No need to rush around on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Thanksgiving in our family (or any meal, really) is going to be chaotic.

Thats because great gravy can hide a myriad of cooking sins.

Angled view of a white pot of gravy sitting on a wooden trivet with a ladle with some gravy and all on a white and brown embroidered table cloth

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

My gravy adds moisture, an umami bomb of flavor, and warmth to every food it decorates.

Start With a Rich Turkey Broth

The secret to great gravy is not in the pan drippings.

In fact, you dont need to wrangle with the greasy roasting pan at all with my recipe.

Angled view of a decorative bowl of mashed potatoes topped with gravy and sitting on a plate that is on a white and brown embroidered table cloth

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

I base my gravy on ultra-rich turkey broth that I make a few weeks ahead of time.

The resulting broth is so rich it turns into meat jelly once chilled.

All that collagen is a surefire sign that the ensuing gravy will be awesome.

Overhead view of a non-stick baking pan of three turkey legs, carrots, celery and spices on a beige background for Best Ever Gravy recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

The broth can be frozen for up to 3 months, so the next steps are at your leisure.

Make Turkey Gravy Ahead

A few days before Thanksgiving, I make the gravy.

Simple Tip!

Overhead view of a metal pot on a hot plate with turkey legs, carrots, celery, onions, broth and spices for Best Ever Gravy recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

Add your turkey broth slowly for a silkier consistency.

Soy sauce will do in a pinch.

As long as the gravy is good and hot, I can relax knowing the meal will be delicious.

Angled view of a white pot on a hot plate with gravy for Best Ever Gravy recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Hannah Greenwood

Transfer the contents of the pan to a large soup pot.

Meanwhile, place the roasting pan over medium heat and add the wine.

Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl.

Illustration of a Thanksgiving table, including a plattered Turkey, a whole fish, and a latticed pie

Pour the broth through the sieve.

Reserve the turkey meat for another use and discard the vegetables.

Refrigerate the broth, uncovered, until thoroughly chilled, 8 to 24 hours.

roast turkey resting in the roasting pan

Discard the fat that has settled on top of the broth.

Defrost completely in the refrigerator before using.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Angled view of a white pot of gravy sitting on a wooden trivet with a ladle with some gravy and all on a white and brown embroidered table cloth

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in the turkey broth and bring to a simmer.

Add the Maggi seasoning (starting with 1 teaspoon), salt, and pepper.

Overhead view of a gray bowl of almond milk mashed potatoes with a spoon and topped with butter on top of a fall themed embroidered cloth

Taste and adjust the seasonings; the gravy should be intensely savory and the thickness of heavy cream.

The gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Overhead view of a dutch oven with turkey dressing inside and a red linen next to it.

I find it easiest to transfer the gravy to a microwave-safe gravy boat at this point.

Alternatively, reheat the gravy over low heat in a small saucepan, whisking occasionally, until very hot.

Store leftover gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Greek-style stuffing in an oval white serving dish, with a red serving spoon in the right corner where some of the stuffing has been scooped out

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