Healthy, Flavorful Turkey Gravy Using Olive Oil Instead of Butter

Make-Ahead Holiday Turkey Gravy Using Olive Oil (Butter-Free!)

Gravy is the finishing touch that brings the entire holiday meal together. Whether you’re serving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables, a warm pour of rich, savory gravy makes every dish feel complete. This year, give your gravy a healthier, lighter, and just-as-delicious upgrade by replacing butter with extra-virgin olive oil from Verde Valley Olive Oil.

This butter-free, dairy-free gravy is silky, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time using roasted smoked turkey wings and vegetables—saving you time and stress on the big day.

🍗 Why Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter in Gravy?

Swapping butter for high-quality olive oil offers big advantages:

✔️ Adds rich, smooth texture
✔️ Naturally dairy-free (great for guests with sensitivities)
✔️ Cleaner, lighter flavor profile
✔️ Heart-healthy fats
✔️ A gourmet touch when using premium EVOO from Verde Valley

Verde Valley’s Garlic Olive Oil, Herb Olive Oil, or Traditional EVOO work beautifully.

🔥 Make-Ahead Olive Oil Turkey Gravy (Using Roasted Smoked Wings)

This technique builds maximum flavor long before your turkey comes out of the oven.

Ingredients

2 smoked turkey wings
1–2 Tbsp Verde Valley Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves
Fresh thyme or rosemary
6–8 cups water or broth
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Salt + pepper
Optional: 1 tsp Verde Valley Balsamic Vinegar for depth

Instructions

Roast the Wings
Place smoked turkey wings and vegetables on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
Roast at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until deeply browned.
Simmer the Stock
Transfer everything to a large pot.
Add water or broth and herbs.
Simmer 1½–2 hours until rich and golden.
Strain
Remove solids and skim excess fat.
Make the Gravy
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium.
Whisk in flour to make a roux.
Slowly pour in turkey stock, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Finish
Season with salt and pepper.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, roundness, and color.

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently before serving.

🍇 Why Add Balsamic Vinegar?

A tiny splash of Verde Valley Balsamic:

✨ Enhances savory flavors
✨ Adds complexity
✨ Deepens color
✨ Balances saltiness

Try Traditional, Fig, or Cranberry Pear Balsamic to elevate your gravy even more.

🎄 Holiday Variations

Garlic Olive Oil Gravy
Herb-Infused EVOO Gravy
Balsamic-Roasted Onion Gravy
Lemon Olive Oil Gravy for Poultry

Each uses Verde Valley Olive Oil to bring flavor to life.

🛒 Shop Holiday Essentials

Your best holiday dishes start with premium ingredients.
Explore artisan olive oils & balsamics at:
👉 https://vvoliveoil.com

🦃 Conclusion: Your New Go-To Holiday Gravy

This make-ahead olive oil turkey gravy is flavorful, silky, and lighter than traditional versions. Whether served over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, it brings comfort and depth to your entire holiday meal—thanks to high-quality EVOO and balsamic from Verde Valley Olive Oil.