make ahead turkey gravy recipe

make ahead turkey gravy recipe

The Best make ahead turkey gravy recipe

I’ve been making this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. It’s a game-changer for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday meal, a family gathering, or just a weeknight dinner. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. I love how the flavors meld together and the texture is just right – not too thick or too thin. My kids adore helping me stir the gravy and watching it simmer on the stovetop.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – with fewer preservatives and additives than store-bought gravies, this recipe is a much better choice for our family. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can serve it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for bread. I’ve even used it as a base for homemade soups and stews.

The possibilities are endless! As a busy mom, I appreciate how quick and easy this recipe is to prepare. And the best part?

It’s always a crowd-pleaser – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to potlucks and gatherings.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

4.8 from 1244 votes

This make ahead turkey gravy is rich, savory, and smooth. Prepare it days before your holiday meal to reduce stress.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Gravy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth
1/2 cup turkey drippings (or additional broth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3Slowly pour in the broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
4Add turkey drippings, thyme, and sage, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
5Reduce heat to low and let the gravy cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 to 15 minutes.
6Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7Remove from heat and let cool completely.
8Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
9To reheat, pour the gravy into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until hot and smooth.
10If too thick, thin with a little broth or water.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine mesh strainer (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade turkey stock. Strain the gravy through a fine mesh strainer for an extra smooth texture.

Watch Video Of How Make Ahead Turkey Gravy Works

This make-ahead turkey gravy recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be yours too once you try it out! It’s perfect for daily meals or special occasions – just store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Reheat as needed by stirring in some hot water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Serve over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for bread – the possibilities are endless!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

Q: What if I don’t have any turkey drippings on hand?

A: Don’t worry! You can easily substitute beef broth or chicken stock in its place. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make this recipe with low-sodium broth?

A: Absolutely! In fact, using low-sodium broth is a great way to reduce sodium content in your gravy without sacrificing flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover gravy?

A: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply stir in some hot water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

Q: Can I use this recipe as a base for other gravies?

A: Yes! This recipe makes about 2 cups of gravy, which you can easily modify to suit your taste preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or flavorings.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: This recipe contains turkey drippings, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians who follow a strict diet.

Similar Posts