Southern Turkey Pot Pie with Buttermilk Biscuit Crust

What do you usually do with your turkey leftovers?

Turn them into a creamy, comforting Southern-style turkey pot pie with a flaky butter crust. This leftover turkey pot pie is perfect after Thanksgiving or Christmas—rich gravy, tender turkey, vegetables, and a golden double crust make it a true soul food favorite.

What makes a Southern leftover turkey pot pie recipe?

This recipe combines leftover turkey with a savory, seasoned gravy, mixed vegetables, a splash of cream, and a flaky pie crust. The filling is built with pantry staples and bold Southern flavors so each bite tastes freshly made while using up holiday turkey.

What is Southern leftover turkey pot pie made of?

At its core: cooked turkey, gravy, mixed vegetables, broth, a thickener (cornstarch or flour), cream, seasonings, and pie dough for a buttery crust. It’s an easy, soulful way to reuse turkey meat with comforting, familiar flavors.

Kitchen equipment for a Southern turkey pot pie

• Instant Pot electric pressure cooker (optional)
• Instant Pot Omni Plus oven or conventional oven
• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
• Aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to protect crust edges

Ingredients for Southern leftover turkey pot pie

• 2 pie crusts, homemade or store-bought (double crust)
• 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked turkey
• 12 oz mixed vegetables (frozen or canned) — if frozen, add 4 oz vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup turkey or chicken gravy
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme to garnish (optional)

Instructions for Southern leftover turkey pot pie

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (or set Instant Pot Omni Plus to the bake setting). Grease a 9-inch pie pan and line it with the bottom pie crust.
2. In a large pot over low heat, combine turkey gravy and chicken bouillon until dissolved.
3. Add the mixed vegetables (with their broth if canned) and the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then pour into the vegetable mixture. Stir until the filling thickens slightly.
5. Season the turkey with the poultry seasoning, then add the turkey to the pot and stir in salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Top with the second pie crust, trim any excess, and seal the edges by crimping or fluting. Cut an “X” or a few slits in the center to vent.
7. If desired, cover the crust edge with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in a conventional oven 25–30 minutes, or in the Instant Pot Omni Plus 17–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and filling bubbles through the vent.
8. Remove from oven and cool at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Pro tips:

• Use shredded turkey or leftover chicken interchangeably.
• Prevent over-browned edges with foil strips or a pie crust shield.
• For neat slices, use a pizza cutter after the pie has cooled slightly.
• Leftover pie dough can be baked as quick pie crust cookies for dessert.

What do you pair with turkey pot pie?

Pot pie is a satisfying main course on its own, but it pairs well with simple soul food sides like homemade cornbread, creamed corn casserole, or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Southern leftover turkey pot pie FAQs

How do you fix bland turkey pot pie?

Balance the base with flavorful components: use gravy or broth, dissolve chicken bouillon into the sauce, add the suggested salt and pepper, and finish with your favorite poultry seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go.

Can you use canned or frozen vegetables?

Yes. Use canned, frozen, or fresh vegetables. Peas, carrots, corn, celery, potatoes, butternut squash, and green beans all work well. If using frozen vegetables, add a little extra broth as noted in the ingredients.

Ingredient swaps

• If you don’t have gravy, use a can of cream of mushroom soup or make a quick gravy from pan drippings and stock.
• Half-and-half can replace heavy cream in a pinch.
• Flour can be used instead of cornstarch for thickening; a roux (butter + flour cooked briefly) is another option.
• An egg wash before baking will give the crust a shiny, golden finish, and brushing melted butter after baking adds extra richness.

Best turkey cut to use

Leftover turkey breast (skin removed) is ideal—tender and easy to shred, cube, or chop. Dark meat works too if you prefer a richer flavor.

Can this turkey pot pie be made ahead?

Yes. Assemble and freeze the uncooked pie, or freeze the cooked pie. Store airtight for up to 90 days. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–5 days.

How do you thicken the filling?

This recipe uses cornstarch mixed with cold water for a smooth, strong thickener. Flour, a roux, or gradual additions of flour whisked into the hot liquid will also work, though cornstarch thickens with less quantity.

How to avoid a soggy bottom crust

Ensure the filling is thick before adding it to the crust—if it’s too soupy, the bottom will soften. Bake until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden. Prebaking (blind baking) the bottom crust briefly can help in very moist pies.

How does this turn out with a double crust?

Using a top and bottom crust yields a classic, hearty pot pie. Seal edges well, vent the top crust, and protect edges from over-browning for best results.

Making pie crust from scratch

• Use a simple butter-and-flour crust or try an almond flour crust if you prefer gluten-free options.
• Roll the dough evenly and chill before baking to help it stay flaky.

Can you freeze the filling alone?

Yes. Freeze the filling separately for easy freezer meals, or freeze a fully assembled pie. Store airtight for up to 90 days and thaw before baking if frozen raw.

Final thoughts

Leftover turkey transforms beautifully into a warm, creamy pot pie with a flaky crust—comfort food that’s both practical and delicious. Whether you make it with turkey or chicken, this recipe is rooted in soul food tradition and built for simple home cooking. Try it, adjust seasonings to your taste, and enjoy.