Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies are a delightful way to transform your holiday turkey into something new and exciting. These hand pies are filled with savory turkey and garden vegetables, all enwrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry. They're crisp on the outside and warm and comforting on the inside, making them perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner after the big feast.

This specific recipe ensures that the puff pastry stays cold before baking, which is essential for achieving that coveted flaky texture. By keeping the pastry chilled until just minutes before placing it in the oven, you prevent it from becoming gummy and dense. This method gives you the perfect balance of a light, airy crust filled with delicious leftovers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flaky, Crispy Crust — Using high-quality puff pastry, kept cold, enhances the flakiness of the hand pies, creating a satisfying crunch.
• Utilizes Leftovers — These hand pies are a creative way to repurpose leftover turkey, allowing you to enjoy holiday tastes without food waste.
• Versatile Filling Options — You can customize the filling with additional veggies or herbs, adjusting to your tastes or what you have on hand.
• Freezer-Friendly — These hand pies can be frozen before baking, making them a convenient meal option ready to be popped into the oven on busy days.
• Satisfying Textures — The combination of the crispy exterior and savory interior offers a delightful contrast in textures with every bite.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Serves 12 hand pies

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — adds richness to the filling; you can use olive oil for a dairy-free option, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
• ⅓ cup diced celery (about 1 medium rib) — for crunch; substitute with diced bell pepper if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• ⅓ cup diced carrot (about 1 medium carrot) — adds natural sweetness; zucchini can serve as a lighter substitute.
• ⅓ cup diced yellow onion (about ½ of a small onion) — adds depth of flavor; shallots can be a milder alternative, but use less as they are more potent.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) — provides aromatic flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic offers a more robust taste.
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour — thickens the filling; cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free option, but use only 2 tablespoons.
• 1 cup chicken broth — adds moisture and flavor; vegetable broth is a suitable vegetarian alternative.
• ¾ cup milk — enhances creaminess; any milk will work, but nut milk could thin the mixture too much, so reduce the quantity slightly.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme — gives an earthy note; fresh thyme can substitute, using three times the amount for a more vivid flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt — balances flavors; table salt works but should be used sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper — adds heat; white pepper can be swapped for a milder taste.
• ⅓ cup frozen peas — a pop of color and sweetness; fresh peas can be used, but blanch them first to soften.
• 2 ½ cups turkey (cooked and diced) — the star of the dish; any cooked poultry or leftover meat will work well.

For the Pastry

• 2 boxes puff pastry (17.6 oz each) — crucial for a flaky crust; homemade puff pastry is fantastic but requires more time and effort.
• 1 large egg — for the egg wash that gives a golden color; a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can serve as a vegan alternative.
• 1 tablespoon water — helps combine the egg for the wash.

Garnish

• Fresh thyme and parsley — adds a fresh touch; any fresh herbs you prefer will work for decoration.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

These leftover turkey hand pies are not only a fantastic way to use up turkey but also make for a satisfying meal on their own. When serving these savory pastries, consider presentation, portion size, and what pairs well with them for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Ideas

• Serve Warm for Best Texture — Allow the hand pies to cool for just 5-10 minutes after baking. They are ideally enjoyed warm so the pastry stays crispy and the filling is nicely warmed through.
• Opt for Platter Presentation — Arrange the hand pies on a large wooden or slate platter. This enhances the rustic feel and allows guests to pick them up easily without losing any filling.
• Individual Portions Work Best — Cut the hand pies into quarters for easy sharing at gatherings. Each piece holds its filling well, making it a perfect finger food for parties.
• Add a Simple Garnish — A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the savory filling.

What to Serve Alongside

1. Turkey Gravy — This savory sauce ties in the turkey flavor and adds moisture, balancing out the flaky pastry.
2. Cranberry Sauce — The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a bright contrast to the rich filling, enhancing each bite.
3. Green Salad — A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pies and adds a crunchy texture.
4. Roasted Vegetables — Their caramelized sweetness and earthiness pair beautifully with the turkey flavor, adding depth to the meal.
5. Pickles — The acidity of pickles contrasts nicely with the creamy filling, adding an unexpected tang that livens up the palate.

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Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

For the best results with your turkey hand pies, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome.

• Thaw Puff Pastry Completely — Before using, let the pastry thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for about 40 minutes at room temperature. If it's not fully thawed, it can crack during rolling, leading to a tough texture.
• Minimize Handling of the Pastry — Keep the dough as cool as possible while you work. Handle it minimally and return it to the fridge if you notice it starting to soften to maintain flakiness.
• Cut Slits for Venting — Make 2-3 small slits on top of each pie before baking. This prevents steam buildup, which can cause the pastry to become soggy.
• Fill Properly for Best Structure — Use about 2 tablespoons of filling per pie to ensure they bake evenly and the pastry doesn't burst. Overfilling can lead to messy leaks during baking.
• Watch for Optimal Baking — Bake until the hand pies are golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. The perfect puffed-up look with a golden crust signals they're ready to enjoy.
• Cool Before Storing — Allow the hand pies to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation that could make the pastry soggy.
• Store at Room Temperature — To keep the pastry crispy, store the hand pies at room temperature for 1-2 days rather than in the refrigerator, which can ruin their texture.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

These hand pies keep best at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.

Room Temperature

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Use a container that seals well to prevent air from getting in.
• If the pastry looks stale or feels hard, it's past its best.

Freezing Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• If the pastry feels dry or has ice crystals forming, it’s best to discard it.

Refrigerator

• While refrigeration is not recommended, if you must, keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Check for sogginess or loss of flakiness as indicators it has gone bad.
• If in doubt, it's better to consume them fresh or at room temperature.

Reheating Leftover Turkey Hand Pies

To reheat, place the hand pies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help restore the flakiness of the pastry. When they are hot throughout and the crust is crisp again, they are ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's some information to help you with common queries about Leftover Turkey Hand Pies.

Can I make leftover turkey hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. Simply wrap each pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Why did my leftover turkey hand pies turn out dense?

Dense pies can result from overmixing the pastry. Aim for a light touch when sealing the edges and avoid prolonged handling of the dough to keep it flaky.

Can I halve the leftover turkey hand pies recipe?

Yes, you can easily halve the recipe to make 6 hand pies. Just use 1 box of puff pastry and adjust the filling amounts accordingly.

Do leftover turkey hand pies freeze well?

Absolutely! They freeze perfectly when assembled. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn, and they can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What pan can I use instead of a baking sheet for hand pies?

You can use any baking dish or tray that allows for proper airflow around the pies. Just make sure it's large enough so the hand pies aren't overcrowded, which can lead to uneven baking.

Final Thoughts

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies are a delicious way to turn holiday leftovers into a new meal. With their flaky exterior and savory filling, they can easily be customized with your favorite herbs or vegetables. Whether you prepare them fresh, freeze them, or serve them with gravy, they are a versatile dish worth trying. Enjoy making these hand pies as a cozy comfort food!