Ree Drummond has a motto for her Thanksgiving dinner: "If the gravy is good, everything is good," she says. So, you don't want to forget about making gravy! Unfortunately, with all the other Thanksgiving side dishes to make, a turkey in the oven, and pie crust decorating to tackle, the gravy can sometimes become an afterthought. That's why Ree opts for her make-ahead gravy recipe that can be prepared up to five days in advance. "It'll save you time (and a headache) on the big day," she says. But what if you want to think a little further out—say weeks or even months ahead. Then, you might be wondering: Can you freeze gravy?
Of course, the answer to this question will also come in handy if you happen to have any leftover gravy at the end of the feast. After all, you don't want to let any of that savory sauce go to waste! So, if you don't plan on drizzling gravy over your Thanksgiving leftovers the next day, here's how you can store gravy in the freezer. Then, check out our tips for reheating the gravy once you're ready to use it. It'll come in handy for any weeknight dinner served with a side of mashed potatoes, but you can also use it to thicken up soups or make a shepherd's pie using both leftover turkey and leftover gravy!
Can you freeze gravy?
The short answer to this question: Yes, you can freeze gravy! Whether you're looking for a make-ahead Thanksgiving recipe or a way to save every drop of your leftovers, freezing your gravy is an easy option to take. But there is a caveat: If your gravy contains cream or milk (like this sausage gravy), then it won't freeze well. So, that leads us to the next question...
What is gravy made of?
Gravy is simply just a pan sauce made with the drippings of meat and thickened with flour or starch. But add some fat, stock, and seasonings, and it'll turn into the rich and savory holiday favorite that you know and love. For Ree's turkey gravy, she uses homemade turkey stock, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and, of course, the turkey drippings. Some people might add cream or milk, but if you're planning to freeze gravy, it's best to leave that ingredient out since the dairy can cause your gravy to separate once it's thawed.
How to freeze gravy?
Freezing gravy is easy to do! Just make your favorite gravy recipe and let it cool completely. Then, ladle it into an air-tight container or even an ice cube tray (if you only want to use a little bit at a time) and pop it in the freezer. According to the USDA, it'll last for four to six months.
How to reheat frozen gravy?
Once you're ready to put that gravy to good use, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat the gravy, transfer it to a pot or skillet, place over low heat, and stir often until warmed through. You'll have perfect gravy in no time!
