Name: Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 150g / 5 oz mushrooms, sliced 1/2cm / 1/5″ thick; 50g / 4 tbsp butter; 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, white, or yellow); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 carrot, peeled and chopped into 1cm / 1/3″ pieces; 4 tbsp plain/all purpose flour; 2 1/2 cups milk (any fat percentage); 4 cups (600g) cooked chopped turkey or chicken; 1 1/2 cups frozen peas; 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (or 1 cube, e.g. Vegeta powder); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 50g / 4 tbsp salted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced using a garlic press; 5 packed cups bread chunks (~2.5cm / 1″ cubes); 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated (optional); 1 cup mozzarella or other melting cheese, shredded or sliced (enough to cover the top)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy, comforting dish that creatively transforms your leftover bird, you absolutely must try this Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe. This dish embraces the best of both worlds, combining the rich creaminess of a classic turkey pot pie filling with the irresistible garlicky, buttery crunch of cheesy garlic bread on top. Leftover turkey, often a bit dry on its own, gets a delicious makeover soaked in a creamy sauce and topped with the melty, golden garlic bread chunks that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a warm hug on a plate, perfect for turning your holiday leftovers or any cooked turkey into something new and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with small pieces of light beige cooked chicken. To the left of this bowl is another clear bowl filled with sliced light brown mushrooms. Above the mushrooms is a white bowl with bright green peas. Near the top of the image, an orange carrot and a whole light brown onion lie on the surface, along with two cloves of garlic. To the right of the chicken, there is a small clear bowl with golden yellow olive oil, a small bowl with light yellow butter cubes, and a small bowl with white flour. At the bottom right, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with white cream or milk. The whole scene is neatly arranged on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients list for this Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays an essential role — from creating that silky sauce to adding vibrant color with veggies, and of course, the standout garlicky bread topping brings everything together with unbeatable texture and flavor.

Olive oil: Used for browning mushrooms to deepen flavor with a subtle fruity note.
Mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthy richness and a tender bite that complements the turkey beautifully.
Butter: Essential for the roux and garlic bread topping, giving a luscious richness throughout.
Onion, finely chopped: Provides a savory sweetness base that elevates the creamy filling.
Garlic cloves, minced: Double duty in the filling and the topping, infusing the dish with irresistible aroma.
Carrot, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
Flour: Creates the foundation of the rich, thick white sauce that coats everything perfectly.
Milk: Smooths out the sauce into creamy perfection; any fat percentage works well.
Cooked turkey (or chicken): The star protein that’s revived in every bite with flavorful sauce and veggies.
Frozen peas: Bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of green brighten the filling.
Chicken or vegetable stock powder: Adds concentrated savory depth balancing all the creamy richness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Salted butter (for topping): Enhances the garlic bread topping with irresistible buttery flavor.
Bread chunks: Cubes of bread that soak up garlic butter and provide the crunchy topping texture.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty kick on top for an extra layer of indulgence.
Mozzarella or melting cheese: Creates that gooey, golden crust that brings everything together.

How to Make Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Garlic Bread Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking later. Next, melt butter and stir in minced garlic to form an aromatic garlic butter mixture. Toss your bread chunks in this butter until fully coated, then set aside — this topping is what will deliver all that cheesy, crispy magic that makes this pot pie so unforgettable.

Step 2: Brown the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over high heat and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they turn golden and release their deep, earthy flavors — about four minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan to keep their texture perfect for later inclusion in the filling.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Carrot

Reduce the heat to medium-high and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently for two minutes to release a soft, fragrant base. Add the chopped carrot and cook for another minute. This combination brings a subtle sweetness and aroma that makes your sauce sing.

Step 4: Create the Roux and Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and cook for about a minute until it forms a paste-like roux. Don’t worry if it seems dry initially — that’s normal. Slowly whisk in half the milk, stirring continuously to dissolve the flour paste smoothly. Then add the remaining milk, stirring as you go. Season with chicken or vegetable stock powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken, coating the back of a wooden spoon nicely.

Step 5: Combine Turkey, Veggies, and Mushrooms

Gently fold the cooked turkey, frozen peas, and browned mushrooms into the creamy sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with tender turkey and colorful, comforting vegetables, perfect for a hearty, nourishing meal.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spread the garlic bread chunks evenly over the top of your turkey filling inside the skillet. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it liberally over the bread first, then cover everything with a generous layer of shredded or sliced mozzarella or another melting cheese. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese starts to brown beautifully. To avoid sticking, loosely tent foil over the top and bake for another 10 minutes until the topping is perfectly crisp and golden.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle on any additional Parmesan if you wish — this extra step adds a lovely sharpness that contrasts enticingly with the buttery cheese topping. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful textures and flavors melding together, making this Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe a full-flavored celebration of your leftovers.

How to Serve Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken and vegetable casserole. The bottom layer is thick white sauce mixed with small pieces of cooked chicken, green peas, and orange carrot bits. On top, there are golden-brown toasted bread pieces that look crunchy and soft inside. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish for color. A silver spoon rests on the right inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a dark cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme can brighten this rich dish visually and add a subtle herby note that balances the creamy, savory filling and garlicky cheese topping wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pot pie is a hearty meal on its own but pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider portioning the pot pie into individual oven-safe ramekins topped with the garlic bread crumb mixture. This presentation looks elegant and makes serving a breeze. You could also experiment by adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot honey on the side for guests who enjoy a flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a great next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this pot pie for up to 1 month. For best results, assemble and bake it partially (just until the cheese melts), allow it to cool, then freeze. Reheat from frozen in a 180°C/350°F oven, covered with foil initially to prevent over-browning.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven at 175°C/350°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the topping crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the garlicky topping delightfully crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! The Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe works perfectly with cooked chicken, making it a versatile option for any poultry leftovers you have.

What type of bread is best for the garlic bread topping?

Use a sturdy, slightly dense bread like a French baguette, sourdough, or Italian bread. These hold up well to the garlic butter and baking without becoming soggy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use your preferred dairy-free milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese for a lighter version.

Is it possible to prepare this dish entirely in advance?

You can prepare the filling and topping separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day before assembling and baking for the freshest results.

How can I add more vegetables to this pot pie?

Feel free to toss in chopped celery, corn, green beans, or diced potatoes along with the carrots and peas. Just sauté harder vegetables a little longer before adding the flour to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Recipe is truly one of my favorite ways to make the most of leftover turkey. It transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with creamy comfort and irresistible crunchy garlic bread goodness. Give it a try—you’ll end up making it a regular in your rotation even beyond turkey leftovers. Warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s just the kind of recipe that makes any day feel special.