Fall is all about those comforting home-cooked dishes and there's very little that beats the humble pot pie. As the weather gets colder, I'm diving into all of my slow cooker ideas for fall batch cooking, but pie is another absolute essential when it comes to my fall meal planning. It's such a staple, in fact, that it's been honored with its very own national day: Great American Pot Pie Day, which falls on 23 September.
This is the perfect excuse to gather some guests and serve up my favorite cozy dish. Growing up, my mom's pot pie was the ultimate treat – and now that I can cook and host in my very own apartment, I've got big shoes to fill.
Pot pie is hearty, warming, and perfect for a crowd – and it was devoured with gusto, almost as quickly as my mom brought it to the table. Nowadays, however, I love to set aside time on a Sunday evening to make a quick pot pie that will last me for the rest of the week.
The defining feature of a pot pie is, of course, its creamy filling and golden top crust, and I always stick to my family's trusted recipe, which combines shredded chicken with vegetables, broth, and cream of mushroom soup. It's quick and comforting, but it still takes a bit of practice. I've learnt that pie-making starts with the best dutch oven or pie dish and a few other vital utensils (especially if you plan to make the pastry yourself). Read on for everything you need to make the beloved American pot pie.
Everything you need to make the perfect pot pie
After a deep dive into the cookware in Joanna Gaines' new cooking show, I've become obsessed with this scalloped pie dish – now is the perfect time to treat myself.
Perfecting homemade pastry is no easy feat, and a good rolling pin can make all the difference. I can never go back to a traditional option after reading about Ina Garten's French-inspired rolling pin.
Any avid cook's most prized possession is usually a Dutch oven, and most often a Le Creuset. It's timeless, durable and perfect for both cooking and serving – your guests will always be impressed.
This wood spoon is sturdy, durable and stylish – I love the natural texture of the hardwood. The gently tapered handle ensures a solid grip, too.
If you prefer to prepare your pie filling in a saucepan, I'd recommend investing in the best non-toxic cookware. Our Kitchen Appliances Editor says that this pan is 'is great value, solid and reliable', in her Made In Stainless Steel pan review.
My mom has a Villeroy & Boch pie server just like this one, and it's something of a tradition to use it at family meals. There's nothing like serving up a hearty dish with a bit of a flourish.
All this pie-making stands me in good stead for the harvest season – I just need to nail my fall table decor ideas before the dinner parties begin. I'm starting with a few handsome pieces from Le Creuset's 2025 fall collection.
