Jamie Oliver Leftover Turkey Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey pie is a practical, comforting way to turn cooked turkey into a fresh, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel like leftovers at all. This pie combines tender pieces of turkey with a creamy, well-seasoned sauce, topped with a golden pastry that adds warmth and texture. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar and nourishing, perfect after festive meals or anytime you want to stretch ingredients without compromising on flavour.
What makes Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey pie especially appealing is its flexibility. You can adjust the vegetables, herbs, and sauce richness to suit what you have on hand, making it a reliable recipe that fits naturally into everyday cooking.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Leftover Turkey Pie Worth Making

• Gives new life to leftover turkey without tasting repetitive or heavy
• Creamy filling balanced with herbs and vegetables for depth and comfort
• Golden pastry topping that adds contrast and visual appeal
• Easy to adapt using fridge-friendly ingredients
• Ideal make-ahead meal for busy days or freezer storage

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie?

Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey pie is a British-style savoury pie made by combining cooked turkey with vegetables and a creamy sauce, then baking it under puff or shortcrust pastry. It’s designed to be warming, economical, and full of flavour while keeping preparation straightforward.

Jamie Oliver Leftover Turkey Pie Ingredients List

• 400–500g cooked leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 leek or celery stick, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 300ml chicken or turkey stock
• 100ml single cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• A few fresh thyme leaves or parsley, chopped
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie – Simple Steps

Step 1: Build the Flavour Base

Heat the olive oil or butter in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and leek or celery, cooking gently for 8–10 minutes until softened. This slow cooking builds sweetness and forms the base of the pie filling.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, allowing it to cook for a minute so the sauce thickens smoothly without tasting raw.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

Gradually pour in the stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the cream or milk, Dijon mustard, herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.

Step 4: Fold in the Turkey

Add the cooked turkey to the sauce and stir carefully to coat, being careful not to break it up too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Spoon the turkey filling into a pie dish and allow it to cool slightly. Lay the puff pastry over the top, trim the edges, and crimp gently.

Step 6: Glaze and Vent

Brush the pastry with beaten egg and cut a small slit in the centre to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and deep golden, and the filling is bubbling underneath.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let the pie stand for 5 minutes before serving to help the filling settle and slice neatly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie

• Adding turkey too early and drying it out
• Making the sauce too thick before baking
• Using filling that’s too hot under the pastry
• Under-seasoning the filling
• Skipping the resting time after baking

Best Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie

• Steamed green beans or peas for freshness
• Mashed potatoes for extra comfort
• Roasted root vegetables for balance
• Simple green salad to lighten the meal
• Braised cabbage or leeks for a classic pairing

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie Just Right

• Use dark and light turkey meat together for better flavour
• Cool the filling slightly before adding the pastry
• Keep pastry cold until ready to bake
• Season in stages for depth
• Add herbs at the end to keep them fresh-tasting

How to Add More Flavour to Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie

• Stir in mushrooms for earthiness
• Mix in leftover gravy for richness
• Finish with lemon zest for brightness
• Use puff pastry butter layers for extra flavour

How to Adjust Leftover Turkey Pie for Kids

Keep the seasoning mild, avoid strong mustard, and cut vegetables smaller. Serve with mash or peas to make the dish more familiar and approachable.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Pie Freezer-Friendly?

Yes, this pie freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for the best texture and flavour.

Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey Pie

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Turkey Pie

• Oven: Reheat at 170°C until hot through
• Air fryer: Works well for crisping pastry
• Microwave: Use for filling only if needed

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 24g
• Fibre: 4g

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of turkey in leftover turkey pie?

Yes, cooked chicken works well as a substitute and follows the same method. Use a mix of light and dark meat to keep the filling moist and flavourful.

Why is my leftover turkey pie filling dry?

The filling can turn dry if the sauce is too thick before baking or if the turkey is reheated for too long. Keeping the sauce slightly loose and adding the turkey at the end helps prevent this.

Can Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey pie be made ahead of time?

Yes, the pie can be fully assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for advanced meal planning or festive leftovers.

Should leftover turkey pie be reheated in the oven or microwave?

The oven is best for reheating as it keeps the pastry crisp and warms the filling evenly. Microwaving is quicker, but it can soften the pastry.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey pie is proof that simple, thoughtful cooking can transform leftovers into something genuinely comforting and enjoyable. With its creamy filling, crisp pastry, and flexible ingredients, this pie is a dependable recipe that fits easily into everyday home cooking while still feeling special.

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