We’ve all had those chilly evenings when nothing beats a warm, hearty meal, and that’s where our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe shines. It’s a comforting classic born from American home cooking that transforms leftover turkey into a creamy delight served over flaky biscuits.
We love how this dish brings families together with its simple ingredients and nostalgic flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights it’s both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
We select simple, high-quality ingredients to create our comforting Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits, transforming everyday staples into a warm, creamy dish that delights the senses with its rich flavors and flaky textures. Our list ensures easy preparation while highlighting the nostalgic appeal of this American classic.
For the Biscuits
To make the flaky biscuits that form the perfect base, we start with these essential ingredients, listed in the order they are typically combined:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light texture
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Fresh to ensure proper rising
- 1 teaspoon salt: For balanced seasoning
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed to create tender layers
- 3/4 cup milk: Whole milk for added richness, stirred in gradually
For the Creamed Turkey
- 2 cups cooked turkey: Shredded or diced from leftovers for convenience
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted in a skillet to start the base
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Whisked into the butter to form a roux
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream: Poured slowly for a velvety consistency
- 1/2 cup onion: Finely chopped and sautéed for aromatic depth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Thawed and added for a pop of color and sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the overall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Ground fresh for a subtle kick
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: For an earthy, herbal note that complements the turkey
Equipment Needed
To bring our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few key tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. These items help us mix, bake, and simmer efficiently, building on the ingredients we’ve already outlined.
Essential Tools for Biscuits
- Mixing bowl: A large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, ensuring even distribution without spills.
- Baking sheet: A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to achieve golden, flaky biscuits through even heat exposure in the oven.
- Pastry cutter or fork: Use a sturdy pastry cutter (or a fork as an alternative) to cut cold butter into the flour mixture, creating the light, layered texture we love.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate stainless steel sets for precise measurements of flour, milk, and other ingredients, which are crucial for biscuit consistency.
Essential Tools for Creamed Turkey
- Skillet or saucepan: A 10-inch nonstick skillet for sautéing onions and creating the creamy sauce, allowing for even cooking and easy stirring to prevent sticking.
- Whisk: A medium-sized balloon whisk to blend flour and butter into a smooth roux, incorporating milk seamlessly for that rich, velvety texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring in turkey, peas, and seasonings, ensuring the mixture doesn’t scorch while building flavors.
- Knife and cutting board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a stable cutting board for chopping onions quickly and safely, minimizing prep time.
| Equipment Item | Primary Use in This Recipe | Typical Use in Other Comfort Dishes | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowl | Combining biscuit dough | Mixing batters for pancakes or muffins | Ensures uniform ingredient blending |
| Baking sheet | Baking biscuits | Roasting vegetables or cookies | Provides even heat distribution |
| Skillet or saucepan | Simmering creamed turkey | Making gravies or stews | Allows for controlled heat and stirring |
Instructions
We make preparing our comforting Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits straightforward and enjoyable with these step-by-step directions. Let’s dive into the process using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to achieve a hearty meal full of rich flavors and textures.
Prepare the Biscuits
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined—this creates the base for our light and flaky biscuits.
Next, add 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter stays cold for optimal flakiness. Pour in ¾ cup of whole milk and stir gently with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly—about 4 to 5 times—to form a cohesive ball. Roll or pat the dough to about ¾-inch thickness then use a biscuit cutter or knife to cut out 6 to 8 biscuits, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked goods.
Make the Creamed Turkey
In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add 1 finely chopped onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent to build a flavorful base. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, creating a smooth thickening agent for our creamy sauce.
Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk or heavy cream while continuing to whisk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens—about 5 minutes—to achieve a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 2 cups of cooked turkey shredded into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup of frozen peas, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, heating everything through for 3 to 4 minutes until the peas are tender and the flavors meld into a savory, comforting blend.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat to preserve the dish’s fresh, creamy essence that pairs perfectly with our biscuits.
Assemble and Serve
Once the biscuits are baked and the creamed turkey is ready, split each warm biscuit in half using a knife for a fluffy interior that soaks up the sauce. Spoon a generous portion of the creamy turkey mixture over the bottom half of each biscuit, allowing the rich, savory gravy to cascade over the edges for a visually appealing and mouthwatering presentation.
Top with the other half of the biscuit and serve immediately, letting the combination of flaky biscuits and creamy turkey deliver a satisfying crunch contrasted with smooth textures that make this dish a family favorite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights, we can prepare key components in advance while preserving their flaky biscuits and rich, creamy sauce. This approach allows us to focus on assembly and serving, ensuring a warm, hearty meal without last-minute rush.
Preparing the Biscuits Ahead
We recommend making the biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance for optimal freshness. Follow these steps:
- Mix the Dough Early: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cut in 6 tablespoons unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in ¾ cup whole milk to form the dough. This keeps the light and flaky texture intact.
- Shape and Store: Pat the dough into biscuits on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This method maintains the biscuits’ rise and buttery flavor.
- Bake When Ready: When it’s time to serve, preheat the oven to 450°F and bake the chilled biscuits for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Avoid freezing the dough, as it can affect the crisp exterior.
Preparing the Creamed Turkey Ahead
The creamed turkey mixture holds up well for make-ahead preparation, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. We suggest making it 1-2 days in advance.
- Cook and Cool the Mixture: In a nonstick skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until softened. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to form a roux, then gradually add 2 cups milk or heavy cream, stirring until thickened. Mix in 2 cups cooked turkey, 1 cup frozen peas, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Let it cool completely before storing.
- Store Properly: Transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months—this prevents the sauce from separating and keeps the velvety consistency.
- Reheat for Serving: To reheat, warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy, savory essence.
Storage Tips and Guidelines
For the best results, we use the following storage methods to maintain quality:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biscuit Dough | Refrigerate in wrap | Up to 24 hours | Keep covered to avoid drying |
| Baked Biscuits | Freeze in freezer bags | Up to 1 month | Thaw at room temperature before reheating |
| Creamed Turkey | Refrigerate in container | Up to 2 days | Stir well before reheating to preserve texture |
| Creamed Turkey | Freeze in airtight containers | Up to 3 months | Defrost overnight in the fridge for even heating |
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we ensure our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits remains a comforting, flavorful favorite that’s easy to enjoy anytime.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this creamed turkey over biscuits recipe, as it’s a timeless favorite that brings warmth to our tables. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a simple way to create lasting family moments with minimal effort.
By trying it yourself, you’ll discover how easy it is to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special. We’re confident it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits?
Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits is a classic American comfort dish that turns leftover turkey into a creamy, hearty meal served on flaky homemade biscuits. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, offering warm, nostalgic flavors that bring families together with simple ingredients like turkey, cream, and veggies.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For the biscuits, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, and whole milk. The creamed turkey requires cooked turkey, butter, flour, milk or heavy cream, onion, frozen peas, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. These high-quality staples combine to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
What equipment is required to make Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, pastry cutter or fork, and measuring tools for the biscuits. For the creamed turkey, use a nonstick skillet or saucepan, whisk, wooden spoon or spatula, and a knife with cutting board. These basics ensure efficient mixing, baking, and cooking for great results.
How do I prepare Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits?
Start by preheating the oven and mixing biscuit dough with flour, butter, and milk, then bake until flaky. For the turkey, sauté onions, make a roux with butter and flour, add milk, turkey, peas, and seasonings to create a creamy sauce. Assemble by topping split biscuits with the mixture for a comforting, textured meal.
Can I make Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, prepare biscuit dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. The creamed turkey can be made 1-2 days ahead, stored in an airtight container to let flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving to maintain freshness, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
Is this recipe suitable for families or busy weeknights?
Absolutely, Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits is family-friendly with its simple, comforting flavors and easy preparation. It uses everyday ingredients and can be made ahead, turning leftovers into a quick, satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for hectic evenings while fostering quality family time.