Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe

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make ahead gravy

I only make gravy once a year – to go with the turkey on Thanksgiving :) So I’m by all means not a gravy pro.  This easy foolproof turkey gravy recipe has never failed me – it always produces the perfect smooth gravy with no lumps!   If you try this gravy recipe, you’ll never want to make another turkey gravy again!

Best of all, this easy turkey gravy recipe is make-ahead.  I make this gravy 2 days before Thanksgiving (along with the perfect make-ahead party mashed potatoes), refrigerate it and then reheat it in the microwave when the turkey is ready!

The last thing I want is the stress of making the gravy when all the guests are here.  This make-ahead turkey gravy recipe is perfect for someone like me, who wants to enjoy the party instead of being a short-order cook :)

whisking the gravy on the stove

Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe

Preparation time: 2 minute(s)
Cooking time: 5 minute(s)
Number of servings:
12

Ingredients:

6 tbsp butter
6 tbsp flour
4 cups turkey stock or chicken stock (I use the store-bought chicken broth from the cans)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions How To Make Gravy:

Melt the butter in the medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the flour and mix vigorously with the hand-held manual whisk, until the butter and flour mixture is smooth and bubbling.  Keep cooking, whisking constantly, for another 2 minutes.

Add 1 cup of the stock and whisk until smooth and boiling.  Add the remaining stock and whisk constantly, until it comes to a boil and the gravy is thinkened.

Remove from heat.  Taste the gravy to see if it has enough salt and pepper.  Add salt and pepper to taste, until it has enough.  I always end up having to add salt, at least 1/2 tsp.

Pour the gravy in a microwave-safe container and refrigerate.

On the Thanksgiving day, right before you take the turkey out of the oven, reheat the gravy in the microwave.  Just microwave it on high until it’s boiling.  Then stir the gravy with the spoon.  Microwave tends to heat unevenly, so taste the gravy after you mix it.  If it’s not not enough, microwave it until it’s boiling again and mix it again.

You can also add turkey drippings to this gravy, and mix them in.  Pour the gravy into the serving container and serve with your turkey!

Easy Make Ahead Gravy - makes holidays so much easier! This is the only gravy recipe I'll ever need! | MelanieCooks.com

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18 Comments

  1. Always glad to find an easy recipe for turkey gravy. I had definitely had my share of mishaps when making this. Thanks for posting this. Like you, I want to be able to enjoy the holidays, have wonderful food and not all the stress-those three do not always come together as hoped though.
    Funny, it is sad to see someone stressing over invitations-when I saw that I was thinking it was only the tip of the iceberg for her!
    I would take a wonderful time with family over anything if I had to chose just one blessing for the holiday. Hope you are having a super weekend.

  2. I’m a fan of make ahead gravy! I’ve only made Ina Gartens recipe and it was delicious and SO easy! I can’t believe the difference it made on the pressure of the day!

  3. Loving your delicious make-ahead recipes ;) You’re one very organised person! I’ve never had, much less made turkey gravy before, but this look great!

  4. Excellent idea!!! There are too many last minute details with Thanksgiving dinner, it would be nice to simplify with this easy gravy.

  5. Step 1: start with 1/2 cup butter :-) Now THAT’S a quick method of making it ahead.

    Id just feel terrible losing the drippings if the turkey was made in the oven. However, my uncle always makes his using the rotisserie on the barbecue, so this recipe might come in handy.

  6. I love the idea of making your gravy ahead of time; always so much to prepare at the last minute. This actually a good base recipe for anytime you need gravy to accompany those mashed potatoes; thank you.
    Rita

  7. Dear Melanie, You are so right. It is nice to have things prepared ahead of time so that you may enjoy the day too! The turkey gravy sounds easy and delish!, always a good combo. Blessings, Catherine

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