Can you freeze gravy? Yes, for 2 to 3 months
Yes. Homemade gravy keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months frozen. Opened jarred gravy keeps only 1 to 2 days. How to freeze it and bring it back smooth.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by David Todd McCarty on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze gravy. Meat and poultry gravy keeps its best quality for 2 to 3 months in the freezer, according to the USDA. In the fridge, homemade gravy keeps 3 to 4 days. Gravy can separate a little when it thaws, but whisking it while it reheats brings it back.
How long does gravy last?
- Homemade gravy in the fridge: 3 to 4 days.
- Jarred or canned gravy, once opened: 1 to 2 days.
- Gravy made from a dry mix: 1 to 2 days.
- In the freezer: 2 to 3 months for best quality.
- Turkey or chicken covered in gravy: see can you freeze cooked chicken.
How do you freeze gravy?
- Cool it quickly: pour it into a shallow container and refrigerate it within 2 hours.
- Freeze it in portions: small containers, freezer bags laid flat, or an ice cube tray for single servings.
- Leave a little space at the top, because liquid expands.
- Label it with the date.
Gravy thickened with flour freezes best. Gravy thickened with cornstarch can turn spongy, and cream gravies can separate more, so whisk them hard when reheating.
How do you reheat frozen gravy?
Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or put it straight into a pan from frozen over a low heat. Whisk as it melts, then bring it to a rolling boil, as the USDA advises for gravy. If it is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes; if it is too thick, whisk in a little broth or water. Do not thaw gravy on the counter. More in how to thaw meal prep safely.
How can you tell if gravy has gone off?
A sour smell, mould, or a slimy layer mean throw it away. Gravy is made from meat juices and fat, so it spoils as fast as the meat itself; keep to the 3 to 4 days. Do not taste it to check.
How do you use leftover gravy in meal prep?
Gravy keeps reheated meat moist. A spoonful over sliced turkey or chicken before freezing stops it drying out; see how long cooked turkey lasts. Gravy cubes also add flavour to baked turkey meatballs and rice bowls. For other leftovers, see how long meal prep lasts and how to reheat meal prep.
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Can you freeze cranberry sauce?
The USDA does not recommend it: thawed cranberry sauce turns watery. Homemade sauce keeps 7 to 10 days in the fridge. Freeze whole cranberries instead, for a year.
Can you freeze pumpkin pie? Yes, for 1 to 2 months
Yes, for 1 to 2 months. Pumpkin pie must go in the fridge within 2 hours and keeps 3 to 4 days there. How to freeze it whole or in slices without a soggy crust.
Can you freeze stuffing? Yes, cooked or uncooked
Cooked stuffing keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freezes for 2 to 3 months. How to freeze and reheat it, and why it must never stay inside the turkey.