Turkey Pot Pie with Flaky Phyllo Crust: A Light and Comforting Classic

Crispy golden layers meet creamy, savory filling for a lighter spin on a classic comfort meal.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Crispy golden layers meet creamy, savory filling for a lighter spin on a classic comfort meal.

Turkey Pot Pie with a Flaky Phyllo Crust

Transform traditional comfort food with this Turkey Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust, where the classic creamy filling meets a delicate, crisp pastry topping. This recipe is not just a delicious way to reinvent leftover turkey; it’s also a lighter, healthier take on a family favorite, swapping the usual heavy pie dough for airy, golden layers of phyllo.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this show-stopping dish, from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, chef’s tips, serving advice, and frequently asked questions.

Why Make Turkey Pot Pie with Phyllo?

Lighter and Healthier: Phyllo pastry is lower in fat and calories than traditional pie crust, making each serving lighter but just as satisfying.
Crispy Texture: The phyllo sheets bake into crunchy, golden layers that beautifully contrast the creamy filling.
Quick Assembly: Using leftover turkey and pre-made phyllo offers a speedy, fail-proof way to whip up comfort food.
Individual Servings: Personal pot pies make for charming presentation and easy portion control.

Ingredients for Turkey Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 Tbsp
Frozen pearl onions	1 1/2 cups
Medium carrots (sliced)	3
Garlic cloves (minced)	2 small
Chopped parsley	1/3 cup
All-purpose flour	3 Tbsp
Chicken broth	1 1/2 cups
Milk (whole or low-fat)	1 cup
Dijon mustard	1 Tbsp
Kosher salt & pepper	to taste
Roasted turkey breast (shredded)	2 1/2 cups
Frozen peas	1 cup
Sage (chopped + whole leaves)	1 tsp + 6 leaves
Phyllo pastry sheets (thawed)	6
Olive oil cooking spray	as needed

Note: You can use leftover chicken for a similar result.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pot pies.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add frozen pearl onions; stir and cook until golden, about 8 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium; add sliced carrots and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are brown and carrots just tender, 5 minutes more.
- Stir in chopped parsley; cook 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir until flour turns golden brown (approximately 4 minutes).
- Add chicken broth, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Increase heat and stir until the sauce thickens, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in shredded turkey, peas, and chopped sage. Remove from heat.
Related: Classic Chicken Pot Pie: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Assemble Individual Pot Pies:
- Divide filling evenly among six 1-cup ramekins (or use a single baking dish if desired).
Prepare and Add the Phyllo Crust:
- On a lightly oiled work surface, lay out 1 sheet of phyllo horizontally.
- Cut vertically into 3 pieces; stack pieces and cut in half to make 2 squares. Stack again, placing a sage leaf between the top layers for decoration and aroma.
- Top one ramekin’s filling with phyllo squares; lightly spray with olive oil. Repeat for the remaining pies.
Bake:
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F until bubbling and golden brown, 20–25 minutes. The phyllo should be crisp and golden.
Serve:
- Let the pies cool for a few minutes out of the oven. Serve hot, enjoying the crispy phyllo crust alongside the creamy, savory filling.

Tips & Techniques for Best Results

Phyllo Handling: Phyllo dries out quickly, so keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth while assembling.
Alternative Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, celery, leeks, or mushrooms as desired for varied flavor and extra nutrition.
Cooking Spray: Use olive oil spray between phyllo layers to boost flakiness and golden color with less fat.
Leftovers: Store baked pot pies in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

Ideas for Customization

Protein Options: Substitute cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or vegetarian faux chicken for turkey.
Seasoning Swaps: Add thyme, rosemary, or tarragon with or instead of sage for varied aromatic notes.
Make it Dairy-Free: Replace milk with unsweetened plant milk, and use any broths you prefer.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, corn, or chopped green beans for extra color and volume.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve with cranberry sauce for a festive touch, especially around the holidays.
Garnish with more fresh herbs (parsley, sage, or thyme) for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Individual Pot Pie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350–400 (approximate)
Total Fat	12g
Protein	29g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	750mg

Values are estimates and will vary by exact ingredients used.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Prepare filling up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate, then top with phyllo just before baking.
Bake pies fully and reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp the toppings again.
Do not freeze assembled pies before baking—phyllo may become too soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken (skin removed and shredded) makes an excellent substitute and reduces prep time.

How do I prevent the phyllo crust from getting soggy?

Ensure your filling is thickened well before assembling. Bake the pies immediately after topping with phyllo, and avoid over-soaking the crust with liquid mixture.

Can I bake this as one large pie?

Absolutely! Use a deep pie dish or casserole and layer phyllo over the top. Adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

How do I thaw phyllo dough properly?

Allow phyllo dough to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature, as condensation can make sheets stick or tear.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat pies in the oven for 10–15 minutes at 350°F for the crispiest crust.

Cook’s Notes & Troubleshooting

If the sauce is too thin: Simmer an extra 2–3 minutes or add a touch more flour to the vegetables before adding the liquid.
If you have no pearl onions: Substitute diced white or yellow onions, sautéed until soft and beginning to caramelize.
For extra-crispy topping: Layer a few more sheets of phyllo, each lightly misted with oil spray before baking.
If you run out of fresh herbs: Use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as a substitute.

Variations and Pairings

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and check that the phyllo you purchase is gluten-free (some brands are available).
Vegetarian Option: Substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms, tofu cubes, or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Turkey Rice Soup: For those with extra turkey, try converting this filling into a hearty soup by adding more broth and cooked rice instead of pie crust.

Recipe Recap: Classic Comfort, Reinvented

With delicate layers of golden phyllo replacing dense pastry and a creamy, savory core bursting with juicy turkey and vegetables, this Turkey Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust earns its place as a modern comfort classic. Whether using leftovers or roasting fresh turkey for the occasion, the result is pure cozy satisfaction.

Give Your Leftovers New Life!

This recipe is especially handy right after holidays like Thanksgiving when leftover turkey is abundant. It’s versatile, easy, and impressive enough for guests or an everyday family dinner. Each pie is packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness.

FAQs Summary

Best for leftover turkey, but any cooked poultry will do.
Phyllo creates a lighter, crunchier crust compared to typical pot pie pastry.
Adjust vegetables and herbs to your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown for the best experience.

Quick Tips for Stress-Free Baking

Thaw phyllo completely before use to prevent sticking or tearing.
Cover unused phyllo with a lightly damp towel during use.
Layering and spraying each phyllo sheet ensures the crispiest results.
Customize with your family’s favorite vegetables and herbs for endless variety.

Enjoy Your Homemade Turkey Pot Pie!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying pot pie for the first time, this Turkey Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust brings together classic flavors and streamlined techniques for an irresistibly flaky, lighter comfort meal. Serve hot from the oven for the ultimate cozy treat—and share the satisfaction with friends and family!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb