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a gravy ladle pouring make ahead turkey gravy out over biscuits on a white plate
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5 from 1 vote

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

Save yourself time on busy holidays with this easy make ahead turkey gravy. Rich velvety gravy is a guarantee with this simple recipe, and all you have to do is heat and eat on the big day. 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Condiment, Dinner, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 12
Calories: 166kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 turkey wings
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 2 medium onions quartered
  • 1 cup water
  • 8 cups chicken broth divided
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 stalks celery cut into chunks
  • 4 springs fresh thyme
  • ¾ cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • pinch garlic salt optional
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp gravy master

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Place the wings, garlic, and the onions in a large roasting pan. Place the pan into the preheated oven and roast for 1½ hours.
  • After it is done, transfer the wings and the onions to a large pot (at least 6 quart.)
  • Add the cup of water to the roasting pan and deglaze the pan, scraping up all the bits from the bottom. Add the water and drippings to the pot with the turkey wings. Add 6 cups of the chicken broth, the celery, carrots, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 1½ hours.
  • Remove the wings and save them or discard them.
  • Strain the broth into a smaller saucepan and discard the vegetables. Skim off any fat.
  • Whisk the flour wit h the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the broth in the saucepan to a gentle boil and whisk in the flour/chicken broth mixture, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 4-5 minutes to thicken. When it coats the back of a spoon it is done.
  • Add the butter, pepper, and garlic salt (if using it), stir until the butter melts. If you prefer the gravy a shade darker, add the gravy master and stir until evenly combined.
  • Place into containers and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze up to a month. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The gravy may separate after defrosting- just heat & stir, and it comes right back together.
  • Turkey wings can be bought ahead of time, frozen, and then defrosted they day before you're ready to make the gravy.
  • I like to make turkey salad from the meat on the wings after they've been roasted.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1732IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg