Name: Mary Berry Christmas Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Turkey or Chicken Pan Drippings (about ½ cup) – Adds rich flavor.; All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp) – For thickening the gravy.; Chicken or Turkey Stock (2 cups) – Forms the base of the gravy.; Redcurrant Jelly (1 tbsp) – Adds a subtle sweetness and shine.; Salt and Pepper (to taste) – For seasoning.; Optional Additions: A splash of white wine or sherry for extra depth.; Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish.

Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements roasted turkey, chicken, or any festive main dish. Made with pan drippings, stock, and a touch of seasoning, this gravy adds depth and indulgence to your holiday table. Easy to prepare, it ensures your Christmas feast is a standout meal.

What Is Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy?

Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy is a traditional holiday sauce crafted from the drippings of roasted meat, combined with flour and stock to create a silky, flavorful accompaniment. This gravy incorporates simple yet effective ingredients that highlight the savory essence of a Christmas roast.

More By British Baking Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Classic Festive Flavor – Perfectly pairs with roast turkey or chicken.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and pan drippings.
Versatile – Complements meats, stuffing, and even roasted vegetables.

Customizable – Adjust the thickness and seasoning to your liking.
A Holiday Essential – A must-have for any Christmas feast.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Turkey or Chicken Pan Drippings (about ½ cup) – Adds rich flavor.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp) – For thickening the gravy.
Chicken or Turkey Stock (2 cups) – Forms the base of the gravy.
Redcurrant Jelly (1 tbsp) – Adds a subtle sweetness and shine.

Salt and Pepper (to taste) – For seasoning.
Optional Additions:
A splash of white wine or sherry for extra depth.

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish.

Equipment Needed

Roasting Pan or Skillet – To collect the pan drippings.
Whisk or Wooden Spoon – This is used for stirring and preventing lumps.

Fine Mesh Sieve – To strain the gravy for a smooth texture.
Small Saucepan – For simmering the gravy.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Prepare the Pan Drippings

Collect the Drippings:
Once your roast turkey or chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and tender it with foil to rest. Pour the pan drippings into a bowl, skimming off excess fat or using a separator. Reserve about ½ cup of drippings for the gravy.

Make the Gravy Base

Heat the Drippings:
In a medium saucepan or skillet, heat the reserved drippings over medium heat.
Add the Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the drippings, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the Stock Gradually:
Slowly pour in the stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Enhance the Flavor

Stir in Redcurrant Jelly:
Add the redcurrant jelly to the gravy, whisking until dissolved. This gives the gravy a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish.
Season:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add a splash of white wine or sherry, if desired, for extra flavor.

Serve

Strain the Gravy (Optional):
For a smoother consistency, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve into a clean saucepan or serving jug.

Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside your Christmas roast.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Roast Turkey or Chicken – A classic pairing.
Stuffing – Enhances the savory flavors.

Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
Yorkshire Puddings – A must-have for a complete meal.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds richness and depth to simple sides.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Christmas Gravy

Use Warm Stock: Warm stock blends more smoothly with the roux, preventing lumps.
Deglaze the Roasting Pan: Scrape up the browned bits from the pan with a splash of stock or wine for extra flavor.
Adjust Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add more stock; if it’s too thin, simmer it longer.

Strain for Smoothness: Straining ensures a velvety, lump-free consistency.
Make Ahead: Prepare the gravy base in advance and finish it with pan drippings on the day of serving.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Herb-Infused Gravy: Simmer fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage in the stock for extra flavor.

Mushroom Gravy: Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy twist.
Spiced Gravy: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, festive touch.
Creamy Gravy: Add a splash of cream for a richer texture.

Vegan Gravy: Use vegetable stock and olive oil instead of drippings and butter for a plant-based version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Longer Storage: Freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy

Stovetop Method: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of stock or water to loosen if needed.
Microwave Option: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy Healthier?

Reduce Fat: Skim off as much fat as possible from the pan drippings before making the gravy.

Use Low-Sodium Stock: Opt for low-sodium stock to control the salt content.
Skip the Jelly: Leave out the redcurrant jelly for a less sweet version.
Add Vegetables: Blend roasted onions or carrots into the gravy for added nutrients and natural sweetness.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 80
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 6g

Protein: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry’s Christmas gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy base ahead of time using stock and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. On the day of serving, reheat it and add the pan drippings from your roast for fresh, rich flavor.

How can I thicken Christmas gravy if it’s too thin?

If the gravy is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the gravy and cook until thickened.

What can I use instead of redcurrant jelly in the gravy?

If you don’t have redcurrant jelly, you can use cranberry sauce, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a small amount of honey to add a similar sweetness and depth to the gravy.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Christmas gravy vegetarian?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of meat stock and olive oil or butter instead of pan drippings. Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Christmas Gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your holiday feast. Rich, savory, and packed with festive flavor, it’s an essential part of any Christmas dinner. Pair it with your favorite roast, sides, and trimmings for a meal that’s sure to impress!

More By British Baking Recipes