Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies

I always find myself looking for cozy, bite-sized recipes around the holidays and that’s how these mini turkey cranberry pies came to be. One cold evening after Thanksgiving, I had some leftover turkey, a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce, and half a sheet of puff pastry sitting in the fridge. Instead of making the usual sandwich, I decided to tuck everything into a buttery crust and bake it. What came out was golden, flaky, sweet-savory perfection in handheld form.

These little pies have become a staple at my family gatherings ever since. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a quick appetizer, or a make-ahead freezer snack, everyone lights up when they see them on the table. And I love how they turn ordinary leftovers into something truly special and festive.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. Feel free to customize with what you have on hand!

• Cooked turkey – The star of the show that adds heartiness and flavor.
• Cranberry sauce – Adds sweetness and tang to balance the savory filling.
• Puff pastry – Creates that irresistible golden, flaky crust.
• Gravy – Helps moisten the filling and bind everything together.
• Egg – For brushing on top to give the crust that shiny, golden finish.
• Fresh thyme – A subtle herb that brings everything together with a touch of earthiness.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the filling just right.

Tools You’ll Need

• Muffin tin – Perfect for shaping and baking the mini pies evenly.
• Rolling pin – To gently roll out the puff pastry to the right thickness.
• Pastry brush – For brushing egg wash on top of each pie.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the filling ingredients together.
• Knife or pastry cutter – For cutting out circles from the pastry.
• Spoon – Makes filling the pastry shells quick and tidy.
• Cooling rack – So the pies don’t get soggy on the bottom after baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F so it’s ready to go when the pies are assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

I roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles large enough to fit into each muffin tin cup. I gently press them into place, making sure they reach the top edges.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a bowl, I mix together shredded cooked turkey, cranberry sauce, a few spoonfuls of gravy, a pinch of chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.

Step 4: Fill the Pies

I spoon the filling into each pastry shell, being careful not to overfill. Then I cut smaller pastry circles for the tops and place them over each pie, pressing the edges down with a fork.

Step 5: Add the Egg Wash

Using a pastry brush, I lightly brush the tops with a beaten egg to help them bake up golden and glossy.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

I bake the mini pies for about 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and deeply golden. Once out of the oven, I let them cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring to a cooling rack.

Tips

If you don’t have leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken works beautifully too. I also like to mix up the herbs rosemary or sage are lovely additions. And if you want to make these ahead, they freeze like a dream. I just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer for an easy holiday snack or meal.

Ways to Serve

These mini turkey cranberry pies are perfect for holiday appetizers, potlucks, or even lunchbox meals. I sometimes serve them with a little side of extra gravy for dipping. They’re also great on a brunch board next to cheeses, fruits, and other finger foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pie dough for Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies?

Yes! If you don’t have puff pastry, pie dough works just fine and gives the pies a more traditional crust.

Can I freeze Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies before baking?

Absolutely! Just assemble them, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Do Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies have to be served warm?

They’re best warm, but they also taste great at room temperature perfect for parties or on-the-go meals.

See You in the Kitchen

I really hope you give these mini turkey cranberry pies a try they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! If you do, let me know how they turned out or what creative twist you added.

Happy Cooking!

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