Advance Planning Turkey Gravy

Simplify your holiday meal prep with this richly flavorful Advance Planning Turkey Gravy, a make-ahead masterpiece designed to save you time on the big day. Crafted with roasted turkey wings, caramelized vegetables, and a savory blend of fresh thyme and bay leaf, this hearty gravy is a perfect balance of depth and aroma. The golden roux made from butter and flour ensures a velvety texture, while simmering it with homemade turkey stock guarantees bold, authentic flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special gathering, this gravy can be prepared up to 3 days ahead or frozen for future feasts—a stress-free solution to elevate your turkey dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pieces turkey wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Place the turkey wings on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

Step 3

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly caramelized.

Step 4

Add the roasted turkey wings to the pot. Pour in the chicken or turkey stock, and add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.

Step 5

Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or another pot, discarding the solids. You should have about 3-4 cups of turkey stock.

Step 6

In the same stockpot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the strained turkey stock, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8

Season the gravy with salt and ground black pepper to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the gravy once more before serving.

Step 9

Let the gravy cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 10

Before serving, reheat the gravy gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	716.4 grams (716.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1397

Total Fat 103.30g	132%
Saturated Fat 40.00g	200%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 342mg	114%
Sodium 2706mg	118%
Total Carbohydrate 65.00g	24%
Dietary Fiber 9.90g	35%
Total Sugars 14.70g
Protein 58.40g	117%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 204mg	16%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 1486mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.3%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 18.3%