Leftover gravy should not just be warmed until it looks steamy. USDA leftover guidance is to reheat sauces, soups, and gravies by bringing them to a rolling boil. That is a higher bar than ‘hot enough to serve,’ and it matters because gravy sits in the same 3 to 4 day refrigerator window as leftover turkey. Use gravy that was cooled in a shallow container within 2 hours of dinner. For whether gravy freezes well, see can you freeze leftover gravy and sides. For making gravy in the first place, see how to make gravy.
Stovetop is the most reliable method
Spoon the cold gravy into a saucepan. It will likely be thick or slightly gelled from the fridge. Add a small splash of broth or water and whisk over medium heat as it loosens. Bring the whole pot to a rolling boil, stirring so the bottom does not scorch and so there are no cool pockets. A rolling boil means bubbles break continuously across the surface, not just around the edges. Once it is there, you can take it off the heat and serve.
Microwave and thawing notes
If you use a microwave, pour the gravy into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts, whisking between them, until it is bubbling throughout. Microwaves heat unevenly, so stir more than once and do not stop at a lukewarm edge. Frozen leftover gravy should be thawed in the refrigerator when you can, or reheated from frozen in a saucepan until it boils, which will take longer. See how long leftovers last in the freezer and refreezing rules if you have extra after reheating.
If the gravy is lumpy or too thick
Whisking while it heats usually smooths minor lumps. If needed, you can strain leftover gravy after it has come to a boil. Add liquid gradually; it is easier to thin gravy than to fix a watery sauce at the last minute. Only reheat gravy that is still within date and that was not left out too long. Packing advice is in how to store Thanksgiving leftovers, and timing is in how long leftovers last. Serve it with reheated turkey or reheated mashed potatoes, and find more leftover pages in the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A balloon whisk helps leftover gravy heat evenly and smooth out lumps.
- OXO Good Grips 2-Cup and 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Set — Handy for adding a little broth if the gravy is too thick.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Useful for the turkey on the plate; gravy itself should reach a rolling boil.
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — A freezer-safe bag or lidded container is useful if you froze leftover gravy and are thawing it in the fridge.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I really have to boil leftover gravy?
Yes. USDA says to reheat leftover sauces, soups, and gravies by bringing them to a rolling boil, not just warming them.
Why did my leftover gravy get so thick?
Gravy often gels in the refrigerator. Whisk in a little broth or water as it heats, then bring it to a rolling boil.
Can I reheat gravy in the microwave?
You can, if you cover it, stir often, and keep going until it is bubbling throughout. A saucepan is easier to control.