Beyond the Bird: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Gravy
Leftover gravy. It’s the delicious, savory byproduct of a holiday feast or a Sunday roast. But what happens when the meal is over, and you’re staring down a container of perfectly good gravy? Don’t let it go to waste! Gravy is a culinary goldmine, packed with flavor and ready to elevate a variety of dishes beyond the traditional turkey or mashed potatoes. This article explores a plethora of creative and delectable ways to transform your leftover gravy into exciting new meals.
Understanding Your Leftover Gravy
Before diving into specific recipes, it’s important to understand the characteristics of your leftover gravy. This will help you adjust recipes accordingly and ensure the best possible results.
* **Type of Gravy:** What kind of meat was the gravy made from? Turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetarian gravy will each impart a distinct flavor profile to your dishes. Keep this in mind when pairing it with other ingredients.
* **Consistency:** Is your gravy thick or thin? Thin gravy can be used in soups and stews without further modification, while thicker gravy might need to be thinned out with broth, water, or milk. Overly thick gravy can also be a sign that it has a lot of starch in it which can affect the texture of any dish if not adjusted properly.
* **Ingredients:** What ingredients were used to make the gravy? Did it include herbs, spices, or vegetables? Knowing the ingredient list will help you determine complementary flavors. Was there a lot of salt added during preparation? You may want to hold off on adding salt during preparation to prevent the final result from being too salty.
* **Storage:** How has the gravy been stored? Properly stored gravy in an airtight container will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze gravy for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date your containers for easy identification.
Safety First: Reheating Gravy Properly
Regardless of how you plan to use your leftover gravy, it’s crucial to reheat it properly to prevent foodborne illness. Here’s a quick guide:
* **Refrigerated Gravy:** Reheat gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every minute, until heated through.
* **Frozen Gravy:** Thaw frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated gravy.
* **Do not reheat gravy multiple times.** Reheating gravy multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth. Reheat only the amount you plan to use.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Gravy
Now for the fun part! Here are numerous delicious and imaginative ways to use your leftover gravy:
1. Shepherd’s Pie Upgrade
Transform your standard shepherd’s pie into a flavor explosion by using leftover gravy as the base for the meat filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 pound ground lamb or beef
* 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
* 1-2 cups leftover gravy
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
* Optional: Shredded cheese for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground lamb or beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
4. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Stir in mixed vegetables and leftover gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
6. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish.
7. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the meat mixture.
8. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
The gravy adds depth and richness to the filling, making it far more flavorful than using plain broth or stock.
2. Poutine Power
Bring a taste of Canada to your kitchen by using leftover gravy to make poutine, a classic comfort food dish.
**Ingredients:**
* French fries (store-bought or homemade)
* Leftover gravy
* Cheese curds
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare french fries according to package directions or your preferred method.
2. While the fries are cooking, reheat the leftover gravy.
3. Once the fries are cooked, place them in a bowl or on a plate.
4. Top with cheese curds.
5. Pour hot gravy over the cheese curds and fries.
6. Serve immediately.
The hot gravy melts the cheese curds, creating a gooey and delicious mess. The flavor of the gravy will determine the overall taste of the poutine, so choose a gravy that complements the fries and cheese.
3. Gravy-licious Pot Pie
Elevate your pot pie game by using leftover gravy as the base for the creamy filling. This works especially well with chicken or turkey gravy.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, celery)
* 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, shredded or cubed
* 1-2 cups leftover gravy
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
4. Stir in cooked chicken or turkey and leftover gravy. Add milk or cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
5. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish or individual ramekins.
6. Top with puff pastry, cutting it to fit the dish. Crimp the edges to seal.
7. Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
8. Cut a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
10. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
The gravy adds a rich and savory flavor to the pot pie filling, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
4. Savory Breakfast Hash
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast hash made with leftover gravy. This is a great way to use up other leftovers as well, such as roasted vegetables or cooked meats.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup cooked potatoes, diced
* 1/2 cup cooked meat (ham, sausage, or leftover roast), diced
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
* 1-2 cups leftover gravy
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Eggs, cooked to your liking
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add potatoes and cook until browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add cooked meat, onion, and bell pepper and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in leftover gravy and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through.
5. Serve topped with eggs cooked to your liking.
The gravy binds the ingredients together and adds a savory flavor to the hash. Feel free to customize the hash with your favorite vegetables and meats.
5. Gravy-Smothered Biscuits
Biscuits and gravy are a classic comfort food dish, and using leftover gravy makes it even easier to prepare. This is a great way to use up leftover sausage gravy or any other savory gravy.
**Ingredients:**
* Biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
* Leftover gravy
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare biscuits according to package directions or your preferred method.
2. While the biscuits are baking, reheat the leftover gravy.
3. Once the biscuits are cooked, split them in half.
4. Spoon hot gravy over the biscuits.
5. Serve immediately.
The gravy soaks into the biscuits, creating a warm and comforting dish. Add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
6. Marvelous Meatloaf Enhancement
Elevate your meatloaf recipe by incorporating leftover gravy. This adds moisture and richness to the meatloaf, preventing it from drying out during baking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 pounds ground beef, pork, or turkey (or a combination)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/2 cup leftover gravy
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Ketchup or gravy for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, milk, leftover gravy, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
5. Optional: Top with ketchup or extra gravy.
6. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
The gravy helps to bind the meatloaf together and adds a savory flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables.
7. Gravy-Based Soup or Stew
Leftover gravy can be a fantastic base for a hearty soup or stew. Simply add broth, vegetables, and cooked meat to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
* 1-2 cups leftover gravy
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes, onions)
* 1 cup cooked meat (chicken, beef, or turkey), cubed or shredded
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, combine broth, leftover gravy, and chopped vegetables.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add cooked meat and simmer for another 5 minutes, until heated through.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.
The gravy adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup or stew. Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Flavorful Fried Rice Addition
Add a unique twist to your fried rice by incorporating leftover gravy. This works best with chicken or vegetable gravy, but experiment to see what flavors you enjoy.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 cup cooked rice (day-old is best)
* 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, onions)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1-2 cups leftover gravy
* 1 egg, beaten (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add cooked rice and chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
3. Stir in soy sauce and leftover gravy. Continue to stir-fry until the gravy is heated through and evenly distributed.
4. Optional: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten egg onto the other side. Scramble the egg and then mix it into the rice.
5. Serve hot.
The gravy adds a savory and umami flavor to the fried rice. Adjust the amount of gravy to your preference.
9. Gravy-Glazed Roasted Vegetables
Transform ordinary roasted vegetables into a flavorful side dish by glazing them with leftover gravy during the last few minutes of cooking.
**Ingredients:**
* Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes)
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Leftover gravy
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush the vegetables with leftover gravy.
6. Continue roasting until the gravy is slightly caramelized.
7. Serve hot.
The gravy adds a savory and slightly sweet glaze to the roasted vegetables.
10. Delicious Dip for Bread or Vegetables
Simply reheat leftover gravy and serve it as a warm dip for crusty bread, vegetables, or even potato chips. This is a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* Leftover gravy
* Crusty bread, vegetables, or potato chips
**Instructions:**
1. Reheat leftover gravy in a saucepan or microwave.
2. Pour the gravy into a bowl.
3. Serve with crusty bread, vegetables, or potato chips for dipping.
The gravy provides a savory and flavorful dip. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
11. Shepherd’s Pie Hand Pies
Take the Shepherd’s Pie concept and make it portable! Use leftover gravy in the meat filling of savory hand pies.
**Ingredients:**
* Leftover gravy (about 1 cup)
* 1 lb ground beef or lamb
* 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground meat and drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the mixed vegetables, leftover gravy, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Unroll the pie crusts and use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles (or squares) of desired size.
7. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle.
8. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
9. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg.
10. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
These are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick and easy dinner.
12. Gravy-Stuffed Dumplings
Make savory dumplings by filling them with leftover gravy. This is a great way to use up gravy and create a unique and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* Leftover gravy (about 1 cup)
* Wonton wrappers
* 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
* Soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice
**Instructions:**
1. Place a small spoonful of leftover gravy in the center of a wonton wrapper.
2. Brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg.
3. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle (or use your preferred dumpling folding technique).
4. Press the edges firmly to seal.
5. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
6. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water.
7. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
8. Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and serve immediately with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Boiled or pan-fried, these gravy dumplings are a delicious and unexpected treat.
13. Creamy Pasta Sauce Base
Transform leftover gravy into a rich and creamy pasta sauce by adding a few simple ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* Leftover gravy (about 1-2 cups)
* 1/2 cup cream or milk
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Cooked pasta (your favorite type)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a saucepan, heat the leftover gravy over medium heat.
2. Stir in the cream or milk and Parmesan cheese.
3. Simmer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve immediately.
Add cooked chicken, vegetables, or mushrooms for an even heartier meal.
14. Gravy-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Enhance your mashed potatoes by stirring in a spoonful or two of leftover gravy for added flavor and richness.
**Ingredients:**
* Mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
* Leftover gravy
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe or package directions.
2. Stir in a spoonful or two of leftover gravy until well combined.
3. Serve immediately.
The gravy adds a subtle savory flavor to the mashed potatoes. Adjust the amount of gravy to your liking.
15. Welsh Rarebit with a Gravy Twist
Put a unique spin on the classic Welsh Rarebit by incorporating a bit of leftover gravy into the cheese sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tbsp butter
* 1 tbsp flour
* 1/2 cup beer or milk
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1-2 tbsp leftover gravy
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toasted bread or English muffins
**Instructions:**
1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
2. Gradually whisk in beer or milk until smooth.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and leftover gravy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spread the cheese mixture on toasted bread or English muffins.
7. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
The gravy adds an extra layer of savory flavor to this comforting dish.
16. Gravy-Marinated Chicken or Pork
Use leftover gravy as a marinade for chicken or pork before grilling, baking, or pan-frying. The gravy will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* Chicken or pork chops
* Leftover gravy
**Instructions:**
1. Place the chicken or pork chops in a resealable bag or container.
2. Pour leftover gravy over the meat, ensuring it is well coated.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Grill, bake, or pan-fry the meat according to your preferred method.
The gravy will create a flavorful crust on the meat as it cooks.
17. Serve Over Egg Noodles
A simple yet satisfying way to use up leftover gravy is to serve it over egg noodles. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then top with warm gravy for a quick and easy meal. Add shredded chicken or vegetables for a more complete dish.
18. Yorkshire Pudding Accompaniment
Yorkshire puddings are traditionally served with roast beef and gravy. Using your leftover gravy to accompany these airy delights is a no-brainer. The rich gravy complements the light and fluffy texture of the puddings perfectly.
19. Huevos Rancheros Topping
For a surprising and delicious twist, use leftover gravy as a topping for huevos rancheros. This works best with a richer, meat-based gravy. Spoon the gravy over fried eggs, tortillas, beans, and your favorite toppings for a savory and satisfying breakfast.
20. Savory Crepe Filling
Make savory crepes by filling them with leftover gravy and other ingredients like shredded chicken, mushrooms, or vegetables. This is a great way to create a unique and elegant meal.
Tips for Success
* **Taste before using:** Always taste your leftover gravy before incorporating it into a new recipe. This will help you determine if it needs any additional seasoning or adjustments.
* **Adjust consistency:** If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with broth, water, or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it over low heat until it thickens.
* **Complementary flavors:** Consider the flavor profile of your gravy when choosing ingredients to pair it with. Chicken gravy pairs well with poultry and vegetables, while beef gravy is best with red meat and heartier vegetables.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** The possibilities for using leftover gravy are endless. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations of flavors and ingredients.
* **Freeze for later:** If you have more gravy than you can use in the next few days, freeze it for later. Properly stored gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Leftover gravy is a valuable culinary resource that should never be wasted. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform it into a variety of delicious and satisfying meals. From shepherd’s pie to poutine, the possibilities are endless. So next time you have leftover gravy, don’t throw it away! Use it as an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen and create something new and delicious. Enjoy!