Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Gratin: A Cozy Dish Recipe
# Turkey Pot Pie Gratin with Leftovers: A Recipe for Comfort Food
As the festive season comes to an end, many people find themselves with plenty of leftover turkey. Rather than sticking to typical turkey sandwiches, why not convert those leftovers into a soothing and tasty meal? Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Gratin offers an ideal solution to utilize turkey while providing a warm, substantial dish that will please the entire family.
## Ingredients
### For the Filling:
– 2 cups cooked turkey, either shredded or diced
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
### For the Gratin Topping:
– 2 cups mashed potatoes (either leftover or freshly prepared)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. In a large skillet, warm olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until aromatic.
3. Mix in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens, around 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the shredded turkey, frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Combine well and remove from heat.
### Step 2: Assemble the Gratin
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased baking dish, evenly distribute the turkey filling across the bottom.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, ensuring they cover it completely.
4. Add the shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
### Step 3: Bake
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
### Step 4: Serve
1. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
## Tips for Success
– **Customize Your Vegetables**: Feel free to incorporate any leftover vegetables you may have, such as green beans, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes.
– **Make It Ahead**: This dish can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking from cold.
– **Use Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes**: For a faster alternative, you can opt for store-bought mashed potatoes if you’re pressed for time.
## Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Gratin not only serves as an excellent way to make use of holiday leftovers, but it also provides the warmth and comfort of a traditional pot pie without the hassle of making a pie crust. With its creamy filling and cheesy, golden topping, this dish is destined to be a go-to family favorite. Enjoy this delightful meal on cool nights, and relish the tastes of the season long after the holidays have concluded.