Turkey Potpie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This homemade turkey pot pie is the ultimate solution for using up leftover roast turkey while delivering a comforting, high-protein meal. The savoury base is enriched with a deeply flavoured stock made from the carcass, simmered with parsnips, carrots, and mushrooms for a sweet, earthy finish. Unlike a traditional pastry-topped pie, this version features a cobbler-style crust made with extra-sharp Cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano, providing a delightful textural contrast to the succulent meat and tender vegetables.
Perfect for a family Sunday lunch or a cold winter evening, this dish is both hearty and nutritious. The buttermilk biscuit topping absorbs the delicious juices from the filling while remaining light and fluffy on the inside. Serve it straight from the oven with a side of steamed greens if you wish, though it is perfectly satisfying as a complete one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Ingredients for Turkey Potpie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust
Carcass and skin from a 12- to 6.4kg roast turkey
2400ml water
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large parsnip (peeled), cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
230g mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
30g plain flour
500g roast turkey meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 (275g) package frozen baby peas, thawed
250g plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
240ml coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar
40g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3/4 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
300ml well-shaken buttermilk
How to make Turkey Potpie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust
Separate parts of carcass and put, along with skin, in an 8-quart pot. Cover bones with water and simmer until liquid is reduced by one third, about 1 1/2 hours. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Set aside 850ml stock (reserve remainder for another use).
Cook onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, and thyme in butter with 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a 12-inch-wide shallow pot (3- to 4-quart), covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, uncovered, stirring, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in stock (850ml ), scraping up any brown bits, and bring to a boil, stirring, then simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in turkey, peas, and salt and pepper to taste. Reheat over low heat just before topping with biscuit crust.
Preheat oven to 204°C with rack in middle.
Sift together flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl. Add cheeses and toss to coat. Blend in butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and stir just until a dough forms. Drop biscuit dough onto filling in 8 large mounds, leaving spaces between biscuits.
Bake until biscuits are puffed and golden brown and filling is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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