Cooking Tips

Can You Freeze Gravy? Here’s What to Know Ahead of Thanksgiving

Plan ahead or save leftovers.

Can You Freeze Gravy? Here’s What to Know Ahead of Thanksgiving

Ree Drummond has a simple motto for Thanksgiving dinner: “If the gravy is good, everything is good.” With so many other dishes to prepare—like turkey in the oven, pie crusts to decorate, and sides to whip up—gravy often becomes an afterthought. That’s why Ree recommends her make-ahead gravy recipe, which can be prepared up to five days in advance. “It’ll save you time (and stress) on the big day,” she says.

But what if you want to plan even further ahead—weeks or even months in advance? You might be asking yourself: Can you freeze gravy? The answer is yes! This trick also comes in handy for saving leftover gravy after your feast. Instead of wasting that delicious sauce, learn how to store it in the freezer and reheat it for future use. Whether it’s for weeknight mashed potatoes, soups, or shepherd’s pie made with leftover turkey and gravy, this guide will help you make the most of every drop.


Can You Freeze Gravy?
The short answer is yes—you can freeze gravy! Whether you’re preparing a make-ahead Thanksgiving dish or saving leftovers, freezing gravy is a simple solution. However, there’s one important consideration: if your gravy contains cream or milk (like sausage gravy), it won’t freeze well. This leads us to the next question…


What Is Gravy Made Of?
Gravy is essentially a pan sauce made from meat drippings and thickened with flour or starch. Add fat, stock, and seasonings, and you have the rich, savory favorite we all love for the holidays. For Ree’s turkey gravy, she uses homemade turkey stock, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and turkey drippings. While some recipes include cream or milk, it’s best to skip dairy if you plan to freeze the gravy. Dairy can cause the sauce to separate when thawed.


How to Freeze Gravy
Freezing gravy is a breeze! Follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your favorite gravy recipe and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Pour the gravy into an airtight container or ice cube trays if you want smaller portions.
  3. Place it in the freezer. According to the USDA, frozen gravy can last four to six months.

How to Reheat Frozen Gravy
When it’s time to use your frozen gravy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat:

  1. Transfer the gravy to a pot or skillet.
  2. Place it over low heat and stir frequently until it’s heated through.
    In just a few minutes, your gravy will be ready to serve!

 

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