This comprehensive guide and easy kitchen tips will help you lean how to freeze gravy so your leftovers dont go to waste!
Ever wonder if its okay to freeze gravy? Its not a dumb question, in fact people ask Google thousands of times a day, “How to freeze gravy?”
This topic is especially popular after the holidays when we are faced with the daunting task of figuring out what to do with all of our leftover roasted meats, casseroles, and of course-turkey gravy! The good news is, yes! Its a great idea to freeze gravy for later use.
Gravy is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal, but sometimes you end up with more than you can use at once. Freezing homemade gravy is a great way to make sure you always have some on hand, but its important to do it properly to maintain the quality and flavor.
Before we jump into the best ways to freeze gravy, we first need to talk about what gravy actually is.
Gravy is a sauce made by thickening the juices, pan drippings, and fat that from meat during cooking process. Excess fat is usually poured away and then the juices are typically mixed with flour, butter or fat, and a liquid such as broth, milk, or wine. The mixture is then simmered and stirred until it thickens into a sauce-like consistency full of rich flavor.
This kind of gravy is made from roasted or fried meats like beef, chicken, and turkey. The drippings and juices can be simmered with vegetables like mushroom and onions for extra flavor, then its thickened with wheat flour or corn starch. This type of gravy can be made into a homemade beef gravy, Thanksgiving turkey gravy, or chicken gravy.
White gravy is simply a thickened sauce made from drippings or butter, flour, milk, and seasonings like salt and black pepper. Its often called “cream gravy” and is sometimes described as being a milk-based gravy or cream-based gravy. Its usually served at breakfast over homemade biscuits, or at dinnertime over mashed potatoes and chicken fried steak.
Turkey gravy is a staple accompaniment for the big Thanksgiving meal. With its rich, savory flavor, homemade turkey gravy made from pan drippings takes turkey and stuffing to the next level. But with large gatherings, there’s often plenty of tasty gravy leftover after the feast. Freezing extra turkey gravy ensures you can enjoy it again later, without having to start from scratch.
Can you freeze turkey gravy made with flour? The short answer is yes! Turkey gravy made using a roux with butter and flour can successfully be frozen for future use. However, proper storage techniques must be followed to retain the gravy’s optimal texture and flavor.
Here is a comprehensive guide on freezing turkey gravy made with flour:
How to Freeze Turkey Gravy
Let the gravy cool completely – This prevents moisture condensation inside the storage container that can dilute the gravy. Allow the hot gravy to come down to room temperature before freezing.
Use airtight containers – Pour the cooled gravy into rigid airtight plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion as the gravy freezes.
Portion into meal-sized amounts – Freezing in meal-sized portions allows you to thaw only what you need Ideal sizes are 2 to 4 cups.
Remove excess air – Press out any excess air in bags and seal the containers tightly before freezing. This prevents freezer burn.
Label properly – Clearly label containers with gravy type, quantity, and freeze date This helps with organization
Freeze quickly – Place containers in coldest section of freezer, preferably -10°F or below. Rapid freezing preserves freshness.
Store flat – Lay bags flat on a freezer shelf rather than bunching together. This prevents gravy cubes from sticking together.
How Long Does Frozen Turkey Gravy Last?
When frozen properly in airtight containers, turkey gravy made with flour will retain optimal quality for 3 to 4 months. After that, it may suffer flavour loss and the sauce can separate. For best results, use within 4 months.
Once thawed, refrigerate and use leftover gravy within 3 to 4 days. Do not refreeze thawed turkey gravy. Reheating from frozen state is safe but quality declines with each freeze-thaw cycle.
Thawing Frozen Turkey Gravy
Refrigerator thawing – For gradual thawing, place frozen gravy in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours or overnight. Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days.
Cold water thawing – For faster thawing, seal gravy in a plastic bag and submerge in cold tap water. Change water every 30 minutes until thawed. Use immediately.
Microwave thawing – Microwave frozen gravy in short 10 to 15 second bursts using 50% power. Stir between bursts until completely thawed and heated through.
Stovetop thawing – Frozen gravy can also be thawed directly in a saucepan over low heat. Stir regularly as it heats. Add a little water or broth if gravy seems too thick.
Tips for Freezing Turkey Gravy
- Chill gravy rapidly before freezing for best results.
- Leave fat in gravy or skim it off before freezing – both methods work fine.
- Adding a little cornstarch helps maintain gravy consistency when frozen.
- Spice up gravy with herbs before freezing for more flavor.
- Glass jars are not ideal for freezing gravy as liquid expands and may break jar.
- Meat juices give the most flavor but vegetable or chicken broth also works.
- Stir in pan drippings, broth, milk, or cream after thawing for richest taste.
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, leftover turkey gravy retains its velvety smoothness and hearty flavor. Having ready batches tucked away lets you enjoy delicious gravy anytime. Just a quick reheat and your meal tastes like you spent hours preparing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Turkey Gravy
Can you freeze turkey giblet gravy?
Yes, giblet gravy made from the turkey giblets can also be frozen successfully using the same process as regular turkey gravy. Simply make sure to strain out any pieces of giblet before freezing for a smoother consistency.
How do you freeze turkey gravy in ice cube trays?
Pour cooled turkey gravy into ice cube trays, leaving a little headspace. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing completely solid. Pop out gravy cubes and transfer to labeled freezer bags for easy use.
Can you freeze turkey gravy with cream in it?
It’s not recommended. Dairy products like cream do not hold up well to freezing and will curdle or separate when thawed. For best results, add cream only after thawing the gravy.
Should you stir turkey gravy before freezing?
Stirring is not necessary before freezing. The gravy will harden uniformly in the freezer, so no need to mix it up beforehand.
Can I freeze extra turkey gravy from a catered meal?
Yes, you can freeze leftover gravy from a professionally catered turkey dinner using the same guidelines. First, ensure it has been promptly refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacteria growth.
How do you store frozen turkey gravy?
Package gravy in airtight freezer containers or bags, label properly, and freeze quickly at 0°F or below. Avoid overstuffing freezer to allow cold air circulation. Place containers flat to prevent cube clumping.
What happens if you refreeze thawed turkey gravy?
While safe if handled properly, refreezing previously frozen and thawed gravy can degrade its texture. The sauce may become grainy or watery. It’s best to only freeze gravy once.
Can you freeze turkey gravy without flour?
Gravies thickened only with cornstarch can also be frozen but may not retain as much body upon thawing. For best results, a roux-based gravy with butter and flour gives the most stable texture long term.
How do you fix separated frozen turkey gravy?
If frozen gravy separates or curdles after thawing, vigorously whisk in a little milk, broth, or water to re-emulsify the liquid and thickeners. Slow reheating while continually stirring also helps smooth it out.
Can I freeze store-bought canned turkey gravy?
Yes, while not as flavorful as homemade, store-bought canned turkey gravy can also be frozen for later use. Allow to cool to room temperature and package in an airtight container before placing in the freezer.
Freezing turkey gravy with flour allows you to enjoy your Thanksgiving favorites long after the holiday. Follow proper storage, thawing, and reheating techniques for delicious results. With a little planning, you can have tasty homemade gravy ready in minutes!
How to freeze gravy in ice cube trays
Step 1: Cool gravy completely.
Step 2: Add gravy into each section of the ice cube tray, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
Step 3: Loosely cover trays with plastic wrap.
Step 4: Place ice cube trays on a flat surface like a cookie or baking sheet in the freezer.
Step 5: Pop frozen cubes into a freezer safe bag thats been labeled with name and date.
How to thaw and reheat the gravy
To thaw the gravy, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until its heated through. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
If your gravy contains dairy, we recommend against the freezing process for storage. This is because the milk separates when frozen then thawed and can ruin the texture of your homemade gravy. If you must freeze your cream gravy, do so in smaller portions and for no more than one week, and be aware of the possible consequences.
If frozen properly, gravy can last up the 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
The USDA recommends storing gravy in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.
Gravy that is slimy, moldy, discolored or has a bad smell should be tossed and not eaten
Freezing homemade gravy is a great way to reduce waste and a way to always have some on hand for your next meal. By following these tips, you can ensure your frozen gravy maintains its quality and flavor.