Perfectly Baked Turkey Pot Pie at 350°F: Tips & Timing Guide

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty turkey pot pie to bring comfort to your dinner table. Whether you’re using up leftover turkey or making a fresh batch from scratch, knowing how long to bake your turkey pot pie at 350°F is the key to a golden, bubbling, and delicious result. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about baking turkey pot pie at 350°F, including timing, tips for perfect results, and answers to common questions.

How Long Should You Bake Turkey Pot Pie at 350°F?

The ideal baking time for a turkey pot pie at 350°F is typically 45 to 60 minutes. This ensures the filling is heated through and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. The exact time depends on whether you’re baking a homemade pie, reheating a refrigerated one, or cooking from frozen.

• Homemade (unbaked) turkey pot pie: 45-60 minutes
• Refrigerated (pre-baked) pot pie: 30-40 minutes
• Frozen turkey pot pie: 60-75 minutes (cover with foil for the first half of baking)

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Turkey Pot Pie at 350°F

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare your pie: If making from scratch, assemble your pot pie with cooked turkey, vegetables, creamy sauce, and your choice of crust (homemade or store-bought).
3. Add vent holes: Cut a few small slits in the top crust. This allows steam to escape and helps the crust bake evenly.
4. Bake: Place the pie on the center oven rack. Bake for 45-60 minutes. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Check for doneness: The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should bubble at the edges. Use a food thermometer if you want to be sure—the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest: Allow the pie to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for the Best Turkey Pot Pie

• Don’t overfill: Leave some space between the filling and the top crust to prevent overflow while baking.
• Egg wash for shine: Brush the top crust with a beaten egg mixed with a splash of water for a glossy finish.
• Cover edges if needed: Use strips of foil or a pie shield to keep the crust edges from burning before the center is done.
• Let it rest: Giving your pie time to cool after baking keeps the filling from running when sliced.
• Use leftover turkey: Turkey pot pie is an excellent way to use up holiday leftovers!
• Add fresh herbs: Stir in parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.

Baking Turkey Pot Pie from Frozen

If you’re starting with a frozen turkey pot pie (either store-bought or homemade), don’t thaw it first. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the pie loosely with foil, and bake for about 60-75 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 20-25 minutes so the crust can brown. Make sure the filling is piping hot and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

How to Tell When Your Turkey Pot Pie Is Done

• The crust is golden brown and crisp.
• The filling is bubbling around the edges and possibly through the vent holes.
• The internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C).
• If you notice the crust is browning too quickly but the filling isn’t bubbling yet, loosely cover the top with foil and continue baking until done.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Soggy bottom crust: To prevent this, bake your pie on the lower oven rack and avoid overloading it with filling. You can also pre-bake (blind bake) the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.
• Burnt edges: Use foil or a pie shield once you see the edges turning golden. This keeps them from burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.
• Undercooked filling: Always check that your filling is bubbling and hot all the way through before removing from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey pot pie is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. For extra comfort, serve with cranberry sauce or gravy on the side.

Storing Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Freezer: Wrap cooled slices or whole pies well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 30-40 minutes for slices or up to an hour for whole pies).

FAQs About Baking Turkey Pot Pie at 350°F

Can I bake turkey pot pie at a higher temperature?

Yes! Baking at higher temperatures like 375°F or even 400°F can shorten cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on your crust so it doesn’t burn.

How do I keep my pot pie crust crispy?

Bake on a lower oven rack, avoid overfilling with wet ingredients, and consider brushing the bottom crust with egg white before adding filling.

Can I use store-bought crust?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie crusts work great and save time. Just follow the same baking instructions.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover turkey pot pie?

Reheat slices in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot throughout—usually about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp compared to microwaving.

How do I prevent my pot pie from overflowing?

Don’t overfill your pie and make sure you cut vents in the top crust so steam can escape as it bakes.

Final Thoughts

Baking a turkey pot pie at 350°F is simple and rewarding. With these tips and timing guidelines, you’ll enjoy a perfectly cooked, golden-crusted meal every time. Whether you’re making it fresh or reheating leftovers, turkey pot pie is sure to become a family favorite!