Turkey Potpie with Butternut Squash and Pearl Onions

Prep: 35 minCook: 40 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Turkey Potpie with Butternut Squash and Pearl Onions

A comforting turkey potpie featuring roasted butternut squash, pearl onions, and peas in a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with golden puff pastry. The butternut squash adds natural sweetness while the sage brings earthy warmth to leftover turkey. Perfect for using holiday turkey or any cooked turkey you have on hand. The combination of vegetables creates a colorful, hearty filling that's both satisfying and elegant enough for company. The flaky puff pastry crust makes this feel special while keeping preparation straightforward.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 lb butternut squash, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
    sweet potato1:1vegetariandairy-free

    similar sweetness and texture

    Full guide →
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 8 oz pkg frozen pearl onions
  • 1 8 oz pkg frozen peas
  • 2 cups turkey, cut in small pieces
    chicken1:1poultry

    classic potpie protein

  • 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
    dried sage3:1pantry staple

    use 1 tablespoon dried

    Full guide →
  • 4 Tbsp butter
    sweet potato1:1vegetariandairy-free

    similar sweetness and texture

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
    half and half1:1lower fat

    slightly thinner sauce

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups cheese
  • 2 sheets Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, thawed
    pie crust1:1traditional

    more rustic appearance

    Full guide →
  • 1 egg null
  • 1 tsp water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees

  2. 2

    Place butternut squash on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper

  3. 3

    Bake squash for 15-20 minutes until tender, set aside

  4. 4

    Place frozen peas and pearl onions in microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap

  5. 5

    Microwave peas and onions for 5 minutes

  6. 6

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat

  7. 7

    Add onions, butternut squash, peas, turkey, and fresh sage to skillet

  8. 8

    Cook until heated through, turn heat down to low

  9. 9

    Mix flour in 1/2 cup cold water, whisk to remove lumps

  10. 10

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium pan

  11. 11

    Add flour mixture and chicken stock to pan

  12. 12

    Heat to boiling, add cream

  13. 13

    Mix in cheese

  14. 14

    Boil and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened

  15. 15

    Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste

  16. 16

    Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray

  17. 17

    Fill pan with turkey mixture

  18. 18

    Pour sauce over turkey mixture

  19. 19

    Unfold thawed puff pastry onto lightly floured surface

  20. 20

    Roll pastry to seal any cracks

  21. 21

    Top dish with puff pastry

  22. 22

    Make slit marks with knife on top for ventilation

  23. 23

    Beat egg and water together in small bowl

  24. 24

    Brush egg wash over pastry

  25. 25

    Place potpie on baking sheet

  26. 26

    Bake for 10 minutes

  27. 27

    Cover pastry loosely with aluminum foil

  28. 28

    Cook for additional 25 minutes

  29. 29

    Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until crust is golden brown

  30. 30

    Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use leftover holiday turkey or rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. Cut into uniform small pieces for even heating.

Tip 2

Pre-roasting the butternut squash ensures it holds its shape and develops deeper flavor rather than becoming mushy in the potpie.

Tip 3

Let the potpie rest 10-15 minutes after baking so the filling sets up and won't be too liquidy when served.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole dish in 350F oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead

Assemble potpie completely without baking, cover tightly and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Serve With

Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip roasting the butternut squash or it will release too much moisture and make the filling watery

Watch

Avoid overbaking the puff pastry by covering with foil once golden to prevent burning

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butternut squash
sweet potato1:1vegetariandairy-free

similar sweetness and texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

turkey
chicken1:1poultry

classic potpie protein

Full guide →
puff pastry
pie crust1:1traditional

more rustic appearance

Full guide →
heavy cream
half and half1:1lower fat

slightly thinner sauce

Full guide →
fresh sage
dried sage3:1pantry staple

use 1 tablespoon dried

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry first. You can skip the roasting step and add it directly to the skillet, though fresh gives better texture.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a blend of both work well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn't melt as smoothly.

How long does leftover potpie keep?

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or whole dish in 350F oven until heated through.