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Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Rich, silky turkey gravy made days ahead from roasted turkey wings and broth. Stir in your turkey drippings on the big day for the best flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings (about 4 cups)
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

Turkey stock:

  • 3 lb turkey wings or wings and drumsticks
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 2 carrots cut in chunks
  • 2 celery stalks cut in chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf

Gravy:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp soy sauce optional, for color and depth
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the turkey wings, onion, carrots and celery with olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast about 1 hour, until deep golden brown.
  • Move everything to a large pot. Add a splash of the water to the hot pan, scrape up the browned bits and pour them into the pot. Add the broth, remaining water, thyme and bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer gently, partly covered, for 1 hour. Strain and discard the solids. You should have about 4 cups of stock. Skim off the fat.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, 3 to 4 minutes, until golden and nutty.
  • Slowly whisk in the warm stock. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, whisking often, until thick and smooth. Stir in the soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Cool and refrigerate. On serving day, reheat and whisk in up to 1/2 cup of defatted turkey drippings for extra flavor. Thin with broth if needed.

Notes

Make ahead: Make the gravy up to 4 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze up to 3 months.
Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low, whisking and adding broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer before serving.
Variations: Add a splash of white wine or apple cider, stir in sautéed mushrooms, or use cornstarch slurry instead of flour for gluten-free gravy.
Keyword gravy without drippings, make-ahead turkey gravy, thanksgiving gravy, turkey gravy