One thing is for sure on Thanksgiving Day: it is better to have too much gravy than not enough. More dry turkeys have been saved by the stuff than one can imagine (not that your turkey would be dry—you’re part of the Epi community). Still, your mashed potatoes want gravy, as does your dressing. Maybe even your mac and cheese wants gravy—I don’t know what your side dishes do when I’m not around.
What I’m getting at is: Big Batch Gravy is advisable. However, big batch gravy often leaves leftover gravy in its wake, which can congeal into an unsightly glob that’s too often tossed. But there are so many reasons to hang on to that gravy—and I don’t mean bourbon-gravy shooters, unless really savory drinks are your thing. I’m talking about nextovering, the purposeful act of making more food than you need in one sitting so that you have extras to turn into something else.
Leftover gravy will keep in your fridge for about three days. If you won’t use it up in that time, pour the gravy into a zip top bag and lay it flat on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide that baking sheet into the freezer and leave it until the gravy is a solid plank. Then file your gravy plank into the freezer however you’d like. The frozen gravy will keep for at least 3 months—and, tbh, I’ve kept some around for upwards of 9 months.
With the holiday season coming up, many of us will be preparing large turkeys and making big batches of gravy to go along with them. But what do you do when you inevitably end up with leftover gravy after the big meal is over? Don’t just throw it out! There are so many delicious ways to repurpose leftover turkey gravy.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 creative recipes and uses for leftover gravy so you can make the most of it. Whether you have a little extra or a whole quart sitting in your fridge, these ideas will help you use it up in fun and tasty ways.
Storing Leftover Turkey Gravy
Before getting into the recipes let’s start with a few tips on properly storing leftover gravy so it stays fresh as long as possible
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Transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
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Cool gravy quickly by placing container in an ice bath. Don’t leave it sitting out.
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Once cooled, refrigerate within 2 hours.
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Gravy can be refrigerated 3-4 days
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For longer storage freeze gravy up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
Now let’s dive into all the ways you can repurpose turkey gravy!
1. Make Stuffing Muffins
One of my favorite ways to use up both leftover gravy and stuffing is to make stuffing muffins. Simply mix together stuffing, turkey, veggies, cheese, and a few spoonfuls of gravy. Spoon into muffin tins and bake for a handheld snack that delivers all the flavors of a holiday meal.
2. Mix into Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie gets a flavor boost when you use turkey gravy instead of plain beef stock or broth in the sauce. Just prepare shepherd’s pie as usual, subbing in leftover gravy for all or part of the liquid.
3. Serve Over Biscuits
Of course, leftover turkey gravy is amazing ladled over split and toasted biscuits. You can even top them with sausage patties, bacon, or fried eggs for a savory breakfast treat.
4. Make Pot Pies
Both chicken and turkey pot pies are a great place to use extra gravy. Prepare your favorite pot pie filling, pour the gravy over top, and seal with a pie crust. The gravy adds so much flavor.
5. Cook Rice in It
For a simple pilaf, cook rice in diluted turkey gravy instead of plain broth or water. The rice will soak up all that delicious flavor.
6. Make Salisbury Steak
Drizzle turkey gravy over pan-fried Salisbury steak patties to add tons of flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes for an easy, comforting meal.
7. Use as a Pasta Sauce
Thin leftover gravy slightly with water or broth and use it as a sauce for pasta. It makes a super simple and delicious meal.
8. Make Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken
Pour leftover gravy over chicken fried steak or chicken for an extra savory flavor. If the gravy seems thin, simmer briefly to reduce and thicken.
9. Sauté Vegetables
Sauteing veggies like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus in warmed-up turkey gravy takes them to a whole new level.
10. Make Gravy Fries or Poutine
Top french fries with leftover gravy (and cheese curds if desired) for an easy poutine. It’s a fun way to use up leftover gravy.
11. Add to Soups
Stir some leftover gravy into soups for added richness and flavor. It works great in chowders, potato soup, chicken noodle soup, and more.
12. Make Empanadas
Use extra gravy as a filling for empanadas, either on its own or mixed with turkey and veggies. It adds moisture and flavor to the baked pastries.
13. Make a Pot Roast
Pour leftover gravy over pot roast or brisket before cooking for added moisture and flavor. Or use it in place of the pan juices for making gravy.
14. Mix with Sloppy Joe Filling
When making sloppy joes, mix a few big spoonfuls of leftover gravy into the meat filling. It adds so much rich flavor.
15. Make Gravy Eggs Benedict
For an untraditional eggs benedict, toast an English muffin, top with ham, poached eggs, and leftover gravy instead of hollandaise. Delicious!
16. Make a Roux For Gumbo
Use leftover turkey gravy instead of oil or butter to make your roux for gumbo. It adds so much flavor to the base.
17. Make Gravy Baked Beans
Incorporate a bit of leftover gravy into baked beans for more flavor. The subtle savory taste takes them to the next level.
18. Freeze for Later
If you just can’t use it up quickly enough, portion leftover gravy into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It thaws beautifully.
Get Creative with Your Leftover Gravy!
As you can see, there are so many ways to creatively use up leftover turkey gravy besides just pouring it over mashed potatoes. With a little ingenuity, you can give new life to extra gravy and avoid wasting a drop.
Next time the holidays roll around, try whipping up Stuffing Muffins, Gravy Fries, or any of these other unique recipes. Your family will love discovering new ways to enjoy that delicious homemade gravy flavor.
And if you have any other suggestions for using up extra gravy, please share in the comments below!
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Whisk it into mayonnaise
Many day-after-Thanksgiving sandwiches have boasted a slathering of chilled gravy. But you can make your turkey sandwich richer and creamier by whisking gravy into mayonnaise. Deepen the flavor with a dollop of miso; brighten it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a few fresh herbs. Then slather away, or use as a dip for sliced chicken cutlets or steamed broccoli later in the week.
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