Best Christmas Gravies: Classic, Rich, and Unique Gravy Recipes for Your Holiday Feast
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Christmas dinners are a highlight of the holiday season, with family and friends gathering around tables filled with mouthwatering dishes. Among the essential components of these festive meals is the gravy – a rich, flavorful sauce that complements turkey, roast beef, or ham. Whether you're looking for a traditional turkey gravy, a decadent mushroom gravy, or a unique twist on the classic, this article will guide you through the best Christmas gravies, offering recipes, tips, and tricks to elevate your holiday feast.
1. Classic Turkey Gravy
Turkey is a centerpiece for many Christmas dinners, and no turkey dish is complete without a rich and velvety turkey gravy. The key to a perfect turkey gravy lies in the drippings from the roasted bird, along with the right combination of flour, stock, and seasoning.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons turkey drippings
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups turkey or chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Method:
After roasting the turkey, pour the drippings into a fat separator and discard the excess fat.
In a saucepan, heat the turkey drippings over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown, making sure to avoid burning.
Slowly whisk in the turkey stock, ensuring no lumps form.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm with your turkey.
This classic turkey gravy offers a perfect balance of savory flavors, complementing the natural taste of turkey. It can be adjusted based on your preferences by adding white wine or a splash of cream for richness.
2. Mushroom Gravy for a Vegetarian Christmas Feast
For those celebrating a vegetarian or plant-based Christmas, mushroom gravy is an excellent choice. Packed with umami flavors, this mushroom gravy works wonderfully with dishes like roasted vegetables, veggie loaf, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound of mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Method:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This vegetarian mushroom gravy brings richness and depth of flavor to your holiday spread, offering a savory alternative to traditional meat-based gravies.
3. Rich Brown Gravy for Roast Beef
If roast beef is on your Christmas dinner menu, a rich brown gravy will add layers of flavor to the succulent meat. Made from beef drippings and beef stock, this gravy is robust and savory, perfect for pairing with roast beef or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons beef drippings
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock (preferably low-sodium)
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Method:
After roasting the beef, collect the drippings and strain them to remove any solids.
In a saucepan, heat the beef drippings over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes, creating a roux.
Gradually pour in the beef stock, stirring constantly. If you're using wine, add it now and allow it to simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, and simmer the gravy for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve with your roast beef.
The richness of the beef drippings and stock combines with the red wine to create a decadent gravy that elevates the roast beef experience.
4. Cranberry Gravy for a Fruity Twist
For a unique and festive gravy, try cranberry gravy. The sweet and tart flavors of cranberries balance beautifully with savory dishes like turkey or roast chicken, adding a holiday touch to your meal.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup chicken or turkey stock
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, stock, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
For a smooth consistency, blend the gravy using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. If you prefer a chunky gravy, simply leave it as is.
Stir in the orange zest (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the cranberry gravy alongside turkey, roast chicken, or other holiday dishes.
The slight sweetness of cranberry gravy provides a delightful contrast to rich, savory meats, adding a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.
5. Onion Gravy: Sweet and Savory
Onion gravy is another excellent choice for Christmas dinner. The natural sweetness of caramelized onions pairs beautifully with meats like turkey, beef, or lamb. Its savory richness enhances any holiday meal.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until they caramelize and become golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add the balsamic vinegar, if using, for added depth of flavor.
Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with your holiday meats.
Onion gravy offers a rich and slightly sweet alternative to traditional gravies, with the caramelized onions lending a deep, savory flavor.
6. Creamy Sage and Onion Gravy
For a creamy, comforting gravy, sage and onion gravy is a beloved choice. This smooth, velvety gravy is a great pairing with turkey, sausages, or stuffing. The earthy flavors of sage infuse the sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried sage)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and sage, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Once thickened, stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
This creamy sage and onion gravy is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for enhancing your Christmas dishes with its creamy texture and aromatic flavor.
7. Bourbon Gravy for a Savory Kick
For those looking to add a little adult flair to their Christmas gravy, bourbon gravy is a standout choice. The smoky notes of bourbon add a distinct richness, perfect for meats like roast beef or turkey.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef or turkey stock
1/4 cup bourbon
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually add the stock and bourbon, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
The addition of bourbon brings a smoky depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with hearty Christmas meats.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Christmas Gravy
Gravy is an essential component of a Christmas dinner, and there are countless ways to prepare it depending on the main dish, dietary preferences, and personal tastes. Whether you're making a classic turkey gravy, a rich beef gravy, or a unique cranberry version, the right gravy will elevate your meal and bring warmth to your festive gathering.
Experimenting with different gravies and ingredients allows you to put a personal touch on your holiday feast. From creamy, comforting gravies to tangy fruit-infused versions, there’s a gravy for every palate. So, this Christmas, take your dinner to the next level with these best Christmas gravies, and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.
SOURCES:
BBC Good Food: Turkey Gravy Recipes