It’s time to spice up your Thanksgiving turkey! Whether you’re looking for something classic or creative, there are plenty of delicious sauces you can use to give your roasted turkey a flavorful twist.
Wondering what sauces go well with turkey? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of 20+ easy sauce recipes. From traditional sauces, to regional sauces, healthy sauces and more!
When it comes to holiday meals, turkey is often the star of the show. A beautifully roasted turkey deserves an equally delicious sauce one that can enhance the flavor of the tender juicy meat. But which sauces pair best with turkey? There are two sauces that have become quintessential accompaniments to roast turkey dinners – gravy and cranberry sauce.
The History of Turkey Gravy
Gravy has long been considered the traditional sauce for turkey. Its origins can be traced back to Medieval England, where cooks would make use of meat drippings by thickening them with flour or crumbs to create savory sauces. This would evolve into modern gravy.
When the Puritans brought turkey to New England in the 17th century for harvest celebrations, gravy naturally became the condiment of choice. As turkey gained wider popularity across America over the next centuries, gravy cemented its status as the go-to sauce.
How to Make the Perfect Turkey Gravy
There are a few keys to making foolproof gravy for your holiday turkey
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Use the drippings from the roasted turkey to infuse maximum flavor Pour off excess fat from the roasting pan, reserving the brown drippings.
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Make a simple roux by whisking equal parts fat and flour together. Cook the roux briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly whisk in turkey broth or stock and scraping up any browned bits in the pan. This adds extra richness.
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Simmer the gravy gently until it reaches the desired thickness. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.
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For a more decadent gravy, whisk in a bit of heavy cream or milk once removed from heat.
The Tradition of Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is another quintessential pairing for turkey. The tart, vibrant flavor serves as the perfect counterpoint to the savory meat. Cranberries themselves have a long history dating back to Native Americans. But cranberry sauce as we know it today traces its origins to Europe in the 17th century.
As cranberry harvesting grew in the American colonies, the fruit became a staple at holiday tables. By the 19th century, cranberry sauce joined gravy as a customary turkey accompaniment. Its bright red color provided an extra festive touch to the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Making your own cranberry sauce is simple:
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Cook fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice over medium heat until berries pop and release their juices.
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Additional flavorings like cinnamon, ginger or citrus zest can be added. Sweeten to taste with more sugar or honey.
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Chill the sauce before serving to allow it to thicken. The sauce will keep for 2 weeks refrigerated.
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For a smooth sauce, pulse briefly in a food processor once cooled. Leave it chunky for more texture.
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Serve cranberry sauce warm or at room temperature to complement the turkey.
Gravy and Cranberry Sauce: A Classic Pairing
Gravy and cranberry sauce have withstood the test of time as the ideal sauces for roasted turkey. Their contrasting flavors and textures balance one another beautifully. The rich, savory gravy soaks into the tender meat while the bright, tart cranberry sauce provides the perfect fruity foil. This classic pairing continues to be the traditional choice for turkey dinner spreads today.
While gravy and cranberry sauce may be the expected choice, don’t be afraid to also try unique modern sauces with your Thanksgiving turkey! Mix up tradition with new twists like cherry chutney, pomegranate glaze or chimichurri sauce for an exciting blend of flavors.
At the end of the day, the sauces you choose should complement your seasoning and enhance the star of the meal – the turkey. Whether you opt for time-honored gravy and cranberry sauce or branch out with creative new sauces, your holiday bird will shine when paired with the perfect condiments.
Sauces to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Dinner
Also, be sure to check out the best wine pairings for turkey.
Did you make any of these sauces for roasted turkey?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sauces for turkey. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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The BEST Sauces for Roast Turkey
These are some of my favorite sauces to serve with a Thanksgiving turkey:
Pick one of your favorites from the list below, add a couple side dishes, and you’re guaranteed an amazing dinner!
Don’t forget about the best wine pairings for turkey too.
How to Make Gravy from Turkey Drippings | Christmas Turkey Gravy | Turkey with Gravy | Easy Gravy
FAQ
What is traditionally served with turkey?
Green beans are a mainstay of Thanksgiving dinner and provide plenty of crunch and colour alongside a Christmas turkey.
What is the traditional sauce served at Thanksgiving?
Canned cranberry sauce, otherwise known as a highly polarizing American holiday tradition that divides Thanksgiving into two camps: Team Homemade and Team Canned. Collectively, Americans consume five million gallons of cranberry sauce during the holidays each year.
What is a good sauce for turkey besides gravy?
As Mark Bittman has pointed out, gravy is but one of many sauces that can bring flavor and moisture to a plate of turkey and stuffing, like parsley purée, eggless béarnaise or bourbon barbecue sauce. There’s homemade cranberry ketchup, or cherry ketchup, tangy and sweet.
What sauce with Thanksgiving?
Cranberry Sauce Is Perfect with Thanksgiving Turkey
Cranberries are absolutely perfect with turkey. Sort of like lemons and chicken. Something about the flavors, they’re just made for each other.
What sauce goes with a roast turkey?
Yes, there are plenty of alternative sauces that can be served with turkey. Some people enjoy fruit-based sauces like apple or pear, while others opt for a more herb-infused sauce such as a sage and onion gravy. Experiment with different flavors to find the perfect sauce for your roast turkey.
Can you serve different sauces with Turkey?
Yes, you can absolutely serve multiple sauces with turkey to cater to different preferences. Consider offering a variety of options such as classic gravy, cranberry sauce, savory herb butter, and garlic parmesan cream sauce. Watch this awesome video to spice up your cooking!
What is the best sauce for Turkey Gravy?
When it comes to serving turkey, the best sauce is often a matter of personal preference. Classic gravy, tangy cranberry sauce, savory herb butter, and garlic parmesan cream sauce are all popular options to consider. How do I make classic turkey gravy?
What sauce goes with a Thanksgiving turkey?
* Cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet sauce, cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Thanksgiving turkey. It can be made from fresh or canned cranberries, and is often sweetened with sugar or honey. * Horseradish sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce, horseradish sauce is a great way to add some extra flavor to your turkey.
How do you make a good Turkey sauce?
Just melt butter in a saucepan, add finely minced garlic, and cook until fragrant to make this easy yet delicious sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste, and for a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This sauce can be served on the side for dipping or used to baste the turkey while it roasts.
What is a good substitute for Turkey sauce?
Fruity sauces are a great substitute for traditional accompaniments for people who like a little sweetness. These sauces give a bright and energizing touch to the dish, balancing the flavorful turkey with distinct notes. Pomegranate Glaze: This glaze gives your roast turkey a delicious harmony of tart and sweet flavors.