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Make Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy

Make Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy with roasted turkey wings and a smooth, glossy roux-thickened finish. You’ll simmer homemade cider gravy base, strain, and reheat for easy prep with turkey.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Turkey wings or drumsticks
  • 2 lb turkey wings or drumsticks
Vegetables
  • 1 large onion Quartered
  • 2 carrots Chopped
  • 2 celery stalks Chopped
Roasting oil and liquids
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup apple cider
Roux and seasonings
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage Chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.25 salt and pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 Dutch oven
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Roast the turkey and vegetables
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F, then toss turkey wings or drumsticks, quartered large onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery stalks with olive oil. Roast for 45 minutes, until deeply browned with caramelized edges.
Simmer and strain the stock
  1. Transfer the roasted turkey and vegetables to a pot, then add chicken broth and apple cider. Simmer for 30 minutes, then strain and keep the strained stock.
Make the sage cider gravy base
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add chopped fresh sage and fresh thyme leaves and cook for 1 minute to bloom the herbs. Stir until fragrant and glossy.
Build a golden roux
  1. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, stirring constantly. The mixture should look smooth and lightly nutty.
Thicken the gravy
  1. Gradually whisk the reserved stock into the roux, then bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, whisking often, until thick and smooth.
Season and finish
  1. Stir in apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust until balanced and savory.
Cool, refrigerate, and reheat
  1. Cool the gravy completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days in a covered container. Reheat over medium heat, whisking until smooth, and stir in pan drippings if you have them.

Notes

Pro tip: straining after the 30-minute simmer gives a smoother gravy texture, and whisking while reheating prevents lumps. Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended for best texture. For a lighter option, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt to keep the flavor balanced.