Make-Ahead Gravy

Recipe by Jessica Battilana
Not Yet Reviewed

There are more than enough last-minute Thanksgiving Day tasks to tackle, so do yourself a favor and cross the gravy off your list well in advance. This easy gravy recipe can be made five days ahead of the big meal or frozen for longer storage. And you won’t sacrifice flavor, either: This gravy is rich and savory and has the ideal consistency for pouring over a mound of mashed potatoes. For an optional hit of extra flavor, add the pan drippings from your roasted turkey when you reheat the gravy (see “tips,” below).

Prep
25 mins
Total
30 mins
Yield
about 2 1/2 cups
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Make-Ahead Gravy - select to zoom
Make-Ahead Gravy - select to zoom
Make-Ahead Gravy - select to zoom

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the stock, bay leaf, and thyme and bring to a low simmer over medium heat. 

  2. Meanwhile, in a second medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour all at once and whisk to combine. Cook, whisking, until the roux is light golden brown and nutty smelling, about 4 minutes. 

  3. Still whisking, gradually stream the hot stock and herbs into the roux. (Be careful: The stock may bubble and steam when first added; this will subside as more stock is added.) Cook, whisking frequently and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer, until the gravy has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. The gravy may be slightly thinner than expected when it comes off the stove; it will thicken as it cools. 

  4. Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; discard the herbs. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

  5. Let the gravy cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat frozen gravy, first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, warm the gravy in a medium saucepan over low heat. If the gravy is too thick, thin it with additional stock or water.  

Tips from our Bakers

  • If you've roasted a turkey and want to add extra flavor to the gravy, scrape the bottom of the roasting pan and add the drippings to the gravy. Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning, then strain into a gravy boat and serve warm. 

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