Can you freeze gravy? Yes, you can! Everything you need to know is explained right here in the ultimate guide to freezing gravy.
The instructions in this guide work for both homemade and store-bought, like instant gravy, that is sold either in packets or jars.
Jump to:
What Is Gravy?
It is a savory sauce with a rich flavor made from pan drippings or other meat juices that have been thickened with a roux or slurry of wheat flour or corn starch.
It's the perfect flavorful addition to to serve with roasted meats, meatballs, fried chicken, or homemade biscuits or dinner rolls. And no Thanksgiving turkey or holiday dinner would be complete without mashed potatoes and gravy.
If you're looking for a delicious homemade gravy recipe, try our Simple Gravy Recipe Without Milk. It's super easy to make and pairs well with our Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, or Pot Roast.
Types of Gravy
There are 3 general Types:
- Brown Gravy - usually flour or corn starch based like:
beef, pork, chicken or turkey gravy
mushroom gravy - White Gravy - a milk or cream, flour-based like:
cream - commonly served over chicken fried steak.
sawmill or sausage gravy - made from scraping the bits of sausage or bacon off the bottom of the pan. - Tomato Gravy - tomato sauce.
Brown and Tomato are the easiest to freeze and hold their consistency well. Freezing a white gravy is not recommended, as it will separate as it thaws. You can do it, but it will not be perfect.
Related Recipes: Bison Meatballs, Swedish Meatballs
How Long Does Gravy Last In the Fridge?
It lasts a couple of days in the refrigerator.
Would you like to save this?
Can You Freeze Gravy?
It is a good idea to store it in the freezer if you want to keep it for a long time. According to the FDA, you can safely store it in the freezer for 2 to 4 months. Freezing is a great way to keep leftovers for long term storage.
How To Freeze Gravy
The best way to freeze it is to portion out and package it in a plastic, airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Pro Tip - We recommend using plastic over glass containers for ease of use. You will be able to squeeze the bottom of the container to pop out frozen contents when you are ready to reheat.
For best results, we recommend using a freezer-safe container like these food storage containers for big batch amounts.
For smaller amounts, we recommend dividing out a small amount in ice cube trays. Then once frozen, pop the frozen cubes out of the tray, and transfer them to a freezer bag.
You can also put it at room temperature or refrigerated directly into a freezer bag.
Be sure to label and date the storage container or Ziploc bag so that you will be able to remember what it is. It's not always easy to tell what's in a frozen container.
Then lay the freezer bag flat on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. They will freeze in a uniform, stackable form that will help keep your freezer organized.
Step By Step Instructions
- Refrigerator Temperature. Be sure to start with contents that are refrigerator temperature to avoid bacterial growth. So, place leftovers in the refrigerator to cool before transferring them to the freezer.
- Choose Container. Make sure you choose a plastic, airtight container to prevent freezer burn. We recommend using food storage containers, or freezer bags. Use plastic, not glass.
- Portion It Out. Portion it out into the freezer-safe containers.
- Label and Date. Be sure to label and date the containers before you place them into the freezer.
- Freeze.
For Larger Amounts - Place food storage containers into the freezer upright. Prevent leaking by storing them in the upright position until frozen.
Ice Cube Trays - Pour it into ice cube tray, just like you would water. Set the filled tray in the freezer on a flat surface until frozen. Once frozen, pop the frozen cubes out of the tray, and transfer them to a freezer bag.
Freezer Bags - Contents in freezer bags should be laid flat on a baking sheet until frozen. After the bags are frozen, they can be removed from the baking sheet and stacked neatly in the freezer.
Simple Gravy Recipe
Be sure to try our Simple Gravy Recipe Without Milk. It's a dairy-free recipe that is sure to hit the spot.
How To Use Leftover Gravy
There are so many ways to use it. Here are some suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Pot Roast
- Homemade Biscuits
- Pork Chops
- Meatballs
- Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken
Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Seanna's Kitchen and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe to my Newsletter for ALL the latest recipes! We'd love to hear from you!
📖 Recipe
Can You Freeze Gravy?
Ingredients
May Use Store-Bought or Homemade Gravy
- 1.5 cups Store-bought Gravy
OR
- 1.5 cups Homemade Gravy
Instructions
- Refrigerator Temperature. Be sure to start with contents that are refrigerator temperature. So, place leftovers in the refrigerator to cool before transferring them to the freezer.
- Choose Container. Make sure you choose a plastic, airtight container to prevent freezer burn. We recommend using food storage containers, or freezer bags. Use plastic, not glass.
- Portion It Out. Portion it out into the freezer-safe containers.
- Label and Date. Be sure to label and date the containers before you place them into the freezer.
- Freeze.For Larger Amounts - Place food storage containers into the freezer upright. Prevent leaking by storing them in the upright position until frozen.For Smaller Amounts:Ice Cube Trays - Pour it into ice cube tray, just like you would water. Set the filled tray in the freezer on a flat surface until frozen. Once frozen, pop the frozen cubes out of the tray, and transfer them to a freezer bag.Freezer Bags - Contents in freezer bags should be laid flat on a baking sheet until frozen. After the bags are frozen, they can be removed from the baking sheet and stacked neatly in the freezer.
Notes
Types Of Gravy
- Brown - usually flour or corn starch based like:
beef, pork, chicken or turkey
mushroom - White Gravy - a milk or cream, flour-based like:
cream - commonly served over chicken fried steak.
sawmill or sausage - made from scraping the bits of sausage or bacon off the bottom of the pan. - Tomato Gravy - tomato sauce.
Seanna Borrows
Don't miss our Simple Gravy Recipe Without Milk!
Marie Z
Could you explain what you mean by
Pro Tip
We recommend using plastic over glass containers for ease of use. You will be able to squeeze the bottom of the container to pop out frozen contents when you are ready to reheat.
Since you can't squeeze glass, I’m confused. Thanks!
Seanna Borrows
Hey Marie, Plastic containers are flexible and you're able to squeeze the container a little which helps frozen contents to come out easier. So, I take the lid off the container, turn it on its side, and run water over the outside of the container. When you do this, you'll be able to see the contents unstick from the container, and then the contents will pop right out. If the container is glass, you won't be able to squeeze it to pop it out. Does that help? I'll create a little video that demonstrates and put it into the post. ~ Seanna