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Make-Ahead Veggie Potpies

Cook Time:
45 mins
Prep Time:
30 mins
Servings:
8-10
RATE THIS RECIPE
(61)

Chef notes

This is not only great for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, but it's an awesome way to utilize leftover vegetables or turkey from Thanksgiving — or any day, because let's be real, potpie doesn't have to be a special occasion meal. I love how you can make this in one large skillet or baking dish, or you can prepare personal servings in cocottes or ramekins for an extra fancy vibe.

Technique tips: If you don't have access to fresh herbs, use 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence instead of the herbs outlined in the ingredient list. Make sure to thaw the puff pastry in the fridge the night before assembling. Use a sharp paring knife to create slits in the dough for extra precision. Have extra puff pastry leftover? Make little pastries as an appetizer with pear slices and brie or dessert with a chocolate hazelnut spread or pumpkin pie filling.

Swap options: You can swap the butternut squash for blanched or roasted sweet potatoes (great use for leftovers). Make your life easier with a frozen vegetable blend (carrots, broccoli, corn, peas and green beans). Not into frozen veggies? Use fresh! Make sure to blanch the carrots and butternut squash for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to the filling. This ensures that they end up tender in the filling. Feel free to add a protein of your choice.

Special equipment: 8 mini cocottes, ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 large white onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 bulb fennel, diced
  • kosher salt
  • tablespoons finely chopped sage
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (can sub 1/2 cup vegetable stock)
  • cups vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable stock concentrate paste (optional)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups frozen cubed butternut squash
  • 2 cups frozen broccoli
  • cups frozen chopped carrots
  • cups frozen peas
  • cup frozen green beans
  • 14 ounces puff pastry
  • 1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water
  • salt, for topping

Preparation

1.

Heat a large Dutch oven on medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Add the onion and fennel,and toss with the butter. Season with a generous pinch of kosher salt, and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the sage, thyme and garlic. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.

2.

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour combines with the butter and forms a wet sand consistency (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Let it toast for a minute until slightly nutty in aroma and golden in color.

3.

Pour the white wine into the pot. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to burn off. Next, slowly pour the vegetable stock into the pot, while whisking. Add the vegetable stock paste and mix into the filling. Once combined, pour the whole milk in and whisk until combined. Season with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper and taste to ensure the seasoning is good for you before moving on to the next step.

4.

Add the butternut squash, broccoli, carrots, peas and green beans to the filling and stir until combined. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout (about 10 to 15 minutes, since we're using frozen vegetables). Once cooked throughout, remove from the heat.

5.

Transfer the filling to a fridge-safe dish. Allow it to come to room temperature, then cover with an airtight lid or plastic wrap and place in the coolest part of your fridge for up to 3 days.

6.

Thaw puff pastry in the fridge the night before making the potpies.

7.

Preheat the oven to 400 F (or according to puff pastry instructions). Place a rack into the center of the oven.

8.

Using a ladle or large spoon, generously scoop the filling into ramekins, cocottes or mini cast-iron skillets. The dishes should be slightly overfilled, with the filling sitting about 1/4- to 1/2-inch above the edge of the dish. If making a large casserole style potpie, transfer the filling to a 9- by 13-inch baking dish.

9.

If needed, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Slice into large squares and drape each square over the pie filling. Trim any excess edges. If making a casserole-style potpie, roll the puff pastry into one large rectangle and place over your filling, leaving about 1 to 2 inches to drape over the edges on each side. Using a sharp paring knife, create slits in the top of the potpie for ventilation.

10.

Brush with egg wash and top with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

11.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (or according to puff pastry instructions), until golden-brown and until the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.