Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Leftover Shepherd's Pie
Transform your holiday leftovers into this comforting shepherd's pie that layers shredded turkey with stuffing, peas, and gravy, then tops it with piped Parmesan mashed potatoes. The lemon juice and zest brighten the rich filling while the decorative potato rosettes create an elegant presentation. Perfect for using up Thanksgiving remnants or any time you crave hearty comfort food with a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked turkeychicken1:1
Works equally well
- 2 cups stuffingbread crumbs1:1
Less flavor but functional
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup gravy
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- kosher salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated with a zester
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- 2
Mix together turkey, stuffing, milk, peas, gravy, parsley, lemon juice and lemon zest until well incorporated
- 3
Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to baking dish and spread in an even layer
- 4
Stir mashed potatoes with Parmesan, egg yolks and grated garlic until smooth
- 5
Transfer potato mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip
- 6
Pipe mashed potato mixture over turkey filling in rosettes and stars until entire surface is covered
- 7
Bake until mashed potatoes are golden brown
- 8
Let rest before serving
Tips
Use a piping bag with star tip to create elegant rosettes and decorative patterns with the mashed potato topping.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set before serving.
Grate garlic with a zester for the finest texture that distributes evenly throughout the potatoes.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can assemble completely up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed adding 10-15 minutes.
Serve hot as a main dish with cranberry sauce or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time to avoid a runny, messy serving
Ensure potato mixture is smooth to avoid lumpy piping
Let filling cool slightly before adding hot potatoes to prevent melting
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without a piping bag?
Yes, simply spread the mashed potatoes over the filling with a spoon and create texture with a fork.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled but unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.