Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy

This make-ahead best turkey gravy is an essential holiday feast, and it’s a tradition in my kitchen that I treasure. You see, I’m the kind of cook who can’t wait until the turkey is finished to enjoy the savory goodness of gravy. Instead of relying on drippings, I turn to turkey necks to create this flavorful elixir three days ahead. It’s a secret to stress-free holiday cooking and adds a delightful touch to the main dish.

Ingredients for the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Turkey Necks: Turkey necks add a deep, savory, and meaty flavor to the gravy. They provide a robust turkey essence that enhances the sauce’s overall richness.
• Leek: Leeks contribute a mild, slightly sweet, and onion-like flavor with subtle herbal notes. They help build a flavorful base for the gravy.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a hint of natural sweetness and earthiness to the gravy, adding depth and balance to the overall flavor.
• Celery: Celery provides a mild, crisp, and slightly peppery taste, offering a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients in the gravy.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms impart a robust, umami-rich flavor with earthy and meaty undertones. They enhance the gravy’s depth and complexity.
• Fennel: Fennel offers a subtle anise-like flavor with hints of licorice. It adds a unique aromatic quality to the gravy.
• Water or Broth: Water or broth serves as the liquid base for the gravy, helping to develop the sauce’s depth and ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
• White Wine (Optional): White wine, if used, contributes acidity, brightness, and fruity notes to the gravy, balancing its richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter lends a creamy, luxurious texture and a subtle buttery flavor that complements the savory elements in the gravy.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spiciness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Rosemary): Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary bring aromatic, earthy, and herbaceous notes, enhancing the gravy’s fragrance and complexity.

Creating the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

Begin by securing two large turkey necks, expertly sectioned by the butcher, for a perfect fit in your pan. Searing these turkey necks locks in their caramelized goodness. Then, add a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and seasonings, followed by a generous splash of turkey or chicken broth. Cover the pan and transfer it to the oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Once done, allow the pan to rest for 20 minutes before straining. This yields a sumptuous 4 cups of flavorful broth and drippings. Skimming isn’t typically required when using just the necks, but a simple spooning technique will suffice.

For the thickening magic, start with four tablespoons of butter and half a cup of flour to create a rich base. Gradually introduce the prepared broth while whisking continuously. As a delightful finishing touch, incorporate half a cup of white wine, adding a surprising layer of flavor to your homemade turkey gravy.

Tips and Variations for the Best Turkey Gravy Recipe

• Thickening Without Flour: If you prefer a gluten-free or low-carb option, pureed vegetables like potatoes or winter squash can thicken the gravy. Boil the vegetable, blend it smooth, and stir it into the gravy.
• Leftover Turkey Necks: Don’t throw away those leftover turkey necks! You can shred the meat and add it to the gravy for extra flavor or save it for a future soup or stew.
• Elevating Your Gravy:
  • Boost the Flavor: Add some of the drippings from your roasted turkey to the gravy for a richer flavor.
  • Herbaceous Delight: Infuse your gravy with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley. Strain the gravy before serving for a clean and flavorful pour.
  • Garlic Goodness: Blend in roasted garlic for a subtle, savory flavor.
• Reheating Make-Ahead Gravy: If you’ve made your gravy in advance, reheat it over low heat on the stovetop. Don’t worry if it seems thick and gel-like; it will return to a smooth consistency as you stir it.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Meal: Try These Recipes

• Turkey Stuffing Casserole: Pour this luscious turkey gravy over a hearty turkey stuffing casserole, adding an extra layer of savory flavor and ensuring each bite is a delectable delight.
• Oven-Roasted Herbed Turkey: Elevate your succulent oven-roasted herbed turkey by generously dousing it with this rich gravy. It’s the perfect finishing touch for an already magnificent centerpiece.
• Cranberry Relish: Cranberry relish’s tangy brightness is harmoniously complemented by turkey gravy’s rich, savory notes. Spoon some over your cranberry relish for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Mac and Cheese: Add a drizzle of turkey gravy to transform your mac and cheese into a decadent masterpiece—the creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with the gravy’s savory depth.
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes and turkey gravy are a match made in heaven. The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up the rich, savory goodness, creating a heavenly side dish.
• Green Beans with Crispy Shallots: Elevate your green bean dish with a touch of turkey gravy. The savory gravy complements the shallots’ crispiness and the green beans’ freshness.

These pairings ensure that your best turkey gravy enhances the flavors of your Thanksgiving feast, making every dish a memorable delight.