Turkey Pot Pie Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, then Turkey Pot Pie Soup is just the thing! This creamy soup is packed with tender turkey and fresh veggies, making it a delightful option for busy weeknights or even family gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together, especially when you have leftovers to use up after Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that even novice cooks can whip it up with confidence!

I love how versatile this Turkey Pot Pie Soup is—perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting dish on special occasions. You’ll find that each spoonful is bursting with flavor and nostalgia, reminding you of classic pot pie but in a warm, soupy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
• Family Favorite: With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, everyone at the table will love it!
• Use Those Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey or chicken without any waste.
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Each bowl is filled with warmth and flavor that just feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Turkey Pot Pie Soup is a breeze thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have many of them already in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 4 slices of thick-cut bacon (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
• 1/2 cup dry white grape juice

For the Veggies

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

For Flavoring

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For Garnishing

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (for garnish; omit if using dried herbs)
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish, optional)

Variations

This Turkey Pot Pie Soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to adjust it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Make it spicier: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like a kick!
• Creamy alternatives: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and creamy.

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon pieces until they turn crisp and golden brown, which takes about 6-7 minutes. Removing them with a slotted spoon helps keep all that delicious bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor. Set the crispy bits aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Now, add the butter to the pot along with about one tablespoon of bacon fat. Melting the butter creates a flavorful base. Stir in your diced onion, sliced celery, and leeks—let them cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Mixing in the flour here will help thicken our soup later; cook it for about one minute before pouring in that lovely white grape juice. Let this simmer gently for another two minutes while stirring; this helps develop great flavors.

Step 3: Add Your Ingredients

Next up are those hearty potatoes along with thyme, sage, and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in your water, low-sodium chicken broth, and half-and-half. Cover it all up and bring everything to a boil—it’s where all those wonderful flavors come together!

Step 4: Simmer Away

Once boiling, reduce your heat to let it simmer partially covered for about ten minutes. This step allows those potatoes to become tender. Add carrots next and let everything simmer until they’re just right—about five more minutes should do it! Now mix in your shredded turkey, peas, and crispy bacon bits; cook until everything is warmed through.

Step 5: Season Perfectly

Finally, stir in apple cider vinegar and salt before tasting! Adjust any seasonings as needed—you want this soup to be full of flavor that shines through every bite.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your Turkey Pot Pie Soup hot in bowls or even inside warm bread bowls if you’re feeling fancy! Garnish each bowl with cracked black pepper, chopped chives, and fresh thyme leaves if you have them handy—a little touch goes a long way!

And there you have it—a deliciously comforting bowl of Turkey Pot Pie Soup ready to share with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Making Turkey Pot Pie Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your soup to perfection!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add vibrant flavor and aroma to the soup, making each spoonful more delicious and fragrant.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give your soup a creamy texture without overpowering the flavors.
• Customize with veggies: Feel free to swap in or add any vegetables you have on hand! Peas, corn, or green beans can be fantastic additions that will enhance the color and nutrition of your soup.
• Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, consider blending a portion of the soup in a blender before adding back into the pot. This adds richness while retaining some chunky goodness.
• Serve in bread bowls: For a fun twist, serve your soup in warm bread bowls. This not only makes for a stunning presentation but also adds even more flavor as you enjoy the soft bread with each bowl.

How to Serve Turkey Pot Pie Soup

When it’s time to serve your comforting Turkey Pot Pie Soup, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top just before serving for a burst of color and mild onion flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds both visual appeal and a touch of heat that complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. Its chewy texture adds contrast while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup, making it a wholesome meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add depth and sweetness that pair nicely with the savory notes of the soup.
• Cheesy garlic biscuits: These fluffy biscuits bring comfort to the table with their cheesy goodness and garlic aroma. They’re perfect for mopping up every last drop of your delicious soup!

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just a meal but an experience that everyone will cherish! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Turkey Pot Pie Soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Turkey Pot Pie Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade soup throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

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! You can substitute shredded chicken for turkey in this recipe. It will taste just as delicious!

How can I make Turkey Pot Pie Soup healthier?

To make a healthier version of Turkey Pot Pie Soup, consider using low-fat half-and-half or substituting with almond milk for a lighter option. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or kale.

What goes well with Turkey Pot Pie Soup?

Turkey Pot Pie Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even warm biscuits!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Turkey Pot Pie Soup as much as I do! It’s a delightful way to use up leftovers while providing a warm and hearty meal that your family will love. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twist on this recipe. Happy cooking!