The Ultimate Make-Ahead Gravy

By Tufgrlz

Make-ahead recipes are a lifesaver when the holidays roll around. Make this gravy recipe ahead of time and freeze it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups Easy Chicken Stock
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 to 6 tablespoons easy chicken stock (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 4 minutes or until mixture is light brown and smooth. Slowly whisk in 4 cups stock. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; stir in sage and next 4 ingredients. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes or until desired thickness.

To make ahead, cool gravy completely. Cover and chill up to 3 days. Cook gravy and, if desired, 5 to 6 tablespoons stock in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

Gravy Stir-Ins

Mushroom Gravy: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 (8-ounce) package sliced cremini mushrooms; sauté 6 minutes or until tender and browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon minced shallot; sauté 2 minutes. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Prepare recipe as directed through Step 1 or 2. Add mushrooms. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Hands-on 35 min., Total 45 min.

Fresh Herb Gravy: Prepare recipe as directed through Step 1 or 2. Stir in 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 teaspoon thinly sliced fresh chives, 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Hands-on 25 min., Total 35 min.

Sherry Gravy: Prepare recipe as directed through Step 1 or 2. Remove pan from heat; stir in 1/4 cup sherry, bourbon, or brandy. Return to medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Hands-on 25 min., Total 35 min.