Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
During the month of October, as the weather started to cool down and the aroma of fall filled the air, my family and I gathered in the kitchen to create a culinary masterpiece – Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie. The recipe, which I stumbled upon while browsing online, promised to be a delicious twist on our traditional holiday leftovers.
With the ingredients in hand, including leftover turkey, almond flour, cream cheese, and a medley of seasonal spices, we began our cooking adventure. As we measured, mixed, and kneaded the dough, laughter filled the kitchen. My husband, Mark, playfully tossed flour on our two children, Emily and Ethan, turning the cooking process into a messy, yet joyous, family affair.
What made this recipe even more special was the ability to customize it to our liking. We decided to add a touch of sage and rosemary to the filling, infusing the pie with the comforting flavors of autumn. Emily, being a fan of cheese, insisted on sprinkling extra cheddar on top, creating a golden crust that would make any cheese lover’s heart skip a beat. Ethan, on the other hand, preferred a bit of heat, so we added a pinch of cayenne pepper to his portion, giving the pie a subtle kick.
As the pie baked in the oven, the tantalizing smell wafted through the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen. The anticipation grew with each passing minute, and we could hardly wait to dig into our creation. Finally, the timer beeped, and we carefully pulled the golden pie out of the oven, its crust flaky and perfectly browned.
With eager smiles, we gathered around the dining table, each of us savoring a slice of our masterpiece. The first bite was pure bliss. The tender turkey mixed with the creamy filling and the burst of flavors from the spices created a harmonious dance on our taste buds. We couldn’t help but exchange appreciative glances and exclamations of delight.
Later that week, we decided to share our Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie with our extended family at a gathering. As we presented the pie, adorned with a festive sprig of rosemary, the room filled with admiration and curiosity. With each bite, our relatives couldn’t help but express their amazement at the unique flavors and the creativity behind the dish. It became a topic of conversation, with everyone asking for the recipe to recreate it in their own kitchens.
In the end, it wasn’t just the delicious Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie that left a lasting impression. It was the memories we created as a family, the laughter and messiness in the kitchen, and the joy of sharing our culinary creation with loved ones. This recipe, with its customizable nature and the opportunity to bring people together, became a symbol of warmth and togetherness, making our October gathering truly memorable.
Need recipes? Download our Free 21 Keto Recipe Book. Click Here
About Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
This Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie is a unique and delicious way to repurpose your holiday leftovers. Packed with flavors of tender turkey, savory herbs, and creamy cheese, this pie is a mouthwatering combination of comfort and indulgence. What sets it apart is its keto-friendly twist, making it a perfect option for those following a low carb or ketogenic diet.
Origins of Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
While the exact origins of this recipe are unclear, it is believed to have originated from the tradition of using leftover turkey from Christmas dinners in creative ways. The pie can be traced back to the UK, where turkey is a popular protein choice for Christmas feasts. Over time, this recipe has evolved to include keto-friendly ingredients, making it suitable for those seeking a healthier option without compromising on taste.
Best Time to Enjoy Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
This Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie is best enjoyed during the festive season, particularly after Christmas when you have an abundance of leftover turkey. It’s a great way to use up those leftovers and create a delicious meal that brings back the flavors and memories of the holiday season. However, you can also enjoy this pie throughout the year by using cooked turkey from any occasion.
Perfect Food Pairings with Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
- Pair this pie with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pie.
- Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cauliflower for a complete and satisfying meal.
- For a comforting and filling option, serve the pie with a side of creamy mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice.
- To elevate the flavors, consider serving a glass of dry white wine or a sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.
Tips and Tricks to Prepare Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie
- Feel free to substitute the cheese with your favorite keto-friendly options like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss.
- If you don’t have almond flour for the crust, you can use crushed pork rinds or a combination of coconut flour and ground flaxseed.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding diced cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made low carb pie crust instead of making your own.
Let’s Get Started!
This Keto Leftover Turkey Christmas Pie is a delightful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers while staying true to your low carb or ketogenic lifestyle. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of the season. Join our community of food enthusiasts and subscribe to receive more delicious recipes that will help you stay on track with your weight-loss goals while embracing the joy of cooking and exploring new flavors.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower Florets by Flavorite (3 cup)
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoon)
- Garlic (2 clove)
- Celery, Raw (2 medium – stalk – 7 1/2" to 8" long)
- Kale (2 cup)
- Diced Pancetta by Waitrose (2 ounce)
- Cream Cheese Spread (2 tablespoon)
- Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoon, grated)
- Cooked Turkey (1-½ cup)
- Chicken Broth, Bouillon Or Consomme, Ready-to-serve Can (1-⅓ cup)
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Salt, Sea Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Sage, Dried (1 teaspoon)
- Rosemary, Fresh (1 teaspoon)
- White Onion (½ medium – 2 1/2" diameter)
- Black Pepper (⅛ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower florets to a saucepan of boiling water. Reduce to a simmer and cook the cauliflower for 10 minutes until soft enough to mash. Drain, then set aside to steam dry.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, melt a tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over a low/medium heat. Finely dice the onion, thinly slice the garlic and celery and finely chop the rosemary. Add to the pan along with the pancetta. Cook through until the pancetta is golden and the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set to one side.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan and add the cream cheese. Set over a low/medium heat and stir together until melted. Add the chicken stock and grated cheddar along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine, cooking gently until you have a thick and creamy sauce. You may use an alternative stock such as vegetable if preferred.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the kale and pat dry, discarding any tough stalks. Add to the pan and stir through the sauce. Cook gently until just wilted, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add a tablespoon of butter and the grated parmesan to the cooked cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower to your preferred consistency.
- Roughly chop or shred the cooked turkey. Add the turkey to the pan with the kale and cheese sauce along with the vegetable and pancetta mix. Stir everything together well to combine.
- Spoon the filling mixture into a medium-sized oven dish. Spoon the cauliflower mash over the mixture, creating an even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until piping hot through, the filling is bubbling, and the mash is golden. Serve with your preferred Keto sides or holiday leftovers!
- Download our Free Keto Recipe Book for 21 Healthy, Quick and Easy to make Recipes