When I first made this Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie, I knew I’d struck holiday leftover gold. It’s a cozy blend of creamy turkey filling and a garlic bread crust that’s both comforting and irresistible.

The aroma of buttery garlic bread baking in the oven is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. What’s even better? It’s so easy to throw together with ingredients you already have on hand. This dish turns leftovers into a brand-new star of your dinner table, making it perfect for post-holiday meals or any time you’re craving something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients for a Flavor-Packed Pot Pie

Here’s what you need to whip up this comforting dish, with tips for optimizing each ingredient.

For the Filling

4 cups cooked turkey, chopped: A perfect way to use leftover roasted turkey for a tender and flavorful filling.
2 ½ cups milk: Creates a rich, creamy base. Whole milk works best, but any milk will do.
50g butter (4 tablespoons): Adds depth and silkiness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Enhances the flavors of sautéed mushrooms and veggies.
1 onion, finely chopped: A classic base ingredient that adds sweetness and depth.
2 garlic cloves, minced: For an aromatic punch to the filling.
1 carrot, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
150g mushrooms, sliced: Contributes a rich, umami flavor.
1 ½ cups frozen peas: For a touch of sweetness and bright color.
4 tablespoons flour: Thickens the creamy sauce for the perfect filling consistency.
1 teaspoon chicken stock powder or 1 cube – Boosts the savory flavor of the sauce.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and spice.

For the Garlic Bread Topping

5 cups bread chunks (approx. 1-inch cubes): Slightly stale bread works great for soaking up the garlic butter.
50g butter, melted: Coats the bread for a rich, golden crust.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the bread with savory garlic goodness.
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a nutty, salty kick if you like.
1 cup mozzarella (shredded or sliced): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection.

Note: This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion sizes.

Fun Recipe Variations

This dish is so versatile, and here are some ways to make it your own!

Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Amp Up the Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or corn for more color and nutrients.
No Turkey? No Problem: Swap it out for leftover chicken, ham, or even roasted veggies.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Planning your time? Here’s exactly how long this’ll take.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Get everything prepped with the help of these tools.

Oven-safe skillet or baking dish: For cooking the filling and baking the pie in one vessel.
Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and mess-free.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring veggies and sauce efficiently.

How to Make Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie?

Transform leftovers into an irresistible dish with these simple steps.

Step 1: Make the Garlic Bread Topping

Start by stirring melted butter and minced garlic in a large bowl. Toss in the cubed bread until it’s evenly coated in the garlic butter. Set the aromatic pieces aside while you move on to prepping the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil over high heat in your oven-safe skillet. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, cooking until they’re golden brown and packed with savory umami flavor. Set the cooked mushrooms aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Carrots

Reduce the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they soften and release their aroma. Then, toss in the diced carrot and cook for a couple of minutes to get it slightly tender.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Stir flour into the buttery vegetable mixture to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth, thick sauce. Add the chicken stock, salt, and black pepper, stirring it all together. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.

Step 5: Finish the Filling

Fold the cooked turkey, frozen peas, and sautéed mushrooms into the sauce. Stir gently until the filling is well combined and evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Spread this mixture evenly across the skillet.

Step 6: Add the Garlic Bread Topping

Layer the garlic butter-coated bread pieces across the filling, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if you’re using it), followed by a generous layer of mozzarella.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your skillet in a preheated oven (180°C/350°F) and bake uncovered for about 12-15 minutes. This will create beautifully golden brown, crispy bread chunks. Then, loosely cover the skillet with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking the filling.

Step 8: Serve and Savor!

Remove your pot pie from the oven and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan or herbs as a garnish. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in for seconds (or thirds!).

Additional Tips for a Perfect Pot Pie

Make this dish even better with these handy tips:

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the garlic butter while staying crispy on top.
Adjust the Sauce: If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk; if it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can be waxy. Freshly shredded melts much better.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie?

This dish looks as cozy as it tastes, so bring it straight to the table in the skillet for a rustic presentation. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple green salad, a roasted vegetable side, or even some cranberry sauce for an extra festive touch! A glass of white wine or sparkling apple cider completes this hearty meal.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is indulgent yet satisfying. Key values include approximately:

Calories: 550
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage Notes

This dish is ideal for prep-ahead meals and leftovers.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add the bread and cheese topping before popping it into the oven.

Storage: Store leftover pot pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the bread’s crispy texture.

Freezing: Assemble the pot pie (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pot pie takes leftovers to a whole new level!

Creative and Efficient: A genius way to reuse holiday ingredients without wasting anything.
Comforting and Cheesy: The balance of creamy filling and crispy garlic bread makes every bite pure comfort.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
Easy Yet Impressive: Simple ingredients come together for a dish that feels decadent.
Customizable: Tailor it to your tastes or use what you already have.

Give your holiday leftovers an irresistible garlic bread twist with this recipe. It’s creamy comfort and crispy goodness in every bite!