🥧 Squirrel Pot Pie – Hearty, Homestyle & Wild Game Comfort Food
Looking for an old-fashioned comfort food with a wild twist? This Squirrel Pot Pie brings together tender, slow-cooked squirrel meat in a creamy, savory filling topped with a flaky, golden crust. It’s a backwoods classic that’s making a comeback — perfect for hunters, homesteaders, or adventurous foodies!
🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 2–3 cleaned squirrels (about 1.5 lbs), jointed
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chicken or wild game broth
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Crust:
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the squirrel: In a large pot, simmer squirrel pieces in lightly salted water or broth for about 1 hour until meat is tender and falling off the bone. Remove meat, let cool, then shred and discard bones.
- Make the filling: In a large skillet, heat oil/butter. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add flour & broth: Stir in flour to coat veggies, then slowly add broth and milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Add squirrel & seasoning: Mix in shredded squirrel, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the pie: Pour filling into a greased pie dish. Cover with crust, seal edges, and cut slits for steam.
- Bake: Brush crust with egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
- Cool & serve: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot!
🧑🌾 Tips for the Best Wild Game Pot Pie:
- Soak squirrel in saltwater overnight to remove any gamey flavor.
- Add potatoes or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Make mini pot pies in ramekins for individual servings
🥧 Serving Suggestions for Squirrel Pot Pie
Squirrel pot pie is a rich, hearty dish, so pairing it with lighter sides works best:
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Steamed green beans or peas for freshness
- Mashed potatoes if you want an extra-comfort meal
- Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes)
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the gravy
- Cranberry sauce or apple chutney for a subtle sweet contrast
Serve hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does squirrel meat taste like?
Squirrel meat tastes similar to rabbit or dark chicken meat—mild, slightly nutty, and tender when slow-cooked.
2. Is squirrel meat safe to eat?
Yes, when properly cleaned, cooked thoroughly, and sourced from safe areas, squirrel meat is safe and nutritious.
3. Can I substitute squirrel meat?
Absolutely. You can replace squirrel with:
- Chicken thighs
- Rabbit
- Turkey
- Duck
4. Why is my squirrel meat tough?
Squirrel meat becomes tough if cooked too quickly. Slow cooking or braising before adding it to the pie ensures tenderness.
5. Can I make squirrel pot pie ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling 1–2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake when ready.
6. Can I freeze squirrel pot pie?
Yes. Freeze it unbaked or fully baked, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
7. What herbs work best in squirrel pot pie?
Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, parsley, and black pepper pair beautifully with game meat.
🍽️ Similar Recipes You May Like
If you enjoyed squirrel pot pie, try these comforting dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie – Classic creamy comfort food
- Rabbit Pot Pie – Traditional game-meat favorite
- Turkey Pot Pie – Perfect for leftovers
- Beef and Mushroom Pie – Rich and hearty
- Venison Shepherd’s Pie – Rustic and filling
- Duck Pie with Vegetables – Deep, savory flavors
- Creamy Mushroom Pie (Vegetarian) – Meat-free comfort option
📌 Share Your Wild Catch!
Made this squirrel pot pie? Snap a pic and tag it with #MonzoorsKitchen — we’d love to see your rustic kitchen skills in action!

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