On Thanksgiving, it’s better to have too much gravy than not enough. You wouldn’t believe how many dry turkeys this stuff has saved (not that your turkey would be dry, since you’re an Epi member). Still, your mashed potatoes want gravy, as does your dressing. You should add gravy to your mac and cheese too. I don’t know what your side dishes do when I’m not there.
What I’m getting at is: Big Batch Gravy is advisable. When you make a big batch of gravy, though, you often end up with a lot of leftover gravy that gets lumpy and gets thrown away too often. But you should keep that gravy for a lot of different reasons. No, I’m not talking about bourbon-gravy shooters, unless you like really savory drinks. This is about nextovering, which is when you make more food than you need for one meal so that you can use the extras to make something else.
Leftover gravy will keep in your fridge for about three days. Put the gravy in a zip-top bag and lay it flat on a rimmed baking sheet if you won’t use it all up in that time. Slide that baking sheet into the freezer and leave it until the gravy is a solid plank. Then file your gravy plank into the freezer however you’d like. If you freeze the gravy, it will last at least three months. I’ve kept some for up to nine months.
The holidays often leave us with leftovers galore and turkey gravy is no exception. While delicious during the main meal you may be wondering what to do with the extra gravy lingering in your fridge or freezer. Luckily, there are many creative ways to use up leftover turkey gravy so it doesn’t go to waste.
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to repurpose leftovers into quick and easy meals Turkey gravy is a versatile ingredient that can transform basic dishes into comforting, holiday-inspired meals perfect for cold weather With a little prep, you can give your gravy new life in soups, sandwiches, pastas and more.
Here are my top 15 suggestions for using up leftover turkey gravy:
1. Turkey Gravy Soup
One of the easiest ways to use extra gravy is in soup. Simply combine turkey gravy with chicken or vegetable broth, leftover turkey or chicken, and vegetables like carrots, potatoes or peas. Simmer until the veggies are tender for a hearty and comforting soup. The gravy adds great flavor and richness.
2. Creamy Turkey Gravy Pasta
For an easy weeknight dinner, toss cooked pasta with warmed turkey gravy, cream or milk, and chopped leftover turkey or chicken The gravy makes a quick and delicious sauce, no need for jars here!
3. Poutine
Channel your inner Canadian by turning turkey gravy into poutine. Simply top fries and cheese curds with hot gravy for an appetizer or light meal. The gravy melts the curds for a decadent dish.
4. Pot Pie
Mix turkey gravy into a flaky pie crust along with cooked turkey and veggies like carrots, peas or green beans. Bake until the crust is golden for a hearty, savory pot pie.
5. Turkey Gravy Rice
Cook rice or grains like farro or barley in turkey gravy instead of plain broth or water for extra savory flavor. Then stir in chopped veggies, herbs, or meat.
6. Turkey Gravy Enchiladas
For a fun twist on enchiladas, fill tortillas with shredded turkey, veggies and cheese. Top with hot gravy instead of enchilada sauce before baking.
7. Salisbury Steak with Turkey Gravy
Make homemade Salisbury steak patties and serve them smothered in hot turkey gravy and sautéed onions for a retro comfort food dinner.
8. Stuffing Waffles with Turkey Gravy
Jazz up leftover stuffing by making it into waffles. Top with turkey, cranberry sauce and gravy for an easy seasonal breakfast.
9. Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Turkey
Make shepherd’s pie by layering turkey, veggies, and mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Pour extra gravy on top and bake until heated through for an easy casserole.
10. Biscuits and Turkey Gravy
Split open fluffy homemade biscuits and smother with warmed-up turkey gravy for a southern-inspired breakfast. Add crumbled sausage if you like.
11. Turkey Gravy Sandwich Spread
For easy holiday leftover sandwiches, mix gravy with mayo or cream cheese. Spread on bread or rolls with turkey, ham or roast beef for a flavorful condiment.
12. Savory Bread Pudding
In a greased baking dish, layer cubed bread, turkey, veggies and cheese. Whisk gravy with eggs and milk then pour over the dish before baking until set.
13. Turkey Noodle Casserole
Boil egg noodles, then mix in turkey, gravy, frozen veggies and shredded cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with biscuit dough or bread crumbs and bake.
14. Turkey Pot Stickers
Make homemade potstickers stuffed with ground turkey, veggies, herbs and gravy. Pan fry then serve with additional gravy for dipping.
15. Turkey Gravy Nachos
Load tortilla chips with shredded turkey, beans, salsa and cheese then heat until melted. Finally, drizzle with gravy for a cheesy, saucy nacho treat.
With a combination of classics like biscuits and gravy or creative fusion dishes like gravy nachos, you can put leftover turkey gravy to delicious use. Don’t let it go to waste, get creative with these gravy recipe ideas instead!
Whisk it into mayonnaise
Many day-after-Thanksgiving sandwiches have boasted a slathering of chilled gravy. But you can make your turkey sandwich richer and creamier by whisking gravy into mayonnaise. Add some miso to make the flavor stronger, and add some lemon juice and fresh herbs to make it taste better. Then spread it on everything or use it later in the week as a dip for steamed broccoli or chicken cutlets.
How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings | Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy | Turkey with Gravy | Easy Gravy
FAQ
What can I add to jar turkey gravy?
Can you turn gravy into soup?
What do you eat gravy with?
Can you make turkey gravy without giblets?
To make turkey gravy without giblets, throw the giblets from the turkey away and make turkey gravy using the drippings from the pan. Storing and Making Ahead of Time: To store: Store leftover gravy in a sealed container for 2-3 days. To Make Ahead: Make the gravy as directed.
How do you make turkey gravy from pan drippings?
Use 1.5 tbsp pan drippings or butter plus 1.5 tbsp flour for every 1 cup of broth/stock. Simmer until thickened, season to taste. Strain if required then serve. The best way to make turkey gravy depends on how you cooked your turkey. Roasted turkey will have pan drippings which provides the flavour base for the turkey gravy.
What is the best way to thicken Turkey Gravy?
To thicken the gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 Tbsp of cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water to make the slurry). The gravy will thicken as it cools, so consider that when serving the gravy. What is a roux? This turkey gravy is thickened with a roux, a mixture of fat and flour in equal proportions that is used to thicken many sauces.
How can you store Turkey Gravy?
TO STORE: Refrigerate gravy in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can also reheat gravy in the microwave.