Almond-Turkey Bake
A savory almond-turkey pie featuring a flaky crust, shredded sharp Cheddar, and a creamy mayonnaise filling with celery and toasted almonds. This hearty dish offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy comforting, nutty poultry dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kraft natural shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chopped cooked turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted and divided ⓘ
- 1 cup Kraft real mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- pastry for 2 crust 9-inch pie ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese with the flour.
- Mix the cheese-flour mixture with the chopped turkey, sliced celery, 1/3 cup toasted slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll out the pastry to a 15-inch square on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the pastry in a 12 x 8-inch baking dish and trim the edges to leave a 1-inch overhang.
- Fold the edge of the pastry under itself and flute to create a decorative border.
- Pour the turkey mixture into the prepared pastry crust.
- Top with the remaining cheese and toasted almonds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the turkey mixture. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be a great substitute. Ensure the turkey is well-seasoned to enhance the overall flavor. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes that use simple ingredients to create comfort food.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond-Turkey Bake with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cranberry sauce or a light vinaigrette. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or the Turkey-Broccoli Casserole for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method helps maintain the pastry's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond-Turkey Bake contains roughly 312 calories, with 11g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked turkey?
It's best to use cooked turkey for this recipe, as it allows the flavors to meld during baking. If you have raw turkey, consider cooking it first, then shredding or chopping it before adding to the mixture. This ensures the turkey is tender and fully cooked, making for a delicious final dish.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe. It will add creaminess while reducing calories and fat. You can also use sour cream for a similar texture and tangy flavor, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the taste.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Almond-Turkey Bake gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that the pastry you use is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free pie crusts that work well for this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).