Smoked Turkey Pot Pie with Buttery Biscuits: A Comforting Family Favorite
Updated: Aug 16
One of our favorite family traditions is spending the day smoking meats on the back patio. The best part? Finding delicious ways to use the leftovers. We usually turn leftover smoked turkey into Mexican bowls, but this time we wanted something a little more comforting and filling. Packed with smoky flavor, a rich creamy filling, and topped with golden buttery biscuits, this Smoked Turkey Pot Pie quickly became a new family favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Smoked Turkey Pot Pie with Buttery Biscuits transforms leftover smoked turkey into a rich, creamy comfort food dinner. It’s topped with golden, flaky biscuits that the whole family will love. Here are some reasons why this dish is a must-try:
Delicious Use of Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose leftover smoked turkey.
Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find grocery store ingredients.
Comfort Food: Loaded with smoky, savory flavors that warm the soul.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
One-Pan Wonder: Made in one cast-iron skillet for easy cleanup.
Smoked Turkey Pot Pie with Buttery Biscuits Detailed Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
Spanish Onion: Sweeter and milder than yellow onions, making them easier to chop.
Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and savory flavor to the filling.
Red Potatoes: Hold their shape well while cooking and add fiber.
Minced Garlic: Enhances the dish with bold flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling for a creamy consistency.
Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the pot pie.
Almond Milk: A lighter, dairy-free alternative that keeps the dish creamy.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an earthy flavor; dried works too.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the turkey beautifully.
Peas and Corn: Frozen options add color, sweetness, and texture.
Refrigerated Southern Biscuits: Quick and convenient, they provide a flaky topping.
Smoked Turkey: The star of the dish, adding rich smoky flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds warmth and enhances overall flavor.
Smoked Turkey Pot Pie with Buttery Biscuits Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a deep cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the skillet with avocado oil if needed.
Add the diced onion, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly brown.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Broth
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir continuously to coat everything well.
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 4: Add the Almond Milk and Seasonings
Stir in the almond milk, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat if needed. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens.
Step 5: Add the Turkey and Vegetables
Stir in the shredded smoked turkey, frozen peas, and frozen corn until evenly combined.
Step 6: Add the Biscuits
Open the tube of refrigerated biscuits and arrange them evenly across the top of the filling.
Tip: We found that only 6 of the 8 biscuits fit comfortably in our skillet. Place any extra biscuits on a small baking sheet and bake them alongside the pot pie. Check them after about 5 minutes, as they may finish baking sooner.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the cast-iron skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Safety Tip: Don’t forget your oven mitts when handling the hot cast-iron skillet.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pot pie to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Enjoy your Smoked Turkey Pot Pie with Buttery Biscuits while it's warm and fresh from the oven!
Pro Tip
You may notice that this recipe doesn't call for added salt. We encourage you to give it a try as written first, especially since ingredients like vegetable broth, biscuits, and smoked turkey often contain sodium on their own.
Our family has chosen to be more mindful of salt because it can add up quickly in processed, packaged, and restaurant foods. If you'd like a little extra seasoning, simply add salt to taste before serving. It's much easier to add more than it is to take it away!
Why This Smoked Turkey Pot Pie Works
The combination of smoked turkey, tender vegetables, and a creamy herb-infused filling creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Refrigerated biscuits bake into a golden, flaky topping that transforms simple leftovers into a comforting family meal. Whether you're using leftover smoked turkey from a backyard barbecue or holiday gathering, this easy pot pie recipe delivers homemade comfort food with minimal effort.
Easy Variations
Substitute rotisserie turkey for the smoked turkey.
Add diced carrots, green beans, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use whole milk instead of almond milk if preferred.
Swap the refrigerated biscuits for homemade biscuits.
Add a few drops of liquid smoke if using regular cooked turkey.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for an extra-rich filling.
Replace the turkey with shredded chicken for a chicken pot pie variation.
What to Serve with Smoked Turkey Pot Pie
This hearty pot pie is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
Simple garden salad
Roasted broccoli
Sautéed Swiss chard
Steamed green beans
Cranberry sauce
Fresh fruit salad
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Recipe Tips
Dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
Stir the flour thoroughly into the vegetables before adding the liquid to prevent lumps.
Use freshly shredded turkey for the best texture.
Arrange the biscuits with a little space between them so they bake evenly.
Let the pot pie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken.
Use a deep cast-iron skillet to prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.
Storage
Store leftover Smoked Turkey Pot Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through. While the microwave works in a pinch, the oven helps maintain the biscuits' flaky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover holiday turkey into a comforting family dinner.
Can I make turkey pot pie ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the biscuits just before baking.
Can I freeze turkey pot pie?
The filling freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and top with fresh biscuits before baking.
What is the best turkey for pot pie?
Smoked turkey adds incredible depth of flavor, but roasted turkey, rotisserie turkey, and leftover holiday turkey all work well.
Can I use homemade biscuits?
Yes. Homemade biscuits can be substituted for refrigerated biscuits. Bake according to your biscuit recipe's instructions.
Why is my pot pie filling too thin?
The filling will continue to thicken as it simmers and rests after baking. Be sure to simmer the mixture until slightly thickened before adding the biscuits.
Turkey Alternatives
Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest substitutions for smoked turkey. Simply shred the chicken and use the same amount called for in the recipe.
Leftover Chicken
Whether it's grilled, baked, or roasted chicken, leftovers work perfectly in this comforting pot pie recipe.
Smoked Chicken
If you enjoy smoking meats, leftover smoked chicken provides a similar smoky flavor profile and makes an excellent substitute for smoked turkey.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
This recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover holiday turkey into a hearty family dinner after Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Rotisserie Turkey
Store-bought rotisserie turkey can be used when you don't have leftover smoked turkey on hand.
Vegetarian Pot Pie
Skip the meat altogether and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, green beans, and peas for a delicious vegetarian version.
This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for quick meals that are both simple and exciting. Enjoy this comforting dish that brings a world of flavor to your table!
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