How to Make Ahead Turkey Gravy That’s Even Better Than the Original

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy: A Simple and Delicious Way to Make Your Holiday Dinner a Breeze

Turkey Day is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about all the delicious food you’ll be eating. Of course, no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without gravy, but making gravy from scratch can be a time-consuming process. If you’re looking for a way to save time on Thanksgiving Day, why not make your gravy ahead of time?

Making ahead turkey gravy is simple and easy, and it will ensure that you have plenty of gravy to go around for everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover turkey meat.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and flavorful turkey gravy that can be made ahead of time. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect gravy. So read on and get ready to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner!

Table for Make Turkey Gravy Ahead of Time

| Ingredient | Amount | Step |
|—|—|—|
| 1 tablespoon vegetable oil | 1 | Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. |
| 1/2 cup chopped onion | 1 | Add the onion to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. |
| 1/2 cup all-purpose flour | 1 | Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. |
| 1 cup chicken broth | 2 | Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened. |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | 2 | Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | 2 | Stir in the turkey drippings, if desired. |
| 1 cup heavy cream | 3 | Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened. |
| Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired | 3 | Serve immediately. |

Ingredients

* 1 cup turkey drippings (from a roasted turkey)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped carrot

Steps

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, or until the flour begins to turn golden brown.
2. Slowly whisk in the water, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
3. Stir in the onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Serve immediately over your favorite turkey dish.

Tips

* To make ahead of time, prepare the gravy according to the directions above, but do not add the vegetables. Cool the gravy completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through, then add the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
* If you don’t have any turkey drippings, you can use chicken broth or water in its place.
* You can also add other flavorings to your gravy, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary.
* Serve your gravy with your favorite turkey dish, such as roasted turkey, turkey pot pie, or turkey sandwiches.

Making turkey gravy ahead of time is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. This simple recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped carrot
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 pound turkey breast, cooked and shredded

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, celery, and carrot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the gravy into a clean saucepan. Discard the solids.
4. Add the shredded turkey breast to the gravy and heat through.
5. Serve immediately.

Tips

* To make ahead of time, cook the gravy according to the directions and then let it cool completely. Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* When reheating the gravy, bring it to a simmer over low heat and cook until heated through. Do not boil the gravy, as this will cause it to separate.
* If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water. To do this, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Add the slurry to the gravy and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
* Serve the gravy with your favorite turkey dishes, such as roasted turkey, turkey pot pie, or turkey sandwiches.

Storage

* Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* When reheating the gravy, bring it to a simmer over low heat and cook until heated through. Do not boil the gravy, as this will cause it to separate.

This turkey gravy is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your holiday meal. It can be made ahead of time and reheated easily, making it a perfect option for busy cooks.

Q: How can I make turkey gravy ahead of time?

A: There are a few ways to make turkey gravy ahead of time. Here are two methods:

1. Make the gravy the day before and reheat it before serving. To do this, make the gravy according to the recipe, but instead of adding the turkey drippings, use chicken broth. Once the gravy is thickened, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through, then add the turkey drippings and whisk to combine.
2. Make a “roux” ahead of time and add the turkey drippings when you’re ready to serve. To do this, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk to combine. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown color. Remove the roux from the heat and let it cool completely, then cover and store in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to make the gravy, add the turkey drippings to the roux and whisk to combine. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.

Q: What are the best ingredients to use for turkey gravy?

A: The best ingredients to use for turkey gravy include:

* Turkey drippings: The drippings from your roasted turkey are the key ingredient to making a flavorful gravy. If you don’t have any drippings, you can use chicken broth or water instead.
* Flour: Flour is used to thicken the gravy. You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or cornstarch.
* Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
* Milk: Milk helps to make the gravy smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or skim milk.
* Seasonings: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste. Some popular seasonings for turkey gravy include sage, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.

Q: How do I make sure my turkey gravy doesn’t get too thick?

A: There are a few ways to prevent your turkey gravy from getting too thick. Here are a few tips:

* Start with a thin gravy. If you’re worried about your gravy getting too thick, start with a thin gravy and then add more flour or cornstarch as needed.
* Add the flour or cornstarch slowly. When you’re thickening the gravy, add the flour or cornstarch slowly, whisking constantly. This will help to prevent the gravy from clumping.
* Stir the gravy constantly. Once you’ve added the flour or cornstarch, stir the gravy constantly as it cooks. This will help to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
* Don’t overcook the gravy. The gravy should only be cooked until it’s thickened. Overcooking the gravy can make it taste bitter.

Q: How can I make my turkey gravy more flavorful?

A: There are a few ways to make your turkey gravy more flavorful. Here are a few tips:

* Use flavorful ingredients. Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs, spices, and stocks.
* Season the gravy generously. Don’t be afraid to season the gravy with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices.
* Cook the gravy slowly. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
* Add a touch of acidity. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can help to brighten the flavor of the gravy.

Q: How can I store leftover turkey gravy?

A: Leftover turkey gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the gravy, simply reheat it over low heat until warmed through. You can also freeze leftover gravy for up to 3 months. To thaw the gravy, place it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on low power for a few minutes.

making turkey gravy ahead of time is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. By following the steps in this article, you can easily make a delicious and flavorful gravy that will complement your turkey and other dishes. This gravy is also versatile, so you can use it on other meats or vegetables as well. So next time you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, be sure to give this make-ahead gravy a try!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!