Easy Make Ahead Gravy
DISCLAIMER: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page!
Easy Make Ahead Gravy
Say goodbye to last-minute kitchen chaos with my Easy Make-Ahead Gravy recipe—a stress-free solution for a flavorful + smooth gravy that elevates your holiday table and beyond. Made with a base of chicken stock, aromatic herbs, and a touch of buttery goodness. Prepare it in advance + reheat when needed! Enjoy the convenience of homemade gravy without compromising on taste! Vegan + Gluten-free option!
Picture this typical Thanksgiving scene---- The turkey is out of the oven, and you've just wrapped up the mashed potatoes and homemade stuffing. Now, instead of scrambling to make gravy before anything gets cold, this year, you've got it under control! Thanks to a little foresight, the Easy Make Ahead Gravy you whipped up days ago is gracefully heating on the stove (or in the microwave!)
For this Thanksgiving gravy recipe, simplicity is key. I made sure it's easy to whip up, and adaptable with gluten-free and vegan options because, let's face it, not everyone cooks turkey (shocker, right?). I get that not everyone has drippings on hand every time they crave gravy, so I crafted the simplest and easiest recipe—it's here for y'all! This Sautéed Lemon Garlic Herb Green Beans recipe is a simple, staple side dish that compliments any Thanksgiving table!
Here's the beauty of this Thanksgiving gravy: you can prep it a day ahead and then effortlessly warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. If you prefer a different texture, feel free to adjust with a little extra stock. Just like the cranberry sauce you whipped up a few days ago, it'll be ready to elevate your feast! Haha!
Jump to:
Why You Will LOVE This Homemade Gravy
- Easy to make ---Say goodbye to last-minute gravy stress.
- Rich + totally creamy
- Completely versatile + customizable
- Elevates any dish, not just turkey.
- Smooth, stress-free holiday hosting.
- Impress with minimal kitchen time.
- Vegan + gluten-free options!
- Did I mention it's seriously delicious??
How to Make Gravy Without Turkey Drippings?
The secret is stock! You can use chicken, turkey or vegetable stock. This simple + easy make-ahead gravy recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few steps!
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, sauté until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Whisk in flour for a smooth texture. Sprinkle in salt, herbs + garlic powder, whisking to blend flavors. Slowly pour in chicken stock, whisking to avoid lumps. Introduce white cooking wine and thyme sprigs, whisk until smooth, allowing the gravy to thicken. Reduce heat to low, let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Voila!!
Ingredients
Gravy:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the gravy.
- Red onion: Infuses a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Organic all-purpose flour: Serves as a thickening agent. Opt for arrowroot if you want it to be GF.
- Organic chicken stock. You can also use turkey broth or veggie stock--provides a flavorful base for the gravy.
- White cooking wine: Adds depth and a subtle complexity to the flavor.
- Dried oregano: Introduces earthy + herbal undertones.
- Dried parsley: Contributes a mild, fresh flavor to the mix.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic essence without overpowering.
- Sea salt + pepper: Balances and enhances the overall seasoning.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Imparts a fragrant and herby aroma to the gravy.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS GRAVY!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Easy Make Ahead Gravy. Everything from my pan, wooden spoons, wisk, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Best Reheat Gravy?
Reheating the make-ahead gravy is a breeze. For optimal results, follow these steps:
Stovetop Method:
- Transfer it from the refrigerator to a saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming.
- If the gravy thickens during reheating, adjust the consistency by adding a little extra stock until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Microwave Method:
- Place in a microwave-safe container.
- Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
- Adjust the thickness as needed by incorporating additional stock.
Consistency Adjustment:
The texture of it may change slightly during refrigeration. If it becomes too thick, gradually add more stock until it reaches the desired consistency.
What Else Can I Use Homemade Gravy For?
Homemade gravy is a versatile addition to various dishes, beyond the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Here are some delicious ways to use it---
Mashed potatoes--- Okay kind of a obvious one but it's so delicious i couldn't skip it! Drizzle over a mound of ultra creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting side dish.
Roast chicken--- Elevate your roast chicken by pouring savory homemade topping over the golden-brown skin for added flavor.
Biscuits + gravy: Serve warm biscuits smothered in homemade for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch. Try my Garlic Herb Biscuits!
Fries: Turn a classic side dish into a savory treat by smothering French fries with warm homemade saucy goodness.
Easy Make Ahead Gravy Q + A's
Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, do so over the stovetop (adding more stock if needed for smoothness) or in the microwave.
To make this gravy GF-friendly, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Also, ensure that the stock is GF-friendly.
Yes, feel free to adjust the thickness by adding more stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Certainly! Simply adjust the quantities accordingly to suit the size of your gathering.
Definitely! Just opt for vegan butter and use vegetable stock instead of chicken.
To avoid lumps, reheat the gravy gradually and stir consistently. If lumps do form, you can use a whisk or blend to smooth them out.
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Easy Make Ahead Gravy recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Easy Make Ahead Gravy
Ingredients
GRAVY:
- 6 Tbsps unsalted butter
- ½ red onion, chopped
- ½ cup organic all-purpose flour
- 4 cups organic chicken stock (You can also use turkey broth or veggie stock)
- ¼ cup white cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- sea salt, to taste
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
TO MAKE THE GRAVY:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Add the seasonings: salt, black pepper, oregano, parsley, and garlic powder, whisking.
- Slowly add the chicken stock while whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Add in white cooking wine and thyme sprigs and continue to whisk until smooth and the the gravy begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low and let gravy simmer for 10 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Salt to taste!
- Remove from heat (discard of thyme sprigs) and enjoy gravy over your favorite mashed potatoes, rice, bread, etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, do so over the stovetop (adding more stock if needed for smoothness) or in the microwave.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this gravy GF-friendly, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Also, ensure that the stock is GF-friendly.
Nutrition
DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?
Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!