Golden Puff Pastry Turkey Royale

Step back in time to a classic comfort dish that has gracefully stood the test of time: Turkey à la King. This beloved vintage recipe promises a culinary experience brimming with rich, creamy goodness, tender turkey pieces, and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all elegantly nestled within a flaky, golden puff pastry shell. It’s an effortlessly delightful meal, especially perfect for transforming your leftover turkey into an extraordinary weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend brunch. Prepare to savor a truly stellar meal that’s both quick to assemble and profoundly satisfying!

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The Enduring Appeal of Turkey à la King with Puff Pastry

Turkey à la King boasts a rich history, dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. Originally, this decadent mixture of diced poultry, mushrooms, and other vegetables in a creamy sauce was often served over toast points, rice, or pasta. It quickly became a staple in American homes and restaurants, celebrated for its luxurious taste and versatility. Fast forward to today, and while the core comforting flavors remain, we’re elevating this classic with a modern twist: serving it in light, airy puff pastry shells. This transformation adds an irresistible buttery crunch and a sophisticated presentation that makes every bite feel special.

This recipe truly embodies simplicity without sacrificing flavor. At its heart, you’re crafting a luscious white sauce, then enriching it with succulent pieces of turkey, crisp-tender vegetables, and a harmonious blend of seasonings. The beauty of this dish lies in its speed; it comes together remarkably fast, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and homemade. In fact, you can even prepare the creamy filling in advance, storing it in the refrigerator, and then simply reheat it while your puff pastry shells bake to golden perfection. This make-ahead option streamlines your cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, hot meal with minimal last-minute effort.

One of the greatest joys of preparing a large holiday turkey is undoubtedly the anticipation of leftovers. For many, including myself, deliberately cooking an extra-large turkey a few times a year is a tradition, solely for the delightful array of dishes that can be created with the remaining meat. And when it comes to utilizing that precious leftover turkey, this Turkey à la King recipe stands out as an absolute favorite. It transforms simple remnants into an indulgent, flavorful masterpiece that tastes far from “leftovers.” The tender turkey soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a dish that’s even more flavorful the second time around.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Turkey à la King

Crafting a truly memorable Turkey à la King begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for each component:

• Puff Pastry Shells: These are the star vehicle for your à la King! Look for pre-made frozen puff pastry shells in the freezer aisle of your grocery store. They bake up beautifully light, airy, and golden. Simply follow the package directions for baking. For an even more homemade touch, you could use a sheet of puff pastry and cut your own shapes, but the pre-formed shells offer convenience and a perfect cup for the filling.
• Butter: I typically cook with salted butter as it enhances the flavors of the vegetables. If you prefer to control the salt content precisely, unsalted butter works just as well; simply adjust seasoning later. Butter provides the rich base for sautéing our vegetables and forming the roux.
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms are key here. Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms. Slice or quarter them depending on their size; you want substantial pieces that add a hearty texture to the dish. Around 8 ounces is a good amount for a family-sized portion.
• Onions: Diced yellow cooking onions provide a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce. Aim for a fine dice so they soften and become translucent easily, blending seamlessly into the creamy texture.
• Celery: Just 1-2 stalks, diced, add a subtle crispness and fresh, savory note that complements the other vegetables. It’s a classic component of many savory bases.
• Carrot: For a more refined presentation and to ensure the carrots cook quickly and tenderly, I recommend shredding the carrot rather than dicing it. This also helps distribute its sweetness evenly throughout the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is crucial for creating the roux, which thickens our sauce to that perfect, luscious consistency. Ensure it’s fresh and lump-free before mixing it with the butter.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: Opt for low-sodium or no-sodium-added chicken broth or stock. This gives you greater control over the overall saltiness of your dish. Better yet, if you have homemade chicken stock, it will add an unparalleled depth of flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk provides a creamy richness, but 2% milk can also be used for a slightly lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess. It combines with the broth to form the liquid base of our à la King sauce.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These dry seasonings are fantastic for adding concentrated, savory depth without the moisture of fresh garlic and onion, ensuring a smoother sauce. They amplify the natural flavors of the fresh aromatics.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs impart a wonderfully aromatic, slightly peppery, and earthy note that pairs beautifully with turkey and mushrooms. You can use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but use about half the amount.
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced red bell pepper adds a beautiful pop of color, a hint of sweetness, and a lovely crunch. It brightens the dish visually and texturally. You can also use green or yellow bell pepper if preferred.
• Peas: Frozen peas are perfect for this recipe. Thaw them slightly before adding them to the sauce so they heat through quickly without overcooking and losing their vibrant color and sweet flavor.
• Cooked Turkey: The star of the show! Whether you have white meat, dark meat, or a combination, dice it into bite-sized pieces. Make sure it’s cooked and cooled. This is where your Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers truly shine.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: For that ultimate luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor, heavy whipping cream is indispensable. It adds a decadent finish to the sauce, making it truly à la King.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is an optional but highly recommended garnish. It adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant green color that elevates the dish’s presentation.

Crafting Your Delightful Turkey à la King: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create a rich and satisfying Turkey à la King that will impress your family and friends. This process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time.

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry Shells: Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your puff pastry shell package. Carefully arrange the frozen shells on a baking sheet, leaving adequate space between them. Bake according to the package instructions until they are beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and flaky. Once baked, remove them from the oven and set them aside on a wire rack to cool slightly. This cooling time is essential for the pastry to firm up and for easy handling.
2. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the quartered mushrooms, diced onions, diced celery, and shredded carrot. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes. Your goal is for the mushrooms to release their moisture and brown slightly, and for the onions and celery to become soft and translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of your sauce.
3. Create the Roux: Turn off the heat under the skillet. This helps prevent the flour from cooking too quickly or burning. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring that all the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the flour. Continue stirring for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and cooking juices, forming a thick paste-like mixture known as a roux. This roux is vital for thickening the sauce.
4. Whisk in the Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually begin to pour in the chicken broth or stock, a little at a time, while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Once about half of the broth is incorporated and the mixture is smooth, add the fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to combine all the seasonings. Now, turn the heat back to medium. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to visibly thicken. It should start coating the back of your spoon.
5. Incorporate the Milk and Achieve Desired Thickness: Pour in the milk and continue to simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. Allow it to cook until the sauce reaches your desired thickness – it should be rich enough to cling to the vegetables and turkey without being overly dense. Remove the thyme sprigs at this point if you used fresh ones.
6. Add the Final Ingredients: Once your sauce is perfectly thickened, add the thawed frozen peas, diced red bell pepper, the cooked and diced turkey, and the heavy whipping cream. Stir everything gently to combine. Continue to heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, just until the mixture is simmering and all the ingredients are heated through. Be careful not to boil vigorously after adding the cream, as it can separate. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Serve Immediately: Carefully spoon the hot, creamy turkey mixture into your pre-baked puff pastry shells. For a beautiful finish and an added burst of freshness, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley over each serving. Serve this comforting dish immediately while the puff pastry is still warm and flaky, and the filling is piping hot. Enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for a Perfect Turkey à la King

Achieving a truly exceptional Turkey à la King is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are some of Chef Jenn’s top tips to ensure your dish is flavorful, perfectly textured, and a joy to prepare:

• Maximize Efficiency with Ahead-of-Time Prep: To make this recipe even faster on a busy weeknight, dedicate some time the day before to complete all your chopping. Dice the onions, celery, and bell pepper, shred the carrot, and quarter the mushrooms. You can also dice your cooked turkey in advance. Store all these prepped ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This simple step will dramatically cut down on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a quick, delicious meal when time is of the essence.
• Mastering Sauce Consistency: The perfect à la King sauce is creamy but not overly thick or thin.
  • If your sauce is too thick: Don’t fret! Simply thin it out gradually by stirring in a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or even a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Heat gently to incorporate.
  • If your sauce is too thin: You can easily thicken it up with a slurry. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water (or chicken broth) and whisk until thoroughly smooth and lump-free. Add half of this slurry to your simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flour to cook and thicken the sauce. If it’s still not thick enough, add the remaining slurry incrementally, allowing time for the sauce to thicken after each addition.
• Timely Puff Pastry Baking: For the absolute best results, avoid baking the puff pastry shells too far in advance. They are at their peak crispness and flakiness when they’re freshly baked and still warm from the oven. If you must bake them ahead of time, reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes before serving to revive their texture.
• Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the very end to season your dish. Add a pinch of salt and pepper when sautéing the vegetables, and again after adding the broth and milk. Taste and adjust before serving. This layering of seasoning ensures a more complex and well-rounded flavor profile. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
• Quality of Cooked Turkey Matters: The better the quality of your leftover turkey, the more flavorful your à la King will be. Ensure your turkey is tender and moist, whether it’s from a roasted bird or even store-bought rotisserie chicken. A mix of white and dark meat adds more depth to the final dish.

Elevate Your Meal: Perfect Pairings for Turkey à la King

Turkey à la King, especially when served in flaky puff pastry, is a wonderfully rich and fulfilling dish that can easily stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to create a more expansive dining experience or simply add some balancing elements, there are several fantastic side dishes that complement its creamy richness beautifully:

• Crisp Green Salad: A vibrant, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is an ideal counterpoint to the richness of Turkey à la King. The acidity of the dressing and the crispness of the lettuce provide a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate and brightens the meal. Consider adding some cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and perhaps a sprinkle of goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Garlic Rosemary Braised Potatoes: For those who prefer a heartier accompaniment, these flavorful potatoes offer a robust side. Their tender texture and aromatic herb infusion pair wonderfully with the savory turkey and creamy sauce. The herbs in the potatoes echo some of the deeper flavors in the à la King, creating a cohesive meal.
• Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple, lightly steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus add a fresh, bright element and a lovely pop of color. They offer a delicate crunch that contrasts well with the soft filling and can be seasoned simply with a touch of butter, salt, and pepper.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can add a comforting sweetness and earthy depth to the meal. Roasting brings out their natural sugars and creates a slightly caramelized exterior that is incredibly delicious.
• Crusty Bread: While the puff pastry shells are a fantastic vehicle, having some crusty bread on the side is always a welcome addition. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce, ensuring not a single drop of flavor goes to waste.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Turkey à la King leftovers while maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. Here’s what you need to know:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover Turkey à la King filling should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking. It will remain fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days.
• Puff Pastry Shells: The puff pastry shells are undeniably at their best when they are fresh out of the oven – warm, crisp, and wonderfully flaky. If you have leftover baked shells, store them loosely covered at room temperature. They will lose some of their crispness over time. To revive them, place them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes until they are warm and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving them, as this will make them soggy.
• Leftover Turkey Timing: It’s important to be mindful of the age of the cooked turkey you used in your à la King. Generally, all leftover turkey dishes should be consumed within 5-6 days of the original roasting date of the turkey. If you used turkey that was already a few days old, adjust this timeframe accordingly.
• Reheating the Filling: To reheat the creamy turkey filling, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth as it reheats. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
• Freezing (Filling Only): While the puff pastry shells do not freeze well once baked, the creamy turkey filling can be frozen! Allow the filling to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop and serving with freshly baked puff pastry shells.

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5 from 1 vote

Turkey à la King with Puff Pastry

Creamy, chunky, savory and loaded with flavor, Turkey a la King served over a puff pastry shell is good eating for sure! It’s super simple to make and is easy enough for a weeknight dinner! Got leftover turkey? This is what you do with it!

Course
Main Course

Cuisine
American

Keyword
a la king, leftover turkey, puff pastry

Prep Time

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes
minutes

Servings

4
servings

Calories

1202
kcal

Author

Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry shells baked according to the directions on the package
• 4 tablespoons
  butter
  
• 8 ounces mushrooms quartered or sliced
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 carrot shredded for prettier presentation
• 6 tablespoons
  all purpose flour
  
• 1½ cup chicken broth or stock use low or no sodium added to control the salt
• ½ teaspoon
  garlic powder
  
• ½ teaspoon
  onion powder
  
• 2-3 sprigs
  fresh thyme
  or 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup milk whole or 2%
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas thawed
• 2 cups cooked turkey diced, white or dark meat
• 1 cup
  heavy whipping cream
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven and bake the puff pastry shells according to the package directions. Ensure they are golden and puffed. Set them aside on a cooling rack.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, diced onions, celery, and shredded carrot. Cook for approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir vigorously until they are well-coated and a thick roux forms.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth or stock while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add the thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Return to medium heat and cook, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Add the milk and continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Remove fresh thyme sprigs if used.
• Stir in the thawed peas, diced red bell pepper, cooked turkey, and heavy whipping cream. Heat over medium-low heat until simmering gently and all ingredients are heated through. Do not bring to a rolling boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the creamy turkey mixture generously into the baked puff pastry shells. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Do all the chopping the day before and then this recipe is even faster to make.
• If your sauce is too thick, thin it a bit with milk or cream. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it up with a slurry. Combine 1 tablespoon of flour with 3 tablespoons of water and stir until there are no lumps. Add half of the slurry to the sauce and simmer to thicken, adding more as needed.
• Don’t make the puff pastry shells too far in advance. They taste best when just out of the oven.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
cup

|

Calories:
1202
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
83
g

|

Protein:
30
g

|

Fat:
85
g

|

Saturated Fat:
35
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
36
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.5
g

|

Cholesterol:
142
mg

|

Sodium:
852
mg

|

Potassium:
858
mg

|

Fiber:
7
g

|

Sugar:
13
g

|

Vitamin A:
5544
IU

|

Vitamin C:
69
mg

|

Calcium:
176
mg

|

Iron:
5
mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey à la King

Here are some common questions about making Turkey à la King, offering additional insights and troubleshooting tips to help you perfect this classic dish.

• Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

  Absolutely! Chicken à la King is just as delicious. You can use cooked, diced chicken breast or thigh meat. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for a quick and flavorful substitute.

• What other vegetables can I add?

  The beauty of à la King is its versatility. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like finely diced green beans, corn kernels, or even small broccoli florets. Add them with the peas or adjust cooking time based on their tenderness. Fresh asparagus spears, blanched and chopped, would also make a lovely addition.

• Can I make the puff pastry from scratch?

  While this recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience, you can certainly make your own puff pastry from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious! Just ensure it’s properly baked into shells or cut into appropriate shapes to hold the filling.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

  To reduce the calorie count, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream (though this will slightly impact richness). You can also increase the vegetable content and use less butter for sautéing. Substituting some or all of the butter with olive oil can also lighten it up.

• Can I prepare this dish without a puff pastry shell?

  Yes, certainly! While puff pastry adds a wonderful texture, Turkey à la King is traditionally served over many different bases. You can serve it over rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even simple toast points for a more classic approach. It’s delicious any way you serve it!

• What’s the best way to prevent a lumpy sauce?

  The key to a smooth sauce is making a proper roux and gradually adding liquid while whisking constantly. Ensure the flour is well-incorporated with the butter before adding any liquid. When adding broth and milk, pour in a slow, steady stream and whisk vigorously until smooth before adding more liquid. If lumps do form, a quick whisk with an immersion blender or pushing the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve can usually resolve the issue.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic Reimagined

Turkey à la King with Puff Pastry is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming journey back to classic comfort food, reimagined for the modern kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a touch of culinary creativity, can yield a dish that is both deeply satisfying and elegantly presented. Whether you’re making the most of your holiday leftovers or simply craving a rich, flavorful meal on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its creamy texture, tender turkey, and medley of colorful vegetables, all crowned by a delicate puff pastry shell, make it an undeniable crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and bring this delightful vintage favorite to your table. You’re not just making dinner; you’re creating a memorable experience that celebrates the art of good food and cherished flavors.