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.
Turkey gravy is a staple during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. It adds moisture and flavor to turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. But inevitably, there are leftovers. So what do you do with all that extra turkey gravy? Don’t just throw it out! With a little creativity, leftover gravy can be used in many delicious ways.
1. Make Gravy Mayo
One of the easiest ways to use up extra gravy is to mix it into mayonnaise. This gravy mayo makes a wonderfully rich sandwich condiment or dip Simply whisk some gravy into mayo until well combined. Add herbs, lemon juice, miso paste, or other flavorings to taste Use it on turkey sandwiches, with chicken tenders, or as a veggie dip.
2. Add it to Soup or Stew
Leftover gravy is like concentrated broth, so it’s a great way to boost flavor in soups and stews. For soup, start with sautéed veggies then stir in about 1/2 cup gravy per 4 cups broth. For stew, use up to 2 cups gravy per batch, mixing it with sautéed meat and veggies. The gravy thickens the broth beautifully.
3. Make a Hearty Ragù
Transform gravy into a meaty pasta sauce or ragù with just a few extra ingredients. Sauté ground meat, mushrooms, or other veggies, then stir in 1 cup gravy per pound of main ingredient. Thin with a little water if needed. Serve over pasta, polenta, roasted veggies, or use in lasagna.
4. Gravy Fries or Poutine
Put those leftover fries to good use by turning them into gravy fries or poutine. For gravy fries, just top hot fries with warmed-up gravy. For poutine add cheese curds before drizzling on the gravy so the cheese melts. Both are comfort food at its finest.
5. Mix into Stuffing for Newfoundland Fries
Newfoundland fries are a Canadian specialty of fries topped with stuffing and gravy. Sauté stuffing in butter until browned. Layer fries, stuffing, and hot gravy for a tastebud party. Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
6. Make Meatloaf or Salisbury Steak
For an old-school diner taste, smother meatloaf or Salisbury steak with gravy. Cook meatloaf or patties as desired, then top with hot gravy just before serving. For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms in butter first, then add the gravy. Comfort food heaven!
7. Chicken and Dumplings
Leftover poultry and gravy transform into chicken and dumplings with ease. Cook chopped chicken with veggies in diluted gravy, then top with simple dough dumplings. The gravy adds a wonderfully rich flavor as the dumplings cook. Serve this hearty dish with a salad or veggie side.
8. Biscuits and Gravy
A breakfast classic that’s even better with leftover gravy! Cook breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Stir in gravy and season with black pepper or hot sauce. Split and top biscuits with the sausage gravy for a warm, satisfying start to the day.
9. Gravy Curry
Take gravy in an international direction by turning it into a curry. Sauté chicken, cauliflower, or other veggies in coconut oil. Stir in gravy along with curry powder or paste and coconut milk. Serve over rice for a flavorful gravy curry fusion.
10. Beef Dip Sandwiches
While not a traditional beef jus, leftover gravy makes a tasty alternative for French dip sandwiches. Sauté sliced roast beef in butter or oil until lightly browned, then assemble sandwiches on bread or rolls. Serve with hot gravy for dipping to capture every last drop of flavor.
11. Shepherd’s Pie
Only have a bit of leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into shepherd’s pie! Sauté ground meat with veggies and seasonings until cooked through. Add gravy and stir to coat everything well. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until heated through for an easy, comforting casserole.
12. Mix into Risotto
Here’s an unexpected way to use up that leftover gravy – stir it into risotto! Cook risotto as usual until nearly done. Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup gravy and finish cooking. The gravy adds a richness and savoriness that takes risotto over the top.
With a little ingenuity, leftover turkey gravy can be so much more than an afterthought. Whip up gravy mayo, curries, hearty casseroles, and other creative dishes to give this tasty sauce a delicious second life. Your tastebuds will thank you.
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.