Whether it’s for the holidays or just Sunday dinner—I beg you to please not use those highly-processed store-bought packets of gravy mix to make your gravy! The ingredient list is full of refined additives you would not cook with at home, even including “corn syrup solids.” No, thank you! Plus it’s SO super easy to make your own homemade gravy from scratch!
As a kid growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, I have fond memories of eagerly awaiting turkey and gravy day in my school cafeteria That gravy-smothered turkey and smooth, buttery mashed potatoes was the ultimate comfort food for many students In this article, I’ll take a nostalgic look back at this iconic school lunch combination.
A Favorite Among Students
Turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes was a consistent crowd-pleaser. From elementary school through high school Tuesdays with this meal were met with excitement. After mystery meatloaf Mondays turkey day delivered a welcome reprieve.
Surveys among my classmates confirmed it was a unanimous favorite. The tender turkey soaked up the rich gravy and contrasted the creamy, smooth mashed potatoes perfectly. Even picky eaters willingly cleaned their trays on turkey day. Cafeteria staff knew this dish would satisfy even the choosiest palates.
Origins of the School Lunch Combo
Turkey and gravy as a lunch item dates back decades in school cafeterias. As early as the 1950s, turkey has been on rotation for hot lunches. Combined with instant mashed potatoes that became popular in the 1960s, the pairing was born.
The dish likely gained popularity because it used economical ingredients. Turkey provides affordable protein while leftover turkey scraps can be repurposed into gravy. With butter and milk, powdered mashed potatoes are easy to mass produce. The components came together to make a cost-effective, filling meal.
Memorable Features of the School Version
While the dish seems simple, the cafeteria version had some trademark characteristics:
- Thin, beige gravy that soaked into the turkey slices
- Mashed potatoes smooth as glue with a hint of butter
- Served on a sectioned plastic tray alongside green beans
- Often accompanied by a dinner roll and small milk carton
- Turkey slices were thin but surprisingly juicy
The school lunch ladies perfected the recipe. Their seasoning and cooking method brought out the best in humble ingredients.
Attempting to Recreate the Magic at Home
Of course as an adult, I occasionally get a craving for this nostalgic meal. I’ve tried making homemade versions, but it never quite lives up to the original. The cafeteria turkey was moist and tender, while my attempts end up dry. The gravy had an indescribable creaminess and seasoning.
After testing various cooking methods and gravy recipes, I learned a few tips:
- Use turkey breast, not whole turkey, for uniform texture
- Cook the turkey breast sous-vide before shredding
- Make gravy with milk and turkey drippings
- Start with a roux then whisk in milk and season aggressively
Getting the school lunch flavor right takes a little work, but it’s worth it for a comforting taste of childhood.
Why Turkey and Gravy Stands the Test of Time
It’s impressive that turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes has remained a staple school lunch for decades. The dish has incredible staying power because it checks all the boxes:
- Uses relatively low-cost ingredients
- Provides protein, carbs and vegetables
- Appeals to most kids’ palates
- Can be made in large quantities easily
Most importantly, it’s tasty and satisfying comfort food! Kids need filling fuel to make it through the day. Turkey and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes delivers while bringing back sweet cafeteria memories. This classic school lunch lives on because it simply works.
The Next Generation Loves It Too
When I recently visited my niece’s elementary school for lunch one day, I was so happy to see turkey and gravy on the menu! The new generation of students devoured the meal just like when I was a kid.
Despite evolving nutrition standards and food trends, turkey and gravy remains. My niece even raved that it was her favorite lunch. Some combinations stand the test of time. This one likely has staying power for generations to come.
A Nostalgic, Comforting School Lunch
Turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes is the ultimate nostalgic school lunch. The simple yet filling meal brings me right back to my own school days. I have such fond memories of enjoying this meal with friends. While my homemade versions don’t quite live up to the cafeteria’s, the dish will always be comfort food at its finest. I hope today’s students savor their turkey and gravy days!
What is the Basic Recipe for Gravy?
A basic gravy recipe can be made with: 1 tablespoon of fat or butter, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 cup of pan drippings or broth.
You can easily double or even quadruple this recipe to serve a crowd. It’s especially handy for making a large batch of turkey gravy at Thanksgiving! It may take longer to thicken though in larger quantitites.
Broth or Pan Drippings
You’ll need a cup of liquid to act as your gravy base. I like to use the pan drippings to avoid waste; just make sure you remove the fat before starting (save that for your roux). If you don’t have enough drippings, add stock until you have 1 cup total.
Any kind of stock will work for gravy but I like to use something complementary. For example, beef stock with gravy for beef, chicken stock for chicken or turkey, etc. If you want to make a vegetarian brown gravy, opt for vegetable stock instead.