Can I use canned biscuits or puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes. Biscuits give you a fluffy, dumpling-ish vibe. Puff pastry gives you that shattery, dramatic top. If using puff pastry, bake at the temperature on the box and keep an eye on browning.
Why is my pot pie filling runny?
Usually it is one of three things: the sauce was not thick enough before it went into the dish, frozen vegetables released extra water, or it did not rest long enough after baking. Aim for a thick, creamy gravy on the stove, then simmer for a couple minutes after adding the vegetables. Also let it rest 10 minutes after baking to set up.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When ready to bake, spread the cold filling in the dish, top with crust, then bake. Plan on 45 to 55 minutes total bake time if the filling is chilled, and bake until the filling is bubbling in the center, not just the edges. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil.
What vegetables work best?
Frozen mixed veggies are the easiest and most Allrecipes-in-the-best-way. You can also use peas, carrots, green beans, corn, diced potatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. If you use a super icy bag of veggies, you can thaw and drain them first to keep the sauce extra thick.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Swap butter for a neutral oil, use unsweetened plain oat milk, and choose a dairy-free crust. Oat milk can thicken a little differently depending on the brand, so just keep simmering until the sauce looks like gravy. The flavor will be a little lighter, so do not skip the seasoning.