Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe makes leftovers exciting again by turning them into golden, bakery-style hand pies. The buttery puff pastry creates a crisp, flaky shell, while the filling is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to customize with whatever you have on hand, and the individual portions make them perfect for lunches, snacks, or quick dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
puff pastry sheets
butter
onion (finely chopped)
garlic (minced)
mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, or corn)
flour
chicken or turkey broth
milk or cream
salt
black pepper
thyme or parsley (optional)
egg (for egg wash)
Directions
Start by preparing the filling. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat everything, then slowly pour in the broth and milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add the cooked turkey and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into squares or circles. Spoon a portion of the filling onto one side of each piece, leaving space around the edges.
Fold the pastry over the filling to form pockets, then press and seal the edges with a fork. Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 hand pies.
Preparation time is around 20 minutes, and baking takes 20–25 minutes, making the total time approximately 45 minutes.
Variations
You can swap turkey for leftover chicken or even ham.
Add shredded cheese to the filling for a richer, melty center.
For a holiday twist, include a spoonful of cranberry sauce inside each pie.
Use different herbs like sage or rosemary to change the flavor profile.
For a lighter version, try using filo pastry instead of puff pastry.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through and crispy again. An air fryer also works well. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the pastry flaky.
FAQs
Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, bake directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Do I need to thaw puff pastry before using it?
Yes, puff pastry should be thawed but still cold for easier handling and best results.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely, it works just as well and saves time.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure not to overfill and press the edges firmly to seal them properly.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are all great options.
Why is my pastry not puffing properly?
The pastry may have been too warm before baking, or the oven may not have been hot enough.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives.
How do I get a shiny golden crust?
Brushing the tops with egg wash before baking gives that beautiful finish.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes, simply cut smaller portions of pastry and reduce the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Puff Pastry are the perfect way to reinvent leftovers into something warm, flaky, and irresistible. With their crispy exterior and creamy, savory filling, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe whenever you have extra turkey on hand.
PrintLeftover Turkey Hand Pies with Puff Pastry
These leftover turkey hand pies transform holiday extras into flaky, golden pastries filled with a creamy, savory turkey and vegetable mixture, perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 hand pies
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, or corn)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme or parsley (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat evenly.
- Gradually pour in broth and milk, stirring constantly to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked turkey, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares or circles.
- Spoon filling onto one side of each piece, leaving space at the edges. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with egg wash and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Substitute turkey with chicken or ham if desired.
- Add shredded cheese for a richer filling.
- Include cranberry sauce for a festive variation.
- Keep puff pastry cold before baking for best results.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
