Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe
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This Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy recipe is the perfect solution for a stress-free holiday meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a smooth and flavorful gravy in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this make-ahead gravy will save you time and ensure a delicious, lump-free result every time!
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!
Why You’ll Love Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
- Saves time on the big day: This recipe allows you to make your gravy up to two days in advance, reducing the stress of last-minute cooking on Thanksgiving or any holiday. Simply reheat when you’re ready to serve, giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
- Foolproof and lump-free: With easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, you can make a smooth, lump-free gravy every time. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a no-fuss recipe that turns out perfectly.
- Flexible flavor: You can use store-bought turkey or chicken broth, and even enhance the flavor with turkey drippings for that extra homemade touch. This flexibility makes it convenient while still tasting incredible.
- Microwave-friendly reheating: Reheating the gravy is as simple as popping it in the microwave. It heats evenly, and with a quick stir, it’s ready to go, making it ideal for a busy kitchen.
- Pairs perfectly with turkey: Whether you’re serving a roasted turkey or turkey breast, this gravy complements your main dish and elevates the flavor of all your holiday sides, from mashed potatoes to stuffing.
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 :)
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: The base for a rich and smooth gravy.
- 6 tbsp flour: Helps thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- 4 cups turkey stock or chicken stock (I use the store-bought chicken broth from the cans): Adds flavor and depth to the gravy. Store-bought broth works well for convenience.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors. Add to taste as needed.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the butter and flour base, and for thickening the gravy.
- Whisk: A whisk is key to ensuring the flour and butter blend smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Microwave-safe container: Useful for storing the gravy in the fridge and reheating it easily on the big day.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the butter, flour, and broth accurately for the perfect consistency.
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!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve this smooth and rich turkey gravy alongside your perfectly roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a traditional holiday meal.
- Gravy Over Biscuits: This gravy works beautifully over fluffy biscuits for a hearty breakfast or brunch the day after Thanksgiving.
- With Leftovers: Drizzle over turkey sandwiches or use as a sauce for reheated turkey and sides. It adds moisture and flavor to your leftovers.
- Roast Chicken: This gravy isn’t just for turkey! Serve it with roast chicken for an equally delicious pairing.
- Vegetable Sides: Pour the gravy over roasted or mashed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips For Success
- Whisk constantly to avoid lumps: The key to smooth, lump-free gravy is constant whisking. As soon as you add the flour to the melted butter, keep whisking to ensure it blends smoothly. Continue whisking while adding the broth gradually to maintain the right consistency.
- Adjust the thickness: If the gravy turns out too thick for your taste, simply add more broth or water a little at a time to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. This flexibility allows you to achieve the perfect texture for your dish.
- Season at the end: Add salt and pepper only after the gravy is done cooking. The broth may already contain salt, so tasting the gravy first ensures you don’t over-season. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
- Make ahead and reheat properly: This recipe is designed to be made ahead of time. Once the gravy is cooked, store it in the fridge. On the day of serving, reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Taste the gravy after reheating, as it may need a little more seasoning.
- Enhance with turkey drippings: For an extra flavor boost, stir in turkey drippings after you reheat the gravy. This will give the gravy a richer, deeper taste and make it even more delicious when served with your turkey.
Variations And Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Version: To make this gravy gluten-free, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many gluten-free flours work just as well as regular flour in thickening the gravy. Just be sure to whisk thoroughly to avoid any clumping. Alternatively, you could use cornstarch as a thickener. Simply dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch in cold water and whisk it into the broth after the butter has melted.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version of this gravy, replace the turkey or chicken broth with vegetable broth. A rich vegetable stock will add depth to the gravy without losing the savory flavor. You can also use butter substitutes like vegan margarine to make it vegan-friendly as well.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can easily substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil. Both options will give you a rich base for the gravy. Keep in mind that coconut oil might give a slight flavor, so choose a neutral oil if that’s a concern.
- Adding Herbs for Extra Flavor: For more flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy. Fresh herbs add an aromatic touch that complements roasted turkey or chicken perfectly. Simply chop the herbs finely and whisk them in towards the end of cooking.
- Adjusting for Different Broths: You can use turkey, chicken, or even beef broth in this recipe, depending on what you have available. Each one brings a slightly different flavor profile to the gravy. Beef broth will give a heartier flavor, while chicken and turkey broth keep it lighter and more traditional for poultry dishes.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: After making the gravy, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead for a big event, this is the perfect way to save time and reduce stress.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the gravy if you need to make it further in advance. Pour the cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: When it’s time to reheat, simply microwave the gravy in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval to ensure even heating. If the gravy has thickened too much after being in the fridge or freezer, you can whisk in a little bit of broth or water to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- On the Stove: If you prefer, you can also reheat the gravy on the stovetop. Place the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently until it’s warmed through and smooth again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this turkey gravy ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be made ahead of time. You can prepare the gravy up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the day you’re serving it, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze turkey gravy?
Absolutely! Turkey gravy freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the gravy cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the gravy in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. If it’s too thick after thawing, you can add a little broth or water while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?
The key to a smooth, lump-free gravy is constant whisking. When you add the flour to the melted butter, whisk continuously until smooth. Gradually add the broth, whisking all the way, to ensure that the gravy stays smooth. If you find any lumps forming, keep whisking vigorously until they dissolve.
Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth?
Yes, chicken broth is a great substitute for turkey broth. It works well in this recipe and will still deliver a delicious flavor. Store-bought chicken broth is a convenient option if you don’t have turkey broth on hand.
How can I add more flavor to the gravy?
You can enhance the flavor of the gravy by adding turkey drippings from your roast turkey. Simply stir in the drippings after you reheat the gravy. Additionally, you can experiment with adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to bring an aromatic depth to the dish.
Other Easy Gravy Recipes
Fresh Tomato Gravy Sauce: This flavorful and savory tomato-based gravy is perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or as a topping for meats and vegetables.
Pressure Cooker Gravy Recipe: Quickly whip up a rich, smooth gravy in your pressure cooker, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, meats, and holiday dishes.
Easy Foolproof Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 4 cups broth turkey and chicken
- salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Medium saucepan
- Microwave-safe container
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup of broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Slowly add the rest of the broth, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the gravy to a microwave-safe container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- When ready to serve, reheat the gravy in the microwave, stirring in between heating to ensure even warming.
- Optionally, stir in turkey drippings for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- To avoid lumps, make sure to whisk the flour and butter constantly.
- The gravy thickens as it cools, but you can adjust the consistency with additional broth when reheating if necessary.
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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.
I love recipe that can allow me to cook ahead especially during the festive season.
love a good gravy would also be good if you add meat juices
Sounds delicious! I made my first turkey last year :) we normally just do cold meats because its too hot for a bit winter meal.
That is very helpful Melanie. I also only cook turkey once a year but in Australia I cook mine on Christmas Day.
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!
Right you are Melanie! The whisk is key and what a great way to hit the ground running the minute the bird is out of the oven :)
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
So smooth and creamy..thanks for the recipe!
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!
Excellent idea!!! There are too many last minute details with Thanksgiving dinner, it would be nice to simplify with this easy gravy.
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.
Easy and foolproof recipes are always welcome in my home!
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
This is fool-proof!
Once again- brilliant stuff. I think this is going to save me, on many occasions.
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
Great tip to be able to make this ahead. We’re having turkey again at Christmas, I’ve bookmarked this.
Looks very easy to make especially if you use chicken broth. I didn’t grow up eating gravy so I’m not a big fan however. If I stay in the US long enough I might change! :-)