Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy: Your Stress-Free Thanksgiving and Christmas Secret

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy with Roasted Stock for Holidays

If you’ve ever cooked a full Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, you know the pressure that comes with trying to pull everything together at the last minute. The turkey is resting, the rolls are browning, guests are asking when dinner is ready—and you’re standing at the stove frantically whisking gravy. This year, skip the chaos and treat yourself to a calmer holiday with make-ahead turkey gravy that’s rich, silky, and deeply flavorful.

This recipe uses a homemade roasted turkey stock that builds layers of flavor long before the turkey hits the oven. Not only does it save you precious time on the big day, but it also guarantees a delicious gravy every single time. If you’ve ever struggled with bland, thin, or lumpy gravy, this method is about to change your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners forever.

Why Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Works for Thanksgiving and Christmas

One of the easiest ways to cut down on holiday stress is to prepare dishes in advance—especially gravy. Prepping it ahead allows you to focus on the turkey, festive sides, and enjoying your company instead of rushing around the kitchen last-minute.

This make-ahead turkey gravy recipe is built on a homemade roasted turkey stock that uses turkey wings, the neck, and the backbone for deep, savory flavor. Roasting everything first intensifies the richness and creates an unbeatable base. The result is a velvety, umami-packed gravy that reheats perfectly.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast, this gravy will be your go-to.

How to Make the Roasted Turkey Stock

This roasted turkey stock is the flavor foundation of your gravy, and it’s worth every minute.

Preparing a flavorful stock, roasted vegetables are added to a simmering pot of liquid and bones for enhanced taste and richness.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots, diced

• 5 celery stalks, diced

• 2 yellow onions, diced

• 5 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 1–2 tbsp tomato paste

• Turkey neck (substitute with chicken wings)

• 2 turkey wings (substitute with chicken wings)

• Turkey backbone (substitute with chicken wings)

• Salt and pepper

• Handful of parsley stems

• Handful of fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 6 cups (1500 ml) stock or water (chicken stock recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).

2. Toss vegetables, turkey parts (substitute with chicken wings), olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and pepper in a roasting pan.

3. Roast for 1 hour, flipping and stirring halfway.

4. Transfer everything to a pot with herbs and stock.

5. Deglaze the roasting tray with 1-2 cups of the stock and add it to the pot.

6. Simmer 10 minutes, then strain.

7. Save the stock for your holiday gravy.

This stock is deeply flavorful and perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Crafting the perfect base: rich homemade stock ready for a delicious gravy.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy (Prep Before Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Preparing a flavorful homemade gravy by whisking stock into the roux on the stovetop the day before.

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter

• 6 tbsp (48 g) flour

• 3–3.5 cups (750–875 ml) homemade turkey stock

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.

2. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 2–3 minutes.

3. Slowly whisk in the turkey stock.

4. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.

5. Cool fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

This base reheats beautifully for both major holidays.

Sealing gravy in a measuring cup with plastic wrap for storage in the fridge.

How to Finish the Gravy on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day

Finish your gravy with incredible flavor in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 3–3.5 cups (750–875 ml) cold make-ahead gravy

• 1 cup (250 ml) water or stock

• Turkey drippings from the roasting pan (optional but amazing)

• Salt and pepper

  

  Incorporating rich turkey drippings and stock into the pre-made gravy to rewarm and enhanced flavor.

Instructions

1. Deglaze the roasting pan (optional):

   After removing your turkey, pour off excess fat but keep the browned bits. Add 1 cup of water or stock to the pan and scrape up the drippings.

   • Pour this into your cold gravy.

   • OR skip deglazing and pour the cup of stock directly into the gravy to warm and loosen it.

2. Add the cold gravy to a saucepan.

3. Add the deglazing liquid (or plain water/stock).

4. Heat over medium, whisking until smooth and hot.

5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

You’ll have 4.5–5 cups (1125–1250 ml) of rich holiday gravy ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

1. Roast everything—no shortcuts

Caramelization equals flavor.

2. Add drippings for holiday depth

This instantly transforms the gravy.

3. Freeze extra for Christmas leftovers

Or for future turkey dinners.

4. Thin with stock as needed

The gravy thickens slightly when chilled.

5. Double the batch for big holiday gatherings

Thanksgiving and Christmas crowds never say no to more gravy.

Serving Ideas

This gravy enhances more than your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. Try it on:

• Mashed potatoes

• Roasted chicken

• Holiday stuffing

• Biscuits

• Turkey sandwiches

• Leftover turkey bowls

• Christmas casserole dishes

It’s an essential holiday staple.

Final Thoughts

Savory turkey gravy cascades over juicy slices of turkey, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green bean casserole.

Making make-ahead turkey gravy is one of the smartest ways to simplify both Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking. With deep roasted flavor and a silky-smooth finish, this recipe lets you enjoy the holidays instead of stressing over last-minute gravy. Once you try it, it will be part of your holiday tradition every year.