Thanksgiving gravy is a must-have on the feast table. This delectable and versatile sauce elevates everything it touches on the plate, and reflects the savory flavors of the perfectly roasted turkey that just made its debut on the table. Obviously, that means you’ll be using the fresh pan drippings, right? As if the host wasn’t frantic enough with cooking, reheating, plating, and serving; Now they have to make a last minute gravy. Pass. You can save yourself trouble and still get that rich turkey flavor by freezing your gravy now and adding pan drippings later.
Saving Every Last Drop – Freezing Turkey Drippings for Year-RoundFlavor
As a holiday chef, I never let any of the delicious flavors from my roasted turkey go to waste. That includes all the savory turkey drippings left behind in the roasting pan. But with a surplus of these turkey juices after a big meal, can you safely freeze the leftovers?
After years of trial-and-error, I’ve honed my technique for freezing turkey drippings so I can enjoy their mouthwatering goodness all year long. Read on for my helpful guide to properly storing drippings for maximum freshness and flavor.
What Are Turkey Drippings?
Turkey drippings refer to all the tasty browned bits and flavorful pan juices left over after roasting a turkey As the bird cooks, the natural juices, sugars, and fats are released into the bottom of the roasting pan This forms a rich, concentrated liquid that makes an unbeatable foundation for sauces, gravies, soups, and more.
Why Freeze Them?
Freezing allows me to save every last drop of my turkey drippings to add big flavor to dishes for months after the holidays. Here are some top reasons to stash some in the freezer:
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Makes incredible gravy even months later
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Adds depth of flavor to soups and stews
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Use as a cooking fat for vegetables or potatoes
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Boosts umami in any sauce or braise
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Saves money compared to store-bought broths
Simple Steps for Freezing
Follow my simple process for properly freezing and storing turkey drippings:
Strain – Pour the hot drippings through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids.
Chill – Refrigerate overnight so the fat congeals on top and can be removed.
Portion – Divide the defatted drippings into ice cube trays or small containers.
Label – Note the contents and freeze date on each package.
Freeze – Store frozen drippings in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Thawing and Using
To use frozen drippings, thaw overnight in the fridge. For gravy, stir a cube of frozen drippings right into the hot liquid. It will melt smoothly as the gravy simmers.
Handy Freezing Tips
Follow these handy tips when freezing turkey drippings:
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Cool drippings completely before freezing for food safety.
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Use rigid airtight containers instead of plastic bags.
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Freeze broth in ice cube trays for small portions whenever needed.
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Avoid refreezing thawed drippings more than once. Use within 3-4 days after thawing.
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Reserve some fat if making gravy. Thaw drippings overnight before using.
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Can add cubes of frozen drippings directly to simmering gravies, stews, etc.
With proper handling, you can capture every flavorful drop of leftover turkey drippings to use for months after the big feast. Just follow my simple freezing tips for enjoying delicious homemade turkey flavor all year long!
How to freeze gravy
First, make the most delicious complete gravy. Make a roux, however toasted and dark you like, and whisk in enough broth to get a consistency that’s a bit thicker than you’d usually make it. This accounts for the turkey drippings that will thin it out on the big day. Season the gravy, and allow it to cool to room temperature, or even chill it down in the fridge. Pour the cool gravy into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Flatten or squeeze all the air out and freeze it flat, or with a pencil to portion it. Lay it flat in the freezer, or in the shape you want, and let if freeze solid.
Note that white gravy (made with the addition of milk or cream) can, sadly, break when thawing. If youre making a gravy with milk or cream, Ill point you to this post for freezing a roux base of butter and flour in advance. At least you can still be a step ahead.
How do you thaw frozen gravy?
On Thanksgiving Day, break apart the frozen gravy (you can defrost it slightly by putting the bag in a bowl of warm water), add it to a pot, and reheat it over low heat. Whisk it smooth. Store the warm gravy in an insulated bottle to keep it hot all day. When the bird finally comes out of the oven, your gravy is ready and waiting for concentrated turkey juice. Pour the drippings into a measuring cup and skim off the fat, or use this handy trick to defat the drippings. Pour the gravy out of the bottle and into a pot. (You can keep the container handy, itll be used again shortly.) Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings. When you’re happy with the thickness, stop pouring. Add freshly chopped herbs or bits of turkey meat if you like. Taste the gravy and season it if needed. Pour the gravy back into the insulated bottle to serve.
This trick isnt limited to Thanksgiving either. You can freeze any homemade brown gravy, like chicken gravy, beef gravy, vegetable or mushroom gravy, and add drippings or fresh herbs on the day that you want to use it. It also works in the reverse scenario—youve made way more fresh gravy than you needed, just freeze the leftovers for another day.
How to Freeze Turkey Meat – Thanksgiving Day Leftover Turkey – FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer – HomeyCircle
FAQ
How long can I freeze turkey drippings?
According to the USDA, cooked turkey, gravy, and leftovers can be safely refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for 3 to 4 months. Technically, frozen food is safe indefinitely however, the quality of the food may decrease as the food loses moisture.
What to do with leftover turkey dripping?
Making turkey gravy from drippings is a great way to use the leftover rendered fats and juices from roasting a turkey. The best part about this turkey gravy recipe? You don’t need many other ingredients to create a delicious sauce!
Can you freeze fat drippings?
The refrigerator is best because the fat will stay soft enough to scoop, so you can have delicious solid drippings at the ready. If you plan to freeze your bacon grease, portion small amounts by letting the grease cool slightly—and, then, strain and pour into freezer-safe containers (like an ice cube tray).
How to freeze chicken drippings?
Cool the drippings to solidify the fat. You can scoop the fat off and freeze it, chicken fat (schmaltz) is great for roasting veggies, tortillas, scallion pancakes, etc… The defatted liquid can be frozen and added to soup or stock for a nice burst of flavor.
Can you freeze roasted turkey drippings?
If you roasted a turkey, don’t throw out the drippings from the pan! This flavorful liquid makes a great base for gravy, stock, or soup. Start by pouring the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids. Then remove the fat that floats to the top. You can now freeze the liquid for up to 6 months or use it to make a simple pan gravy.
Does freezing a turkey cause it to dry out?
Frozen turkey may dry out when you freeze it, but we’ll address this issue in the next section. Frozen turkey usually lasts up to three months, but it’s recommended to eat the turkey before then, and even use it in other cooking dishes.
Can cooked turkey be frozen?
Yes, cooked turkey can be frozen. It will last for 4-6 months in the freezer when stored properly. To reheat it, you can use a stovetop or microwave oven. Freezing also preserves the texture, so your frozen meal will taste just as good after being heated up again.
Can you freeze turkey bones?
Don’t discard the turkey bones and carcass! You can make a fantastic turkey stock to freeze. Simply boil the bones with vegetables, herbs, and water, then strain and cool. Store your turkey stock in freezer bags or containers for later use in soups and sauces. How Long Can You Freeze Turkey?
Can You defrost a frozen turkey?
Defrost the turkey in the refrigerator if possible. Using the refrigerator is the safest way to defrost a turkey. All you have to do is put the frozen turkey in the refrigerator. Expect the turkey to need 24 hours per 5 lb (2.3 kg) of meat to defrost completely. After it defrosts, it then stays fresh for 2 more days in the refrigerator.
Can You refrigerate Turkey Gravy?
You can cover and refrigerate the liquid for up to 3 to 4 days. Remove the fat and reserve some of it if you want to make gravy. Once the fat has floated to the top of the liquid and hardened, take a spoon and scoop it off. Set the fat aside in another bowl if you plan on making turkey gravy.