The Best Do Ahead Turkey Gravy
Elevate your holiday feast with *The Best Do Ahead Turkey Gravy*, a velvety, richly flavored sauce that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Made with a golden roux of unsalted butter and flour, this gravy gains its depth from fragrant fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with optional turkey drippings for an extra burst of savory goodness. Perfect for planning ahead, you can make this gravy up to two days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether finished with a touch of heavy cream for added luxury or kept classic, this recipe ensures a silky-smooth sauce that will triumphantly crown your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or any holiday classic. Make-ahead convenience, bold flavor, and foolproof technique make this the ultimate turkey gravy recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Chicken or turkey stock
- 0.5 cups Cooked turkey drippings (optional, if available)
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
- 2 leaves Fresh sage leaves
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 cups Heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth, golden roux. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
Gradually pour in the stock, a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once fully incorporated, add the turkey drippings if using.
Add the thyme sprigs, rosemary sprig, sage leaves, and bay leaf to the saucepan. Stir well to infuse the flavors.
Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Remove the herbs and bay leaf. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.
For added richness, stir in heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking, if desired.
Let the gravy cool completely if making ahead. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1213 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.5 g | 144% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.2 g | 301% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 292 mg | 98% | |
| Sodium | 4528 mg | 197% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.6 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 20.7 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 133 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 452 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
