmth and satisfaction after a long day.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Leftover turkey finds new life in this delectable dish, blending familiar flavors with creative culinary magic.

Flaky pastry cradles tender meat and rich vegetables, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Crisp edges and a golden-brown crust hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

Each forkful brings memories of cozy family dinners and shared moments.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right away.

Ingredients in Delia Smith Turkey Pie Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Turkey: Tender, cooked meat that forms the hearty base of the pie filling.
Vegetable Base:
  • Shallot, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich, savory foundation for the pie.
  • Frozen Vegetables: Colorful mix that adds nutrition and texture to the filling.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps create a smooth, cohesive pie filling.
  • Bouillon: Concentrated seasoning that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
Thickening and Crust Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the pie filling and create a creamy consistency.
  • Pie Crust: Provides a golden, flaky exterior that complements the savory filling.
  • Egg: Used for brushing the crust to achieve a beautiful, glossy brown finish.
Cooking Oils and Herbs:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.
  • Herbs: Fresh or dried seasonings that add complexity to the pie's flavor profile.

How to Cook Delia Smith Turkey Pie Perfectly

How to Cook Delia Smith Turkey Pie Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Give your pie dish a quick spritz of nonstick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Grab a pan and dance some shallots, celery, and herbs in oil. Let them sizzle and mingle for about 3-4 minutes until they release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Introduce these ingredients to the pan:
  • Broth
  • Bouillon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Frozen vegetables

Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, creating a delicious liquid blanket.

Step 4: Introduce the Star Ingredient

Fold in your tender turkey pieces. In a separate small bowl, blend cornstarch with a splash of broth, then pour into the pan. Let the mixture bubble and thicken for 4-6 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Transfer the hearty filling into your prepared pie dish. Drape a beautiful pastry crust on top. Crimp those edges with flair and create a few artistic steam vents with a knife.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Brush the crust with an egg wash for a gorgeous golden shine. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until the top turns a stunning bronze and the filling bubbles with excitement.

Handy Tips for Delia Smith Turkey Pie Success

  • Boost Vegetable Variety: Swap frozen mixed veggies with fresh seasonal produce like carrots, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Perfect Pie Crust Trick: Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle herbs or sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace turkey with rotisserie chicken or plant-based alternatives like shredded jackfruit for different dietary needs.
  • Thickening Secret: Use cornstarch carefully to prevent lumps; mix with cold broth and whisk smoothly before adding to hot filling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling a day ahead and refrigerate to enhance flavors and save time during meal preparation.

Change-Up Ideas for Delia Smith Turkey Pie

  • Chicken Comfort Pie: Replace turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick, flavorful alternative.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Pot Pie: Swap turkey with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Shepherd's Style Pie: Use gluten-free pie crust, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Topped Pie: Substitute pie crust with roasted cauliflower topping, use low-carb vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

What to Serve With Delia Smith Turkey Pie

  • Savor Turkey Pie's Perfect Pairings
  • Complement Crisp Salad: Toss light mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette to balance the pie's rich, hearty flavors and cut through creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that harmonizes with the turkey's delicate taste and herbal undertones.
  • Match Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare caramelized carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to echo the pie's rustic warmth and provide complementary earthy sweetness.
  • Pour Sparkling Apple Cider: Serve a crisp, slightly sweet nonalcoholic beverage that refreshes the palate and offers a bright counterpoint to the savory pie.

Store and Warm Delia Smith Turkey Pie the Right Way

  • Store leftover turkey pie in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap individual pie portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
  • Warm refrigerated pie at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Heat single servings on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Turkey Pie FAQs Answered

  • Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, chicken works perfectly as a direct substitute in this pie recipe. The cooking method and seasoning remain the same.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the filling?

Absolutely. Cornstarch helps thicken the filling, creating a rich, creamy texture that prevents a watery pie. It ensures the filling stays substantial and doesn’t run when sliced.

  • What frozen vegetables work best?

Mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans are ideal. They add color, nutrition, and flavor to the turkey pie without requiring additional chopping.

  • How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. When the edges are crisp and the top is evenly colored, your turkey pie is ready to come out of the oven.

What Makes Delia Smith Turkey Pie a Favorite

What Makes Delia Smith Turkey Pie a Favorite
  • Craft Comforting Meal: A hearty turkey pie delivers pure comfort food satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Rescue Leftovers Brilliantly: Transform yesterday's turkey into a delicious new dinner that feels completely fresh and exciting.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or change protein to match your family's taste preferences without complicated modifications.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Prepare filling and bake in same dish, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking smooth and stress-free.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Turkey Pie Recipe

Turkey Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty “turkey pie” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending savory meat and flaky pastry into a soul-warming meal. Creamy filling and golden crust promise delicious memories you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 3 cups leftover cooked turkey breast, diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 large shallot, chopped
  • 2 small celery stalks, chopped
  • 5 ounces (141 grams) frozen mixed vegetables
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

Liquids, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:

  • 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 1/4 cups (532 milliliters) turkey or chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon chicken or turkey bouillon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400°F and lightly coat pie dish with cooking spray for easy release.
  2. In a skillet, gently sauté minced shallots, diced celery, and fragrant herbs in oil until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour broth into the skillet, add seasoning cubes, salt, and pepper. Incorporate frozen vegetables and allow mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  4. Fold shredded turkey into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking it with additional broth, then pour into the pan to thicken the filling, stirring continuously for 4-6 minutes.
  5. Transfer the savory filling into prepared pie dish, maintaining a generous portion in each serving area. Carefully drape pastry crust over the top, crimping edges securely and creating small venting slashes to release steam during baking.
  6. Delicately brush the crust surface with beaten egg for a rich, golden finish. Bake in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and filling bubbles appetizingly around the edges.

Notes

  • Customize the pie by swapping turkey with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted meat for a quick flavor twist.
  • Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or spinach to the filling for more color and vitamins.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch as a thickener and choosing a gluten-free pie crust or making a cauliflower crust alternative.
  • Make ahead and freeze the unbaked pie for convenient meal prep, storing it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months before baking directly from frozen.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-35 mins
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 434 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star