
There’s something deeply comforting about a well-made pot pie, and this version with its golden double crust and rich, herb-infused filling delivers every time. I’ve refined this recipe to ensure the crust stays flaky while the filling remains thick and flavorful.
The key is in the layers—tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a velvety sauce all encased in buttery pastry. I use a mix of fresh herbs to brighten the filling, balancing the richness without overpowering it.
This dish bakes to a perfect golden brown, with the top and bottom crusts holding their structure while the filling bubbles beneath. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.
Serve it straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients for Double Crust Turkey Pot Pie
Golden double crust meets herb-infused filling with tender turkey and hearty vegetables for ultimate comfort.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pie Crust 🥧 | 2 sheets | Store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen |
| Cooked Turkey 🦃 | 2 cups | Shredded or diced, rotisserie works great |
| Carrots 🥕 | 1 cup | Diced into small cubes |
| Frozen Peas 🌱 | 1 cup | No need to thaw first |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Medium-sized, finely diced |
| Celery 🌿 | 2 stalks | Diced into small pieces |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Divided for roux and crust |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ⅓ cup | For thickening the filling |
| Chicken Broth 💧 | 1 ½ cups | Low-sodium preferred for control |
| Whole Milk 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat for creamiest sauce |
| Fresh Thyme 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Chopped, or 1 tsp dried |
| Fresh Rosemary 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Chopped, or 1 tsp dried |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced for depth of flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Or to taste, adjust as needed |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
The pie crust is non-negotiable here. Pillsbury refrigerated sheets save time without sacrificing flakiness, but a from-scratch butter crust takes this to another level. For the turkey, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver—just shred and go. Fresh herbs make a difference, so grab thyme and rosemary from the produce section if you can. The broth ties everything together, so opt for low-sodium to control the salt content.
No rotisserie turkey? Leftover roasted chicken or even deli turkey works in a pinch. Fresh herbs not on hand? Dried at one-third the amount gets you close. The peas can be swapped for frozen corn or green beans. If you’re out of milk, half-and-half or cream makes an even richer filling. The celery adds crunch, but skip it if you’re not a fan.
Assemble the pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge, though the crust softens. Freeze unbaked pies for up to 2 months—bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Meal: I just dump the turkey, carrots, peas and onions into the crust, top it, and bake—no extra bowls to wash.
- Buttery Layers: That flaky double crust with the creamy turkey-veggie filling? Honestly, it’s the reason I make this every November.
- Feeds Everyone: Leftovers taste even better the next day, and it stretches to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Pantry Friendly: Between us, I always have frozen peas and pie crust on hand, so this comes together with whatever turkey’s left after the holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Double Crust Turkey Pot Pie
This method ensures a flaky crust and rich, creamy filling with every bite.
Step 1: Prepare the Herb-Infused Filling Base
Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, allowing the herbs to bloom for 1 minute. This builds a fragrant foundation for the filling. Sprinkle in the 0.33 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw taste.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling
Gradually whisk in the 1.5 cups chicken broth and 0.5 cup whole milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add the 2 cups cooked turkey, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll 1 sheet pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge, leaving a ½-inch overhang.
Pour the warm filling into the crust-lined dish. The filling should be slightly mounded in the center but not overflowing. Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, then cut 4-5 slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the assembled pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling beneath the slits. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
Let the pot pie rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Serve warm, with each portion showcasing the flaky double crust and rich, herb-infused filling.
Pro Tips For Making Double Crust Turkey Pot Pie
- Vent the Top Crust: I learned this the hard way—cut 3-4 small slits in the top crust before baking so steam can escape. Without this, you’ll end up with a soggy bottom crust and a filling that bubbles out.
- Par-Cook the Carrots: After burning a few batches, I finally figured out that carrots need a 5-minute head start in the pan before adding onions. They soften just enough to finish perfectly in the oven.
- Skip Wet Turkey: Press cooked turkey between paper towels first—excess moisture makes the filling watery and the crust gummy. This isn’t the prettiest step, but it’s non-negotiable.
- Use Cold Crust: My grandmother swore by this, and she was right: Keep the bottom crust in the fridge until you’re ready to fill it. Warm dough sticks and shrinks, ruining that flaky double crust.
Make-Ahead Tips for double crust turkey pot pie
Prep Ahead Strategy
You can fully assemble this pot pie up to 24 hours before baking. I prepare the filling, let it cool completely, then assemble it in the pie dish with both crusts. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This actually improves the flavors as they meld overnight. 💡
Freezer-Friendly Option
For longer storage, assemble the pie without baking and freeze it uncovered for 1 hour first. Then wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. There’s no need to thaw before baking—just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Bake from Frozen
When ready to bake, remove the foil and place the frozen pie on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes, covering the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. The filling will bubble when it’s fully heated through.
Crust Protection
To prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy when making ahead, brush it lightly with 1 beaten egg white before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that keeps the crust crisp. I also sprinkle 1 tbsp breadcrumbs on the bottom crust for extra insurance.
Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore the crust’s flakiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crisp. 🔥
Herb Freshness Tip
If making ahead, add the fresh herbs just before baking rather than during the initial filling preparation. This preserves their bright, aromatic qualities. Dried herbs can be added during the initial cooking as they hold up better to storage.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Substitute 2 cups cooked chicken for the turkey. Rotisserie chicken works especially well for convenience and flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Brush the bottom crust with 1 beaten egg white before adding filling, or sprinkle 1 tbsp breadcrumbs for extra crispness. Baking on 375°F helps too.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crust texture.
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
Yes! Assemble, freeze uncovered for 1 hour, then wrap tightly in foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-55 minutes.
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