Turkey Pot Pie Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly, then you’ve come to the right place! Turkey Pot Pie Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. This soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other time of year. It’s also quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it an ideal option for family dinners.

What makes this recipe special is how comforting it is while still being simple to prepare. The combination of fresh vegetables and tender turkey in a creamy broth brings the essence of a pot pie to your soup bowl. Whether you’re snuggled up on the couch or hosting a gathering, this Turkey Pot Pie Soup is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will enjoy this hearty soup, even the picky eaters!
• Great for leftovers: Transform holiday leftovers into something new and delicious.
• Comforting flavors: This soup combines familiar tastes that feel like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Turkey Pot Pie Soup:

For the Soup Base

• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon (1/2 lb), cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 leek, white stalk, rinsed clean and sliced thin
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For Flavoring

• 1/2 cup dry white grape juice
• 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into quarter rounds
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

For the Broth

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half

For Veggies & Protein

• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into half moons
• 3 cups leftover turkey or chicken meat, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas

For Seasoning & Garnish

• 1 teaspoon apple vinegar vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (for garnish)
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish, optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use cooked chicken instead of turkey for a different twist.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of heat.

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon pieces until they are crisp—about 6-7 minutes should do the trick! Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate. It’s important to leave about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot; it adds flavor to our soup!

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Next, add the butter to the pot along with the reserved bacon fat and melt it over medium heat. Stir in your diced onion, sliced celery, and thinly sliced leek. Sauté these veggies for about 2 minutes until they start softening. Mixing in flour at this point helps thicken our soup later on.

Step 3: Build Flavor

Pour in the dry white grape juice slowly while stirring gently. This will deglaze the pot and lift up all those tasty brown bits stuck at the bottom. Let this mixture cook for another couple of minutes—it adds depth to our soup!

Step 4: Add Potatoes & Broth

Now it’s time for the Yukon gold potatoes! Add them along with thyme, sage, black pepper, water, chicken broth, and half-and-half. Cover everything up and bring it all to a boil. The boiling process helps meld all those lovely flavors together.

Step 5: Simmer with Veggies

Once boiling, reduce your heat to let it simmer while partially covered for about 10 minutes. After that time’s up, toss in your carrots and let everything cook until nice and tender—this should take around another 5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Now it’s time to add our shredded turkey or chicken along with frozen peas and cooked bacon back into the pot. Stir everything together until warmed through (about 3 minutes). To finish off our wonderful soup, stir in apple vinegar vinegar and kosher salt; taste before serving so you can adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve Up!

Ladle out this comforting goodness into bowls or bread bowls if you’re feeling fancy! Don’t forget to top each serving with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped chives, and optional fresh thyme leaves for that extra touch.

Enjoy every spoonful of this Turkey Pot Pie Soup! It’s sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll cherish sharing with friends and family.

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Making Turkey Pot Pie Soup can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you create a dish that’s truly unforgettable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your soup, making it taste vibrant and delicious. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible to get the best taste.

• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or reduce the liquid slightly during cooking. This allows you to customize the consistency to your liking.

• Cook vegetables properly: Sautéing your veggies first helps to develop their flavors before adding them to the soup. This step adds depth and richness that really elevates the overall taste.

• Season gradually: Adding salt and spices in stages allows you to control the flavor better. Taste as you go, adjusting until it’s just right for your palate.

• Make it ahead of time: Like many soups, this turkey pot pie soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance so that the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Presenting your Turkey Pot Pie Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
• A crack of black pepper: A few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper add a nice kick and enhance the soup’s savory notes.
• Thyme leaves: For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with a few thyme leaves right before serving. They not only look beautiful but also add aromatic qualities.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. Choose sourdough or whole grain for an added texture contrast.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup while adding refreshing crunch.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts offer a delightful side that complements the flavors in your soup while providing additional nutrients.
• Cheesy garlic biscuits: These fluffy biscuits are not only easy to make but also perfect for soaking up every last drop of turkey pot pie soup goodness!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll create a memorable meal that warms hearts and fills bellies. Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Turkey Pot Pie Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade comfort food throughout the week. You can store leftovers or even freeze portions for future meals!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick upon reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Turkey Pot Pie Soup:

Can I use chicken instead of turkey in Turkey Pot Pie Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shredded chicken, making it a versatile option depending on your leftovers.

How long does Turkey Pot Pie Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to check for freshness before enjoying!

Can I make Turkey Pot Pie Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. Just reheat when ready to serve!

What vegetables can I add to Turkey Pot Pie Soup?

Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Turkey Pot Pie Soup warms your heart as much as it fills your belly! It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re using Thanksgiving leftovers or just looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy making this hearty soup, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!