Food and Recipes Dish Gravy Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe Be the first to rate & review! Gravy isn't difficult, but it has the reputation of being intimidating, perhaps because it's often the final thing to make and rush to the table moments before everyone gathers to eat. When hot pans, hungry guests, and the good dishes are zipping in and out of the kitchen, it's challenging for any cook to focus on getting the gravy just right. The smartest strategy is to make it ahead, in stages, as time allows. Knock out the turkey broth weeks in advance and make the gravy a few days ahead, so that the only thing left to do on the actual holiday is warm it up and stir in the finishing touches. By Sheri Castle Sheri Castle Sheri Castle is an award-winning professional food writer, recipe developer, and cooking teacher with over 25 years of experience. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on October 11, 2018 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 45 mins Yield: 4 1/2 cups Ingredients 1/4 cup salted butter or bacon fat 1/4 cup quick-mixing flour (such as Wondra) or all-purpose flour 4 cups Rich Turkey Broth, warmed 2 tablespoons heavy cream 2 tablespoons (1 oz.) sherry, bourbon, or Madeira 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 3/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Directions Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high until sizzling, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flour, whisking until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. (Flour will brown as it cooks, but if it starts to scorch, reduce heat as needed.) Add warm broth in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking often, until gravy comes to a simmer and thickens, 6 to 9 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool 30 minutes. Pour into a bowl or jar; cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. To serve, reheat gravy over low. Stir in cream, sherry, thyme, pepper, and salt. Rate it Print