The Best Sauces to Serve with Roast Turkey

Roast turkey is a staple at holiday dinners and feasts. While the turkey is certainly the star of the meal, it’s the sauces and condiments served alongside it that can really take the flavor to the next level. But with so many options out there, which sauces pair best with turkey? Here’s an overview of the most traditional and delicious sauces for roast turkey.

The Classic: Turkey Gravy

The most classic and popular sauce for roast turkey is a rich, flavorful gravy. Turkey gravy is typically made from the pan drippings, turkey stock, butter or other fats, and flour. This creates a smooth, luxurious gravy infused with all the delicious roasted turkey flavor.

Making gravy with the juices from the roasted turkey ensures maximum flavor, Scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the roasting pan after cooking, Then pour the drippings into a fat separator or allow to cool so the fat rises to the top and can be skimmed off You’ll be left with the flavorful turkey-infused juices to create the base of the gravy,

After making a simple roux with butter and flour, whisk in the defatted pan juices a bit at a time. Cook the gravy, adding more stock if needed, until thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and other seasoning as desired.

Served warm or hot alongside sliced turkey, gravy is the perfect complement. The rich, savory gravy soaks into the turkey meat, keeping it moist and adding extra flavor. It’s no wonder gravy has been the traditional sauce for roast turkey for decades.

A Classic Contrast: Cranberry Sauce

Another sauce that frequently accompanies turkey is tart cranberry sauce, The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries balances beautifully with the savory flavors of the roast turkey Cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and refreshing flavor to the plate,

Homemade cranberry sauce is easy to make on the stovetop with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. You can also find good quality canned cranberry sauce, jellied or whole berry. Whether served right from the fridge or warmed up, it’s a tasty condiment.

Cranberry sauce pairs especially well with leftover turkey sandwiches. The leftovers keep the cranberry sauce from being one-note sweet. Together they make an amazing sandwich filling.

Plenty of Gravy Alternatives

While gravy may be the expected turkey sauce, there are plenty of other sauce options to serve too:

• Herb Gravy – Make gravy with chicken or vegetable stock instead of turkey drippings. Then add a variety of fresh or dried herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme for delicious flavor.

• Mushroom Gravy – Saute mushrooms and use the liquid to make a rich mushroom gravy.

• Cider Gravy – Use apple cider or juice as the base for a sweet gravy.

• Cranberry or Cherry Chutney – Cook down berries into a thick, fruit-based chutney.

• Horseradish Sauce – Grated horseradish, cream, and lemon make a zesty condiment.

• Pesto – Herby basil or pumpkin pesto add big flavor.

• Barbecue Sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is an unconventional but delicious pairing.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to sauces for turkey. Mix and match different flavors to find combinations you love.

Complementary Side Dishes

In addition to sauces and gravies, well-chosen side dishes can provide contrasting flavors and textures to complete the turkey dinner:

• Mashed potatoes are a classic for good reason. They soak up extra gravy deliciously.

• Tangy cranberry relish or sauce cuts through the richness.

• Herb-roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and brussels sprouts.

• Dinner rolls are great for sopping up extra gravy.

• A crisp green salad balances heavier dishes.

• Stuffing or dressing absorbs meat juices and gravy.

The Perfect Sauce for Leftovers

Don’t toss that leftover turkey after the big meal! Leftover roast turkey has an amazing second life as sandwiches, casseroles, soups, and more. The sauces you pair it with can really take the flavors up a notch.

Cranberry sauce, pesto, chutneys, and herb gravies all jazz up leftover turkey. Barbecue sauce and spicy sriracha mayo are also delicious options. Get creative with sauces and condiments to give leftovers new life.

Quick Gravy Tips

• Use turkey wings or giblets to make extra flavorful stock for gravy.

• Don’t throw out sausage or bacon drippings – use them to add a smoky, meaty flavor to gravy.

• For a thicker gravy, use cornstarch instead of flour. For ultra-smooth, add gravy to blender.

• Cook gravy in a wide saucepan for faster evaporation and thickening.

• For a lazy shortcut, use jarred turkey gravy and doctor it up with sauteed mushrooms, fresh herbs, spices, and more.

When it comes to roast turkey, you can never go wrong with classic turkey gravy or cranberry sauce. But branching out and trying new sauces and condiments can lead to amazing new flavor discoveries. With the right combination of sauces and sides, your roast turkey will be transformed into an unforgettable feast.