Boxing Day Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pie

Boxing Day Turkey Pie The Best Leftover Recipe

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Slay Those Christmas Leftovers!

Ever stared into the fridge on December 26th, overwhelmed by mountains of Christmas dinner leftovers? Honestly, I have. Don't let that perfectly good turkey go to waste.

My Boxing Day Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Pie is the answer! It's a flavour bomb that makes the most of your Boxing Day food.

What's the Deal with Boxing Day Pie Ideas?

This isn't just any old turkey pie recipe . This is a flavour explosion. It takes those classic Christmas dinner leftovers recipes and transforms them into a slice of heaven.

Originating, naturally, from the desire to use up every last bit of that festive feast, it's become a proper British tradition.

This is an easy Boxing Day recipes. It's a comfort food recipes dream! Medium difficulty, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to rustle up, and it serves 6-8 people.

Why This Boxing Day Pie Rocks

Besides reducing food waste, this pie offers a hearty dose of protein. The turkey or ham fills you up. Its a tasty way to warm up on a chilly Boxing Day.

It's also perfect for a Boxing Day brunch ideas or a relaxed lunch with family. What makes this recipe special? The sweet-and-savoury combo of turkey and cranberry is chef's kiss ! Plus, it’s way more exciting than a Boxing Day Sandwiches .

You know?

Gather Your Gear

So, let's get started. First, you'll need: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups turkey or chicken stock, 1 cup cooked leftover turkey or Boxing Day ham recipes , 1/2 cup leftover cooked vegetables, 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce recipes, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, salt and pepper.

For the pastry, grab a box of refrigerated pie crusts, and 1 large egg. Don't forget your large Dutch oven, a 9-inch pie dish, and a pastry brush!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Boxing Day Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pie presentation

Right, so we're diving headfirst into making the ultimate Boxing Day food : leftover turkey and cranberry pie. Seriously, this turkey pie recipe is a game-changer for those Christmas dinner leftovers recipes .

Forget sad sandwiches, we are going gourmet!

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . This is for sautéing your veg. Any good olive oil will do.
Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 150g . Go for a yellow one, something that cooks nicely.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced. Around 150g . The brighter, the better.
Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Aim for 100g . Crunchy celery is key.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is a must, trust me.
All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . This is for thickening the sauce.
Turkey or chicken stock: 2 cups (480 ml) . Low sodium is the way to go.
Leftover turkey or ham, diced: 1 cup (200g) . This is where the magic happens! Don't be shy with your portions.
Leftover cooked vegetables: 1/2 cup (100g) . Brussels sprouts, peas, carrots... all fair game.
Leftover cranberry sauce: 1/2 cup (120g) . That sweet and tangy kick is essential for this Boxing Day pie ideas .
Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tbsp , chopped. Fresh herbs always elevate the flavour.
Refrigerated pie crusts: 1 box (14.1 oz / 400g) . Two crusts. Honestly, shop-bought pastry is your friend for an easy Boxing Day recipes .
Egg: 1 large , beaten. This is for that golden, glossy finish.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

For this pie, you want savoury herbs. Thyme is perfect. A bay leaf added to the stock during simmering gives a deeper flavour.

For that extra touch, a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the filling balances sweetness. If you are out of thyme, try sage or rosemary - both of which add to those great comfort food recipes!

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets

Large Dutch oven or deep skillet. This is where you'll cook the filling.
9-inch pie dish. Glass or ceramic works perfectly.
Rolling pin (optional). If you need to adjust your pie crust size.
Pastry brush. For brushing the egg wash.

See, not too scary, eh? Now, are you ready to make this Boxing Day leftovers recipe ? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Boxing Day brunch ideas? Nah, have this pie instead!. Boxing Day ham recipes are great, but this pie? Next level.

Plus, no need for Boxing Day sandwiches when you've got a slice of heaven.

Let's Get Pie-Eyed: Boxing Day Pie Magic

Oh my gosh! It's Boxing Day! The day after Christmas, where you're probably staring at a fridge full of Christmas dinner leftovers recipes .

Fear not! We're turning those delightful remnants into a show-stopping Boxing Day Food masterpiece: a truly epic Boxing Day Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Pie.

Honestly, this turkey pie recipe is the definition of comfort food. Think of this comfort food recipes moment like a warm hug in pie form.

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place : First, let's get organized. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Dice that glorious leftover turkey or Boxing day ham recipes .

Grab your cranberry sauce. Honestly, a leftover cranberry sauce recipes is so essential to the taste of this pie!. It balances the richness!

Time-saving organization tips : I'm telling you, pre-chopping your veggies the day before saves a ton of time. Plus, having everything measured out means less stress when you're actually cooking!

Step-by-Step Pie Perfection

Sauté the Veg: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5- 7 minutes . Then add your minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute .
Make the Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1 minute . Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken or turkey stock. Make sure it's smooth. Simmer.
Add the Good Stuff: Chuck in your diced turkey or ham, 1/2 cup leftover veg, 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, and 1 tbsp thyme. Season well. Simmer for 10 minutes .
Pie Crust Prep: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll out one pie crust into your pie dish.
Fill 'Er Up: Pour your delicious turkey and cranberry mix into the crust.
Top it Off: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Crimp the edges. Cut some vents to let the steam out, we're not trying to cause an explosion here!.
Egg Wash Time: Brush the top with a beaten egg. This gives it that lovely golden colour!
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45- 50 minutes . The crust should be golden and the filling bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Killer Pie

Don't overfill! Trust me, nobody wants a pie explosion in their oven.
If you're looking for Boxing Day pie ideas, you can switch-up the type of pastry you use, puff pastry works well too!
To avoid a soggy bottom, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 10- 15 minutes before adding the filling.

And there you have it! A Boxing Day pie that's guaranteed to impress. It's the perfect way to use up those Christmas dinner leftovers, and honestly, it's way better than Boxing Day sandwiches .

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Getting the Most from Your Boxing Day Food

So, you're staring at that mountain of Christmas dinner leftovers. What to do? Fear not! This section is all about making the most of your Boxing Day pie ideas , particularly our delicious turkey pie recipe and using all that good Boxing Day Food .

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Forget fancy Michelin star stuff! This Boxing Day leftovers recipe is all about comfort. A big, hearty slice of pie, served straight from the dish, is perfect.

Feeling fancy? A sprig of thyme on top always looks nice. If you're having a Boxing Day brunch ideas , maybe cut it into smaller squares for easy snacking.

Complementary Sides or Beverages

Honestly, this pie is pretty filling on its own. But a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

And a glass of chilled white wine or even a festive sparkling cider pairs beautifully with those Christmas dinner leftovers recipes.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh!

Got some Boxing Day pie ideas leftover after your Boxing day brunch ideas ? Sweet!

Refrigeration: Pop any leftover pie in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze this! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag. It'll keep for up to 3 months .
Reheating: From the fridge, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 20- 25 minutes . From frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Dietary Adaptations: Want a vegetarian Boxing Day food feast? Swap the turkey for roasted butternut squash and mushrooms. Use vegetable stock too. Boom!
Seasonal Swaps: Don't have cranberry sauce? No worries! Leftover cranberry sauce recipes can be flexible. A spoonful of redcurrant jelly or even some chopped apple works a treat.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Boxing Day

Okay, let's keep it real. This is comfort food recipes , not a kale smoothie. But it's packed with protein from the turkey and veggies.

We estimate each serving contains around 450-550 calories , 25-35g of protein , 25-35g of fat , and 30-40g of carbohydrates .

Everything in moderation, yeah?

Seriously, give this Boxing Day pie a go. It's a brilliant way to use up those Christmas dinner leftovers recipes , especially if you end up with Boxing day ham recipes too, and it's so satisfying.

Plus, it's way easier than making Boxing Day sandwiches all day. And remember, cooking is all about having fun, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Ultimate Boxing Day Pie Easiest Turkey Leftover Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Boxing Day food pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pie a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you're ready, just take it out about 30 minutes before baking and follow the baking instructions. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it's going in cold. Think of it like a make-ahead Sunday roast, but in pie form!

I don't have exactly the same leftovers. Can I substitute ingredients in this Boxing Day food recipe?

Of course! This Boxing Day pie is all about using what you've got. Feel free to swap out turkey for ham, chicken, or even leftover roast beef. If you don't have cranberry sauce, a spoonful of redcurrant jelly or even some chopped apple will do the trick. You can even chuck in some leftover bread sauce!

How should I store leftover Boxing Day pie?

Leftover pie should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through, or zap it in the microwave for a quicker option. It's almost as good as the first time, like a second helping of Christmas pudding!

Is there a vegetarian option for this leftover pie?

Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, swap out the turkey or ham for leftover roasted vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or turkey stock. You could even add some vegetarian sausage if you've got any! Essentially, anything goes.

My pie crust always ends up soggy. What can I do to prevent this when making Boxing Day food?

Ah, the dreaded soggy bottom! One tip is to blind bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Also, make sure your filling isn't too wet; you might need to simmer it down a bit before putting it in the pie. Finally, ensure your oven is hot enough and bake the pie on the bottom rack to help the crust crisp up. Paul Hollywood would be proud!

Can I freeze this Boxing Day pie?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake, you can bake it from frozen, but you'll need to add about 20-30 minutes to the baking time. Make sure the filling is piping hot before serving. Freezing isn't ideal as the pie will have a dry texture once defrosted.