Satisfy Your Leftover Turkey Craving with Cast Iron Turkey Pot Pie

The holidays have come and gone, but your craving for scrumptious turkey lingers on. Luckily, I’ve got the perfect recipe to satisfy your leftover turkey needs – cast iron turkey pot pie! This hearty, savory pie transforms leftover turkey into a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love.

In this recipe guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best cast iron turkey pot pie including

• Cast iron skillet pie benefits
• Ingredients & substitutions
• Step-by-step instructions
• Storage and reheating tips

So unwind your belt preheat the oven, and let’s get baking!

Why Make Turkey Pot Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet?

Cast iron skillets have been beloved kitchen staples for generations, and for good reason. When it comes to baking pot pies, cast iron offers some major advantages

• Even heating for a perfectly browned crust. The cast iron distributes heat evenly across the bottom and up the sides.

• Great heat retention to keep the filling piping hot. Cast iron gets hot and stays hot.

• Easy clean up. Cast iron surfaces are naturally nonstick if properly seasoned.

• Rustic presentation. Serving family-style right from the pan looks homey and humble.

• Versatility. The skillet can go from stovetop to oven and doubles as a serving dish.

So if you’re looking for the ultimate cooking vessel for pot pies, cast iron is clearly the way to go. Let’s get to the recipe!

Cast Iron Turkey Pot Pie Ingredients

Though ingredients can be adjusted to taste, here’s a classic list of what you’ll need:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade crust)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 cups chopped leftover turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

As far as crusts go, feel free to use refrigerated, homemade, or even puff pastry. Ready to make some magic? Let’s do this!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cast Iron Turkey Pot Pie

Follow these simple steps for turkey pot pie success:

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Generously grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet with butter or oil.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Melt 3 Tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat.
• Add onions, carrots and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Whisk in the Flour

• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and whisk to coat them. Cook for 2 minutes more.

4. Gradually Add Liquid

• Pour in chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

5. Simmer the Filling

• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, until thickened to a gravy-like consistency.

6. Season the Filling

• Stir in salt, pepper and thyme. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

7. Add the Turkey

• Add chopped cooked turkey and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes just to heat through.

8. Transfer Filling to Skillet

• Remove skillet from heat and pour turkey filling into the prepared cast iron pan.

9. Cover with Pie Crust

• Drape your pie dough over the filling. Trim overhangs and crimp edges decoratively.

10. Apply Egg Wash

• Use a pastry brush to spread the egg wash over the top crust and edges. This gives the crust a beautiful sheen.

11. Bake the Pie

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

12. Let Cool and Slice

• Allow the pot pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the filling can set. Dig in!

And that’s all there is to it. With these simple steps, you’ll have a picture-perfect turkey pot pie ready to serve.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Cast Iron Turkey Pot Pie

Pot pie leftovers make excellent next day lunches or dinners. Here are some storage tips:

• Allow pie to cool completely before refrigerating. Leftover pot pie keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

• Reheat individual slices in microwave until hot, 1-2 minutes.

• To reheat the whole pie, cover loosely with foil and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.

• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

So don’t let that leftover turkey go to waste! Whip up a comforting cast iron turkey pot pie and savor the flavors of the holidays once more. This easy recipe uses pantry staples you likely have on hand for a fuss-free family meal.

Now that you’re a cast iron pot pie pro, try mixing up the recipe with any of these creative ingredient swaps:

• Substitute chicken, beef or pork for the turkey.

• Use alternative vegetables like sweet potato, green beans, spinach or mushrooms.

• Add freshly chopped herbs like rosemary, sage or parsley.

• Stir in a dash of cayenne or paprika for a kick.

• Drizzle the pie with gravy before serving for extra flavor.

• Top slices with a dollop of sour cream or cranberry sauce.