Ree Drummond has a motto for her Thanksgiving dinner: “If the gravy is good, everything is good,” she says. So, you dont want to forget about making gravy! Unfortunately, with all the other Thanksgiving side dishes to make, a turkey in the oven, and pie crust decorating to tackle, the gravy can sometimes become an afterthought. Thats why Ree opts for her make-ahead gravy recipe that can be prepared up to five days in advance. “Itll save you time (and a headache) on the big day,” she says. But what if you want to think a little further out—say weeks or even months ahead. Then, you might be wondering: Can you freeze gravy?
Of course, the answer to this question will also come in handy if you happen to have any leftover gravy at the end of the feast. After all, you dont want to let any of that savory sauce go to waste! So, if you dont plan on drizzling gravy over your Thanksgiving leftovers the next day, heres how you can store gravy in the freezer. Then, check out our tips for reheating the gravy once youre ready to use it. Itll come in handy for any weeknight dinner served with a side of mashed potatoes, but you can also use it to thicken up soups or make a shepherds pie using both leftover turkey and leftover gravy!
As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks are busily preparing their holiday menus. One of the most beloved parts of a traditional Thanksgiving meal is the gravy – rich, flavorful and perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
If you’re making your gravy from scratch using turkey drippings and flour you may be wondering if you can prepare it in advance and freeze it for Turkey Day. The answer is yes, you most certainly can freeze turkey gravy made with flour! Here’s what you need to know
How To Make Freezable Turkey Gravy
Making freezable gravy is simple
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Start with turkey drippings – The backbone of good gravy begins with the flavorful pan drippings left behind after roasting your turkey. Be sure to pour or spoon off excess fat before making your gravy.
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Use flour to thicken – Mixing flour with the hot turkey drippings will create a smooth, thick gravy texture that holds up beautifully when frozen. All-purpose flour works great.
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Simmer the gravy – After whisking together your drippings and flour, let the mixture simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste and achieve a gravy-like consistency.
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Flavor as desired – Now is when you can add any extra flavor to your gravy. Onion, garlic, herbs, wine and broth are all great options. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right.
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Let it cool completely – This step is crucial. Allow your finished gravy to cool down to room temperature before freezing. Cooling it quickly in an ice bath works perfectly.
Freezing Tips for Flour-Thickened Turkey Gravy
Follow these simple tips for flawless frozen gravy every time:
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Use freezer-safe containers – Sturdy plastic containers or freezer bags work well. Glass jars may crack due to expansion. Leave 1-inch headspace.
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Portion it out – Consider freezing your gravy in meal-sized portions. This avoids repeatedly thawing and refreezing a large batch.
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Remove air pockets – Exclude as much air as possible from containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. You can use a straw to suck out excess air.
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Label and date – Clearly mark containers with contents and freeze date so you know how long it’s been stored.
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Freeze immediately – For best quality and food safety, freeze cooled gravy promptly in a 0°F freezer.
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Freeze up to 3 months – Frozen gravy made with flour will maintain optimal flavor and texture for about 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Turkey Gravy
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen gravy, follow these simple steps:
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Thaw in refrigerator – For food safety, always thaw frozen gravy overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t thaw at room temp.
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Use a saucepan – Pour thawed gravy into a small saucepan and reheat gently over medium-low heat.
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Stir occasionally – Be sure to stir the gravy fairly often as it reheats. This helps maintain an even consistency.
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Simmer briefly – Let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes once hot to enhance flavor and texture.
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Add extra liquid if needed – If the gravy seems too thick, stir in a bit of warm turkey broth, milk or water to thin it out.
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Season again if desired – Taste and re-season the gravy with salt, pepper or other flavorings as needed.
With minimal effort, you can have deliciously rich homemade turkey gravy ready whenever the mood for comfort food strikes. Give this freezing method a try and your future holiday feasts will be that much easier!
Can you freeze gravy?
The short answer to this question: Yes, you can freeze gravy! Whether youre looking for a make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe or a way to save every drop of your leftovers, freezing your gravy is an easy option to take. But there is a caveat: If your gravy contains cream or milk (like this sausage gravy), then it wont freeze well. So, that leads us to the next question…
What is gravy made of?
Gravy is simply just a pan sauce made with the drippings of meat and thickened with flour or starch. But add some fat, stock, and seasonings, and itll turn into the rich and savory holiday favorite that you know and love. For Rees turkey gravy, she uses homemade turkey stock, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and, of course, the turkey drippings. Some people might add cream or milk, but if youre planning to freeze gravy, its best to leave that ingredient out since the dairy can cause your gravy to separate once its thawed.
How To Make Turkey Gravy: Liquid Gold
FAQ
Does turkey gravy freeze well?
Absolutely! Turkey gravy freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the gravy cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the gravy in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Does gravy made with flour freeze well?
Flour-thickened gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the gravy in manageable portions. I like using zip-lock freezer bags. Be sure to squeeze out all the air and flatten the gravy. It will take up much less space in the freezer this way.
Can you reheat gravy made with flour?
Using Flour If you’re a fan of bold flavor, making gravy with beef broth and flour is the way to go. Slightly browned butter gives the mixture a rich, caramelized flavor, while its flour base helps the classic brown gravy store and reheat better.
What’s the best way to freeze gravy?
Let your gravy cool off enough that it’s no longer steaming. Transfer leftover gravy into containers and freeze.Sep 20, 2024