The Best 5 Sauces to Serve with Turkey

What Sauce Goes with Turkey?

Turkey is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you’re roasting it in the oven, grilling it on the grill, or smoking it in a smoker, there’s a sauce out there that will complement the flavor of your turkey.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sauces for turkey, including traditional favorites like gravy and cranberry sauce, as well as more modern options like pesto and chimichurri. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right sauce for your turkey and how to make your own homemade sauces.

So whether you’re looking for a classic Thanksgiving dish or something a little more adventurous, read on for some great ideas for sauces that will make your turkey dinner a hit!

Sauce Ingredients Instructions
Gravy
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the water, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
  4. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and flour until smooth.
  5. Serve immediately over turkey.
Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst.
  4. Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate for later.
Mashed Potatoes
  • 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, bring the potatoes and milk to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  4. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
  5. Add the butter, salt, and pepper and mix until combined.
  6. Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate for later.

Introduction

Turkey is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or even fried. No matter how you cook it, a delicious sauce can help to make your turkey even more flavorful.

There are many different types of sauces that can be served with turkey. Some of the most popular options include gravy, cranberry sauce, and pan gravy. However, you can also find more unique sauces, such as white wine sauce, mushroom sauce, and herb sauce.

The type of sauce you choose to serve with your turkey will depend on your personal preferences and the flavors you enjoy. However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the right sauce for your turkey.

Types of Turkey Sauces

Gravy

Gravy is a classic sauce that is often served with turkey. It is made by simmering pan drippings with flour, butter, and broth. Gravy can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is another popular choice for serving with turkey. It is made by cooking cranberries with sugar, water, and orange juice. Cranberry sauce can be sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and it can also be flavored with spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Pan Gravy

Pan gravy is a type of gravy that is made from the drippings that collect in the pan after roasting a turkey. Pan gravy is typically made by whisking flour into the drippings and then adding broth. Pan gravy can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage.

White Wine Sauce

White wine sauce is a light and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by simmering white wine with shallots, garlic, and herbs. White wine sauce can be thickened with a roux or cornstarch slurry.

Mushroom Sauce

Mushroom sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that is made by sauting mushrooms in butter. Mushroom sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage.

Herb Sauce

Herb sauce is a simple and flavorful sauce that is made by whisking together herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. Herb sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, basil, and parsley.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is perfect for pairing with smoked or grilled turkey. Barbecue sauce is made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Honey-Mustard Sauce

Honey-mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining honey, mustard, and vinegar. Honey-mustard sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic.

Maple-Mustard Sauce

Maple-mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar. Maple-mustard sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Teriyaki sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as ginger, garlic, and scallions.

Chili Sauce

Chili sauce is a spicy and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Chili sauce can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as cumin, oregano, and paprika.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs. Ranch dressing can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as dill, parsley, and chives.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that is perfect for pairing with turkey. It is made by combining blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs. Blue cheese dressing can be flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, such as chives, parsley, and tarragon.

How to Choose the Right Sauce for Your Turkey

The type of sauce you choose to serve with your turkey will depend on your personal preferences and the flavors you enjoy. However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the right sauce for your turkey.

* Consider the type of turkey you are

What Sauce Goes with Turkey?

Turkey is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or fried. No matter how you cook it, there are plenty of delicious sauces that can complement the flavor of turkey.

Here are some of the most popular sauces that go with turkey:

* Gravy. Gravy is a classic sauce that is made from the drippings of roasted turkey. It is typically made with a roux (a mixture of flour and fat), broth, and seasonings. Gravy can be served on the side or poured over the turkey.
* Cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce is a sweet and tart sauce that is made from cranberries, sugar, and water. It is often served with turkey on Thanksgiving.
* Pan gravy. Pan gravy is a quick and easy sauce that is made from the drippings of pan-fried or grilled turkey. It is typically made with a roux, broth, and seasonings. Pan gravy can be served on the side or poured over the turkey.
* White wine sauce. White wine sauce is a light and flavorful sauce that is made from white wine, butter, shallots, and herbs. It is often served with roasted turkey.
* Mushroom sauce. Mushroom sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that is made from mushrooms, butter, shallots, and herbs. It is often served with grilled or roasted turkey.
* Herb sauce. Herb sauce is a simple but flavorful sauce that is made from fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. It is often served with roasted or grilled turkey.
* Barbecue sauce. Barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is made from a variety of ingredients, including tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. It is often served with grilled or smoked turkey.
* Honey-mustard sauce. Honey-mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is made from honey, mustard, and vinegar. It is often served with roasted or grilled turkey.
* Maple-mustard sauce. Maple-mustard sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is made from maple syrup, mustard, and vinegar. It is often served with roasted or grilled turkey.
* Teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce that is made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It is often served with grilled or roasted turkey.
* Chili sauce. Chili sauce is a spicy and flavorful sauce that is made from chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It is often served with grilled or roasted turkey.
* Ranch dressing. Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that is made from mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs. It is often served with cold turkey sandwiches.
* Blue cheese dressing. Blue cheese dressing is a creamy and tangy dressing that is made from blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and herbs. It is often served with cold turkey sandwiches.

How to Make Turkey Sauce

Making your own turkey sauce is a great way to add flavor and depth to your turkey. Here are some simple recipes for making some of the most popular turkey sauces:

Simple Gravy

Ingredients:

* 1 cup of turkey drippings
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1 cup of chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and broth until smooth.
2. Add the turkey drippings and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

* 3 cups of fresh cranberries
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1/2 cup of water
* 1/4 cup of orange juice
* 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest
* 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst.
4. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pan Gravy

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon of butter
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil

What sauce goes with turkey?

There are many different sauces that can go well with turkey, depending on your personal preferences and the type of turkey dish you are making. Some popular options include:

* Gravy: A classic choice, gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce made from pan drippings, stock, and a thickener such as flour or cornstarch. It can be served over roasted turkey, turkey sandwiches, or other turkey dishes.
* Butternut squash sauce: This creamy and flavorful sauce is made from roasted butternut squash, stock, and herbs. It is a great option for a lighter turkey dinner.
* Cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet sauce, cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey. It can be made from fresh or canned cranberries, and is often sweetened with sugar or honey.
* Horseradish sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce, horseradish sauce is a great way to add some extra flavor to your turkey. It is often served alongside roast turkey, and can also be used as a dipping sauce for turkey sandwiches.
* Mayonnaise: A versatile and creamy sauce, mayonnaise can be used in a variety of ways to flavor turkey. It can be added to a simple turkey sandwich, used as a base for a more complex sauce, or even used as a dipping sauce.

How do I make gravy?

Gravy is a simple but delicious sauce that can be made from the drippings of a roasted turkey. To make gravy, you will need:

* The drippings from a roasted turkey
* 1 cup of stock
* 2 tablespoons of flour
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

To make the gravy, first whisk together the flour and salt in a small bowl. Then, add the flour mixture to the drippings in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened and turned a golden brown color. Slowly whisk in the stock, and continue to cook until the gravy has thickened and reduced slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

What other sides go well with turkey?

In addition to a sauce, there are many other sides that can go well with turkey. Some popular options include:

* Mashed potatoes
* Stuffing
* Green bean casserole
* Sweet potato casserole
* Cranberry sauce
* Rolls
* Cornbread
* Salad

When choosing sides to serve with turkey, it is important to consider the flavors and textures of the different dishes. For example, a light and creamy mashed potato would pair well with a rich and flavorful gravy, while a crunchy green bean casserole would provide a nice contrast to a moist and tender turkey breast.

What are some tips for cooking turkey?

When cooking turkey, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it is cooked perfectly. Here are a few tips:

* Start with a fresh turkey. The best turkeys are those that are fresh, not frozen. Fresh turkeys will have a better flavor and texture than frozen turkeys.
* Rub the turkey with oil or butter. This will help to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
* Stuff the turkey loosely. A tightly stuffed turkey will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. Turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey for your next holiday meal.

there are many different types of sauces that can be paired with turkey. The best sauce for your turkey will depend on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you are using. Some of the most popular sauces for turkey include cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing. However, you can also experiment with other sauces, such as Dijon mustard sauce, honey-mustard sauce, or even a simple lemon-herb sauce. With so many different options to choose from, you are sure to find a sauce that you and your guests will enjoy.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

* The best sauce for turkey will depend on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you are using.
* Some of the most popular sauces for turkey include cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing.
* You can also experiment with other sauces, such as Dijon mustard sauce, honey-mustard sauce, or even a simple lemon-herb sauce.
* With so many different options to choose from, you are sure to find a sauce that you and your guests will enjoy.

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!