Christine GallaryFood Editor-at-Large
Christine graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, and she has worked at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW.com. She lives in San Francisco and loves teaching cooking classes. Follow her latest culinary escapades on Instagram.
updated Oct 25, 2023
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In This Article
- Can You Freeze Gravy?
- How to Freeze Gravy
- How to Thaw Gravy
- How Long Does Gravy Last in the Refrigerator?
- How to Tell If Gravy Is Bad
- What Is Gravy Made Of?
- What to Do With Leftover Gravy
Good gravy, especially one made with drippings from a Thanksgiving turkey, is magical. If you’re like me and love gravy but don’t make it that often, leftover gravy is a bit like liquid gold — I don’t want to waste a single drop. But, you may be wondering, can you freeze gravy? And how long can you store it in the fridge?
Here are the best ways to store the gravy depending on when you plan to enjoy it, plus some suggestions for using it up!
Quick Overview
Can You Freeze Gravy?
Yes, you can definitely freeze gravy. If you don’t plan on eating up the gravy in a week, freeze it in containers, freezer bags, or even ice cube trays. A flour-based gravy can keep for up to three months in the freezer. Unfortunately, a cream-based gravy (like a white gravy) will not freeze well, as it separates during freezing.
How to Freeze Gravy
You can freeze gravy in containers, freezer bags, or even ice cube trays if you plan to use up just a little of it at a time. Simply scoop your leftover gravy into the freezer-safe container of your choice and pop it in. A flour-based gravy will last for up to three months in the freezer as long as it’s properly sealed.
Unfortunately, cream or milk-based gravies (like this Classic White Gravy) will not freeze well, as these gravies will separate during the thawing process.
How to Thaw Gravy
To thaw gravy, put the freezer container or bag into the refrigerator and let it sit overnight. Pour the thawed gravy into a pot and heat over low to warm through and eat.
How Long Does Gravy Last in the Refrigerator?
The bad news is that gravy is quite a perishable ingredient. According to the FDA’s refrigerator and freezer storage guidelines, gravy lasts one to two days in the refrigerator. However, you can extend the life of your gravy for up to a week if you bring it to a boil before serving it again.
How to Tell If Gravy Is Bad
If the gravy smells sour or is overly slimy, those are telltale signs that your gravy has gone bad. If you have any hunch that the gravy isn’t good anymore, it’s best to throw it out. Luckily it’s easy enough to make a new batch of gravy (even without the turkey drippings).
What Is Gravy Made Of?
Turkey gravy consists of:
- Stock or broth
- Some kind of fat (turkey fat or butter)
- Thickening agent (flour, cornstarch, or stuffing)
- Pan drippings (optional)
White gravy — or cream gravy — on the other hand, is made of:
- A roux made with butter and flour
- Milk (which thins the roux and gives it a creamy texture)
What to Do With Leftover Gravy
There are lots of fun ways to enjoy leftover gravy besides just pouring it over mashed potatoes.
- Simmer meatballs in gravy for a fun take on Swedish meatballs.
- Add a little gravy to soup for rich flavor and to help thicken it a bit.
- Simmer hamburger patties and sautéed onions in gravy to make Salisbury steak.
- And don’t forget that leftover gravy is great for breakfast too — just pour some over some warm biscuits and eggs!
