Make Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe - Butter Your Biscuit (2024)

FAQs

Is stock or broth better for turkey gravy? ›

You can use either stock or broth for keeping dressing moist or as a basis for gravy, but a strong flavor will give you better results.

Basic gravy starts with a roux, which is a mixture of cooked butter and flour that will naturally thicken liquid. There's a reason we're not just tossing cornstarch in here- a butter and flour based roux provides one of the main flavor components.

But traditionally it's made at the last minute, after the turkey has been removed from the roasting pan. Here's a secret: There's no need to make gravy right before serving. You can make it up to five days ahead. Then, as you reheat it, whisk in the turkey pan drippings for extra flavor.

If your gravy is on the skimpy side, you can thicken it quickly with flour or cornstarch. But don't add your thickener directly to the gravy, which will create lumps. Instead, try stirring in three or four tablespoons of flour or cornstarch into a small amount of cold water until you have a smooth paste.

For every cup of gravy, use 1 cup of liquid (the degreased pan juices combined with an appropriate chicken or beef broth), with a roux made from 1½ tablespoons each flour and the fat from the pan. Just multiply this amount as needed.

The solution: The first thing you should try is adding a little more salt, as salt helps bring out the inherent flavors of the gravy that you didn't taste before. If that doesn't work, add umami (savory)-heavy condiments like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Drizzle in Balsamic Vinegar

Similar to mustard, using a bit of balsamic vinegar as a finishing touch helps to boost the flavor of any jarred gravy. Adding a drizzle of balsamic to gravy while it's heating up gives it a depth of flavor, almost like magic!

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

The Best Method for Reheating Gravy: A Skillet

Here are the three steps you need to know to reheat gravy. Spoon it into the skillet: Spooning breaks up gelled gravy into easy-to-reheat portions. Heat on low: Don't heat the pan and add the gravy. Start the cool gravy in a cool pan to reheat slowly.

How to prepare a turkey ahead of time? ›

It's easy: Simply cook it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then carve the bird into large pieces—breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks. Store in a container in the refrigerator until the big day. This method actually result in juicier meat—and an infinitely more relaxed host.

Once you're gravy is made and cooled, move it to a zip-top bag and freeze flat. The night before Thanksgiving, move the bag to the fridge to thaw overnight and simply reheat the gravy over low heat while the turkey rests. Read reviews!

A good broth is the secret to the very best soup, such as chicken soup and beef and barley, while a rich stock is the foundation for superior braises, stews and sauces, including French classics like demi-glace and sauce Espagnole, as well as the very best turkey gravy.

Turkey Stock is made from primarily from bones while broth is made from more meaty pieces. I find broth usually has more flavor and to be honest, I make both the same way. Either can be done on the stove or in the slow cooker.

Though there is a subtle flavor difference, I use chicken and turkey stocks interchangeably. With stock, there's no need to worry too much about precise measurements and adhering strictly to the recipe; you may use the recipe below as a basic framework.

For the best flavor, use a high-quality chicken stock or broth. For added flavor, sauté some onions, garlic, or shallots in the melted butter before adding the flour.