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!
Making turkey gravy from scratch often yields more than you need for a single meal Rather than pouring the extra down the drain, freeze the gravy to enjoy later. Gravy made with flour freezes well when stored properly Read on for tips on freezing, thawing and reheating turkey gravy made with flour.
An Overview on Freezing Turkey Gravy
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve homemade turkey gravy so you can enjoy it again over the holidays or any time you crave comfort food Gravy made with a roux holds up well in the freezer Here are some key points
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Turkey gravy thickened with flour can be frozen for 2-3 months while retaining optimal quality and flavor.
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Allow the gravy to cool completely before freezing to prevent separation.
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Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.
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Thaw frozen turkey gravy overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
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Reheat thawed gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra liquid if needed.
Follow proper freezing techniques for best results with your flour-based turkey gravy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Turkey Gravy
Follow these simple steps for freezing turkey gravy made with flour:
1. Prepare the Gravy
Make your gravy according to your favorite recipe. Be sure to use a flour roux to thicken it to the desired consistency. Strain out any lumps before freezing for an ultra-smooth gravy later.
2. Let It Cool Completely
Allow the hot gravy to come to room temperature. Placing it in an ice bath speeds up cooling. Cooling prevents separation of the fat and flour.
3. Portion the Gravy
Divide cooled gravy into usable portions depending on your meal needs. Pour into freezer bags or plastic containers. Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
4. Remove Air and Seal
Push out excess air and seal bags tightly. For rigid containers, allow room for expansion during freezing. Secure lids tightly.
5. Label and Freeze
Label containers with gravy type, quantity and freeze date. Lay bags flat in the freezer. Place rigid containers on a freezer shelf. Freeze for up to 3 months.
6. Thaw in Fridge Overnight
To use frozen gravy, place the sealed bag or container in the refrigerator. Thaw gravy completely overnight before reheating.
7. Reheat Gently on Stovetop
Pour thawed gravy into a saucepan and reheat gently over medium-low heat. Add extra broth or milk if gravy seems too thick after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about freezing turkey gravy made with a flour roux:
How long does frozen turkey gravy last?
Properly stored frozen turkey gravy keeps well for 2-3 months before quality declines. Discard any gravy with freezer burn or an off odor.
Can you freeze lumpy gravy?
It’s best to strain out all lumps before freezing for the smoothest gravy texture after thawing. However, small lumps may still reconstitute well.
Can you freeze turkey giblet gravy?
Yes, giblet gravy made with the turkey neck, gizzard, heart and liver thickened with a flour roux can also be frozen successfully.
What about freezing turkey gravy cubes?
Freezing gravy in ice cube trays is an excellent way to freeze measured portions. Pop out the frozen cubes and store in bags.
Is it safe to freeze uncooked turkey gravy?
Only freeze fully cooked, cooled gravy to prevent foodborne illness from raw ingredients. Bring gravy to a simmer before cooling and freezing.
Can you freeze sausage gravy?
Yes, sausage gravy made with raw pork sausage and thickened with flour can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Cook sausage fully before making gravy.
How do you thaw frozen gravy quickly?
To thaw gravy faster, place the frozen package in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Or use the defrost setting on the microwave.
Can you re-freeze thawed turkey gravy?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed gravy more than once, as this increases risk of spoilage or reduces quality. Use thawed gravy within 2-3 days.
The Takeaway on Freezing Turkey Gravy
In short, flour-based turkey gravy freezes beautifully for 2-3 months when properly prepared, sealed and stored. Allowing it to cool fully before freezing prevents separation. Thaw frozen gravy overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade turkey gravy over the holidays or anytime.
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.
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…