Make Ahead Turkey Gravy: The Easy Way to a Delicious Holiday Dinner

Turkey Gravy Ahead of Time

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and good food. And what’s a Thanksgiving dinner without turkey gravy? But making gravy from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you’re cooking for a large crowd. That’s why I’m sharing my foolproof method for making turkey gravy ahead of time.

With this method, you can make the gravy the day before Thanksgiving and then reheat it on the big day. This will save you time and stress, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday with loved ones.

So read on for my easy tips on making turkey gravy ahead of time!

Ingredients Instructions Notes
– 1 cup turkey drippings
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the turkey drippings, water, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
– Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
– Reheat before serving.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed to make turkey gravy ahead of time:

* 1 cup of turkey drippings
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 1/4 cup of chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 bay leaf
* Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Steps

To make turkey gravy ahead of time, follow these steps:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is golden brown.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
4. Stir in the salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
6. Transfer the gravy to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

Conclusion

Turkey gravy is a delicious and easy way to make your Thanksgiving turkey dinner even more special. By making the gravy ahead of time, you can save yourself time on the big day and enjoy your meal without having to worry about cooking.

Here are some tips for making the perfect turkey gravy:

* Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
* Start with a flavorful turkey drippings.
* Cook the gravy over low heat to prevent scorching.
* Season the gravy to taste.
* Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.

With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most delicious turkey gravy that your guests will love.

Tips

Here are a few tips for making the best turkey gravy ahead of time:

* Start with a good stock. The foundation of any good gravy is a flavorful stock. If you don’t have time to make your own stock, you can use a store-bought low-sodium broth.
* Use a roux to thicken the gravy. A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and fat, cooked together until golden brown. The roux will thicken the gravy and give it a rich, creamy texture.
* Don’t overcook the gravy. Gravy that is overcooked will become thin and watery. Cook the gravy over low heat until it is heated through, but not boiling.
* Season the gravy to taste. Gravy should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste. Be careful not to overseason the gravy, as it can easily become too salty.

Here are a few additional tips for making turkey gravy ahead of time:

* Make the gravy the day before you plan to serve it. This will give the flavors time to blend and develop.
* Store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* Reheat the gravy over low heat until it is heated through. Do not boil the gravy, as this will thin it out.
* Serve the gravy with your favorite turkey dish.

Storage

Turkey gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store the gravy in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container. To store the gravy in the freezer, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready to reheat the gravy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on low power. Reheat the gravy over low heat until it is heated through. Do not boil the gravy, as this will thin it out.

Here are a few tips for storing turkey gravy:

* Make sure the gravy is completely cooled before storing it.
* Use an airtight container to store the gravy.
* Label the container with the date and contents.
* Store the gravy in the refrigerator or freezer according to the directions above.

Making turkey gravy ahead of time is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and flavorful gravy that will impress your guests.

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

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

1. Make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it before serving. To do this, make the gravy according to the recipe, but instead of adding the drippings from the turkey, use chicken broth. Once the gravy is cooked and thickened, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the gravy over low heat until warmed through.
2. Make a “roux” ahead of time and add the drippings from the turkey when you’re ready to make the gravy. 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 set aside. When you’re ready to make the gravy, add the drippings from the turkey to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the roux until the gravy is thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Q: How long will turkey gravy last in the fridge?

A: Turkey gravy will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How long will turkey gravy last in the freezer?

A: Turkey gravy will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat turkey gravy?

A: To reheat turkey gravy, you can either microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop.

* To reheat turkey gravy in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
* To reheat turkey gravy on the stovetop, place it in a saucepan over low heat and heat it until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Q: What can I do if my turkey gravy is too thick?

A: If your turkey gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of water or broth.

Q: What can I do if my turkey gravy is too thin?

A: If your turkey gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little bit of flour or cornstarch. To do this, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Then, add the mixture to the gravy and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened.

Q: What are some tips for making the best turkey gravy?

A: Here are a few tips for making the best turkey gravy:

* Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh turkey drippings and good-quality broth.
* Make sure to cook the gravy long enough so that it thickens and becomes flavorful.
* Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
* Serve the gravy immediately, or reheat it before serving.

making turkey gravy ahead of time is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. By following the tips in this article, you can make a delicious, flavorful gravy that will impress your guests. Be sure to make extra gravy, as it will likely be the first thing to disappear from the table!

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!