There’s something incredibly comforting about creamed turkey over biscuits—a classic dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. This recipe transforms leftover turkey into a creamy, savory delight that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Perfect for chilly evenings or a hearty brunch, it’s a simple way to turn basic ingredients into a satisfying meal.
We love how this dish combines flaky, buttery biscuits with rich, velvety turkey gravy. It’s quick to prepare yet feels indulgent and homemade. Whether you’re looking to use up holiday turkey or just craving a comforting Southern-inspired dish, this creamed turkey over biscuits recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits, we need fresh ingredients that build rich flavor and velvety texture. Below are the essentials for both the creamy turkey and the flaky biscuits that will make this dish unforgettable.
For the Creamed Turkey
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (preferably leftover turkey)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm for better blending)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, chilled
| Ingredient Group | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Turkey | 3 cups | Shredded or diced |
| Unsalted Butter | 6 tablespoons total | 4 for turkey, 2 for biscuits |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 1/4 cups total | 1/4 cup for turkey, 2 cups for biscuits |
| Liquids | 2 3/4 cups total | 2 cups warm milk, 1 cup broth, 3/4 cup buttermilk |
| Leavening Agents | – | 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda |
| Seasonings | Varied | Salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, sugar |
By assembling these key ingredients precisely, we ensure the creamed turkey comes out luxuriously smooth and the biscuits turn crisp and fluffy, the ideal base for this classic comfort food.
Equipment Needed
To make our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe perfectly, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool plays a key role in creating the creamy turkey mixture and the flaky biscuits that define this comforting dish.
For the Creamed Turkey
- Large skillet or sauté pan: We use this to melt butter, cook the roux, and gently warm the turkey. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring the roux and gradually incorporating milk and chicken broth into a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Helps fold in tender turkey without breaking it apart.
For the Biscuits
- Mixing bowls: One large bowl to combine dry ingredients and another smaller bowl for wet ingredients.
- Pastry cutter or fork: We use this to cut cold butter into the flour, creating flaky biscuit layers.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of flour, sugar, baking powder, and buttermilk are vital for biscuit texture.
- Baking sheet or cast iron skillet: Either works well to bake biscuits until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Cooling rack: Allows biscuits to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.
Additional Helpful Tools
- Sharp knife: For chopping leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces.
- Grater: If you want to add freshly grated nutmeg or cheese to enrich the creamed turkey sauce.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot baking sheets and pans.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet | Cooking roux and warming turkey |
| Whisk | Mixing roux and liquid for smooth sauce |
| Wooden spoon / spatula | Gently folding turkey into sauce |
| Mixing bowls | Combining dry and wet biscuit ingredients |
| Pastry cutter / fork | Cutting butter into flour for flaky biscuits |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient portions for biscuits and sauce |
| Baking sheet / cast iron | Baking biscuits evenly |
| Cooling rack | Cooling biscuits to maintain crispness |
| Sharp knife | Cutting turkey into pieces |
| Grater | Adding fresh seasonings or cheese |
| Oven mitts | Handling hot cookware safely |
Equipping our kitchen with these tools sets us up for success to craft the luxurious Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits that is both nostalgic and indulgent every time.
Prep Work
Getting started on our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits requires some essential preparation to ensure every component turns out perfectly. Let’s break down the first steps to make the process smooth and efficient.
Preparing the Turkey
To create that rich, savory base for our creamed turkey, we need perfectly cooked turkey ready to be shredded or diced.
- Use leftover cooked turkey — ideally from a roasted turkey breast or thighs for tenderness.
- Remove any skin and bones for a smooth texture.
- Shred or dice the turkey into small bite-sized pieces to allow the creamy sauce to coat each morsel evenly.
- If the turkey is refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes for even heating during cooking.
- Keep the turkey covered to prevent drying out while preparing the sauce.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, reserve any drippings or stock from the turkey to incorporate into the sauce for an intensified turkey taste.
Preparing the Biscuits Dough (If Making from Scratch)
We recommend freshly baked biscuits to complement the creamy turkey. Here is how we prepare the dough for perfectly flaky biscuits.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation Note |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sifted |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Fresh for effective rising |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Supports fluffiness |
| Granulated sugar | 1 teaspoon | Adds slight sweetness |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
| Cold unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Cut into small cubes, chilled |
| Buttermilk | 3/4 cup | Chilled |
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
- Gradually add chilled buttermilk while stirring gently to form a soft dough. Avoid over-mixing to maintain biscuit flakiness.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 3–4 times.
- Pat or roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
Reminder: Keep all ingredients cold to ensure the butter creates those flaky layers essential for our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits experience.
Making the Biscuits
Creating the perfect flaky biscuits is essential for our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe. These biscuits will provide a light and tender base that complements the rich, creamy turkey topping.
Baking the Biscuits
To bake biscuits that are golden and flaky, we start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, we roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, we cut out biscuits without twisting to ensure they rise evenly.
Pro tip: Chilling the dough briefly before cutting helps maintain butter pockets, creating buttery layers inside the biscuits.
We place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to prevent sticking but close enough to keep edges soft. Brush the tops with melted butter or buttermilk to enhance browning and flavor.
Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the edges are crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving, allowing the biscuits to set but remain warm.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 425°F (220°C) |
| Dough thickness | 1/2 inch |
| Baking time | 12-15 minutes |
| Biscuit spacing | 1 inch apart |
| Finish | Brush tops with butter/milk |
Using Store-Bought Biscuits (Optional)
If we’re pressed for time or prefer convenience, store-bought biscuits offer a quick alternative without sacrificing taste. Opt for high-quality refrigerated or frozen biscuits that bake up flaky and tender.
Preheat the oven according to the package instructions, usually around 375°F to 425°F. Arrange the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, typically between 10-15 minutes. For an extra buttery finish, brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking.
While fresh homemade biscuits provide the best texture and flavor, using store-bought biscuits lets us enjoy our creamed turkey dish with minimal prep. This shortcut is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Preparing the Creamed Turkey Sauce
To create the rich and velvety creamed turkey sauce, we follow a step-by-step process that builds depth of flavor and the perfect silky texture. This sauce is the heart of the dish, enveloping our flaky biscuits in creamy comfort.
Making the Roux
First, we make the roux, the base that thickens our sauce and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- Continue whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, until the roux turns a light golden color. This step removes the raw flour taste while developing a rich aroma.
- Remember to keep the heat moderate to avoid burning and ensure a smooth roux.
Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth base.
Adding Turkey and Seasonings
Next, we build our savory creamed turkey sauce by incorporating flavorful liquids and seasonings.
- Slowly add 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth to the roux while whisking vigorously to integrate without lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced for even texture.
- Season with:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme for herbal warmth
- Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings through the sauce.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 2 cups | Creamy base |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Adds savory depth |
| Cooked turkey | 2 cups | Primary protein source |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances overall flavor |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds mild heat and earthiness |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Boosts savory notes |
| Onion powder | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds sweetness and aroma |
| Dried thyme | 1/8 teaspoon | Optional herbal accent |
Simmering to Perfect Consistency
Finally, we let the sauce simmer gently to marry flavors and thicken to the ideal consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon with a luscious, creamy texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired pourable but substantial consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding extra salt or pepper to balance flavors perfectly.
Note: Stirring regularly prevents scorching and helps develop that classic smooth creaminess we want in our creamed turkey sauce.
With our sauce perfectly prepared we are ready to assemble this comforting classic — creamed turkey poured generously over flaky biscuits.
Assembling the Dish
Once we have our flaky biscuits baked to golden perfection and the creamed turkey sauce simmered to a luscious consistency, it’s time to bring everything together. This final assembly step ensures each bite delivers the perfect balance of rich creaminess and delicate biscuit texture.
Serving the Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits
- Plate the Biscuits: Place two warm biscuits on each serving plate. Their flaky layers provide the perfect foundation for the creamy turkey.
- Generously Ladle the Creamed Turkey: Using a ladle, pour the hot creamed turkey sauce slowly over the biscuits. Aim to cover the biscuits completely while leaving some sauce pooling around the edges for extra flavor.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or a dash of black pepper over the top to enhance both visual appeal and flavor contrast.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the dish while the biscuits are warm and the sauce is creamy and piping hot.
| Component | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Biscuits | Flaky, golden, freshly baked | Use butter or buttermilk brushing for added flavor |
| Creamed Turkey Sauce | Thick, creamy, seasoned turkey mixture | Stir gently before serving to maintain silky texture |
| Garnish | Fresh herbs or spices | Adds color and a subtle flavor boost |
Pro Tip: To keep biscuits crisp while assembling, place them on a warmed plate but avoid covering them tightly, or they may steam and lose their flakiness.
This assembly showcases the heart of the dish — the union of comforting creaminess with biscuit flakiness. Together they create a nostalgic and indulgent plate perfect for any occasion.
Tips and Variations
To elevate our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits recipe and customize it to our tastes, here are essential tips and creative variations to ensure every bite is memorable and comforting.
Tips for Perfect Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits
- Use Fresh or Leftover Turkey: We recommend using leftover roasted turkey for its depth of flavor. If using fresh turkey, cook it until tender and shred finely.
- Reserve Turkey Stock or Drippings: Enhancing the sauce with turkey stock or drippings adds richness and intensifies the savory flavor.
- Keep Ingredients Cold for Flaky Biscuits: For biscuits with perfect layers, be sure to use cold butter and chilled buttermilk. Briefly chilling the dough before cutting helps maintain flaky pockets.
- Avoid Overworking Biscuit Dough: Handle dough gently to prevent tough biscuits. Press and cut shapes straight down without twisting the cutter.
- Whisk Continuously When Making Roux: To prevent lumps and achieve a smooth sauce, whisk constantly when adding milk and broth to the roux.
- Simmer Sauce to Thicken Properly: Allow sauce to simmer gently after combining ingredients, stirring frequently to reach a velvety consistency.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, plate biscuits hot from the oven and ladle creamed turkey while both are warm, keeping the biscuits crisp.
Flavor Boosters and Ingredient Swaps
| Variation | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Addition | Sauté sliced mushrooms and add to the creamed turkey for earthy notes. | When seeking deeper umami flavors |
| Herbs Mix | Add fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary to the sauce for aromatic complexity. | Impress guests with layered flavors |
| Spicy Kick | Stir in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for subtle heat. | Perfect for those who like mild spice |
| Cheese Blend | Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the sauce for richness. | Make the dish extra indulgent |
| Biscuits Variation | Substitute plain biscuits with cheddar biscuits or drop biscuits for variety. | Quick tweak to biscuit flavor and texture |
| Vegetable Boost | Fold in peas or diced carrots into the sauce for color and nutrition. | Balanced meals with veggies |
Alternative Cooking Tips
- Store-Bought Biscuits: For speed, use quality store-bought biscuits and warm them in the oven before adding creamed turkey.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the creamed turkey sauce up to 2 days in advance; refrigerate and gently reheat while stirring before serving.
- Freezing Option: Leftover sauce freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat, whisking to restore smooth texture.
Key Measurements Recap
| Ingredient | Quantity Used | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp (for roux & brushing biscuits) | Fat for roux and biscuit glaze |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup (for roux) + 2 cups (biscuits) | Thickener and structure |
| Whole Milk | 1 1/2 cups (sauce) + 1 cup (biscuits) | Cream base and dough liquid |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup (sauce) | Adds savory flavor to sauce |
| Cold Buttermilk | 1 cup (biscuits) | Tenderizes and activates leavening |
| Cooked Turkey | 3 cups shredded | Main protein in creamed turkey |
“The secret to perfect creaminess lies in the slow incorporation of milk and broth into the roux along with continuous whisking.“
By applying these tips and variations, we make our Creamed Turkey Over Biscuits uniquely ours—whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive brunch spread.
Conclusion
Creamed turkey over biscuits is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. By combining flaky biscuits with a rich, creamy turkey sauce, we create a dish that’s both simple and indulgent.
Whether using leftover turkey or fresh, this recipe offers flexibility and endless opportunities to make it your own. With the right techniques and a few kitchen essentials, anyone can master this classic comfort food.
We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the cozy flavors it delivers. It’s perfect for chilly nights, brunch gatherings, or anytime you crave something hearty and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamed turkey over biscuits?
Creamed turkey over biscuits is a comforting dish that combines flaky biscuits topped with a rich, creamy turkey sauce. It’s perfect for using leftover turkey and makes a warm, indulgent meal.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked turkey, especially from roasted breast or thighs, works perfectly. Shred or dice the turkey for a smooth texture in the sauce.
What are the key ingredients for the creamed turkey?
Key ingredients include cooked turkey, unsalted butter, flour, whole milk, chicken broth, and seasonings like salt and pepper to create the creamy sauce.
How do I make flaky biscuits for this dish?
Make biscuits using cold butter, chilled buttermilk, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Keep ingredients cold and avoid overworking the dough for flakiness.
Is it okay to use store-bought biscuits?
Absolutely! Using store-bought biscuits is a convenient alternative that saves time without compromising taste.
What equipment do I need to prepare this recipe?
Essential tools include a large skillet for the roux, a whisk, pastry cutter for biscuits, mixing bowls, measuring cups, a baking sheet, and a cooling rack.
How do I make the creamed turkey sauce lump-free?
Make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until golden, then gradually add milk and broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
Yes, you can enhance the sauce by adding mushrooms, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor and variation.
How should I serve creamed turkey over biscuits?
Serve immediately by placing warm biscuits on a plate, ladling the hot creamed turkey sauce over them, and garnishing with fresh herbs.
What are some tips for perfect biscuits?
Keep all ingredients cold, avoid overworking the dough, roll to about 1/2 inch thickness, cut biscuits without twisting, and chill dough briefly before cutting.