Holiday meals often demand careful timing, and gravy is usually the last-minute stress point. Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy is the perfect solution. Rich, flavorful, and silky-smooth, this recipe allows you to prepare your gravy in advance, saving time on the big day.
Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy:
By roasting turkey parts ahead and creating a flavorful stock, you get all the depth of traditional pan gravy without the last-minute rush. When it’s time to serve, you simply reheat and finish it, ensuring you have a delicious, fuss-free gravy to pour over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
History of Turkey Gravy:
Gravy has been part of feasts for centuries, with early recipes dating back to medieval Europe. In America, turkey gravy became a Thanksgiving tradition alongside roast turkey. The concept of make-ahead gravy is more modern, designed to reduce stress in busy holiday kitchens while still delivering authentic flavour.
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Chef John's Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 turkey wings (or drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place turkey wings, onion, carrots, and celery on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and roast until browned, about 45 minutes.
- Transfer to a pot, add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and stock.
- Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, then strain stock.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in turkey stock until smooth and thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- On serving day, reheat and whisk in pan drippings for extra flavor.
Notes
- Turkey wings give the best flavour, but drumsticks work too.
- Roasting vegetables deepens the flavor of the stock.
- Strain carefully for a smooth texture.
- Reheat gently to avoid separating.
- Finish with drippings for authentic holiday taste.
Tips for Make-Ahead Turkey:
- Make a double batch and freeze for Christmas or other feasts.
- Use a fat separator for a lighter gravy.
- Add a splash of white wine for depth.
- Stir constantly while thickening to prevent lumps.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
FAQ’s for Gravy:
Q:Can I make this without turkey wings?
Yes, chicken wings or drumsticks work as substitutes.
Q:How long can I store the gravy?
Up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Q:Do I need to add drippings?
They enhance flavor but are optional if you want simplicity.
Q:Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Q:Will it separate after freezing?
Reheat slowly while whisking to bring it back together.
Conclusion:
Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy is the ultimate holiday hack. It delivers deep, rich flavor without the last-minute panic, letting you focus on enjoying your feast. With this recipe, you’ll always have smooth, flavorful gravy ready to complement your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.