Rich Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

4.6
(97)
81 Reviews
10 Photos

If you're like me, I can't stand the last-minute rush and expectations in making the turkey gravy. You have one shot and it better be good! Well, this takes out all the stress of that mad dash. This gravy base can be frozen or refrigerated for five days and is honestly the best turkey gravy I've ever had. You dirty a few pots and pans, but it sure beats the rush of preparing it on Thanksgiving Day. Let me know what you think. Bon appetite!

Submitted by johnjacoby
Updated on November 23, 2024
10
10
10
10
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs
Servings:
18
Yield:
6 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 18 servings

  • 3 pounds turkey wings

  • 2 small onions, quartered

  • 2 stalks celery, each cut into 4 pieces

  • 2 carrots, each cut into 4 pieces

  • 2 cloves garlic, halved

  • 1 ½ cups dry white wine

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 4 cups water

  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

  • 2 tablespoons butter, or more if needed (Optional)

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

  2. Place turkey wings, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic into a roasting pan, and roast until turkey wings turn a deep golden brown color, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer cooked wings and vegetables to a large pot. Place the roasting pan over two stove burners on medium-high heat, then pour white wine into the roasting pan. Scrape off and dissolve any browned flavor bits from the bottom of the pan into the white wine; heat and scrape the roasting pan until the drippings and wine have reduced to about 1/2 cup. Pour the wine mixture into the saucepan with the turkey wings.

  3. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, and season with thyme. Push turkey wings down into the liquid; bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes. Skim off any foam that collects on top. Pour the broth mixture through a colander into a large bowl; pick meat from the wings, if desired, to add to gravy, or discard the spent wings and vegetables. Allow the gravy base to stand for several minutes for the fat to collect into a layer on top, and skim as much fat as possible. Transfer the skimmed fat into a saucepan. There should be at least 1/2 cup of turkey fat; add butter to make this amount if necessary.

  4. Whisk flour into turkey fat over medium heat until the flour mixture becomes smooth and golden brown. Gradually whisk in the broth until the gravy comes to a boil and thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow the gravy to cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat almost to boiling to serve.

Editor's Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and either homemade chicken stock or water — or be sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the stock ingredients. The actual amount of the ingredients consumed will vary.

Cook's Note

For richer flavor, add turkey pan drippings to the gravy at serving time.

168 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

111 Calories
5g Fat
5g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 18
Calories 111
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 250mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 18mg 1%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 138mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.