5 Creative Uses For Leftover Gravy

Gravy is a beloved holiday staple for a reason, but there always seems to be leftovers. But no need to worry about delicious gravy going to waste this season, because it's actually far more versatile than most people realize. With a little creativity, you can turn it into new dishes that feel fresh and comforting.

Here are simple, practical ways to give leftover gravy a second life.

Use it as a soup base

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Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash
Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash

Gravy makes an excellent starting point for soup. Thin it with broth, add vegetables or shredded meat, and let everything simmer until warm and flavorful.

The gravy adds a savory flavor boost and helps with texture, giving the soup a comforting, homemade taste with very little effort.

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Use it as a pasta sauce

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Mikey Frost/Unsplash
Mikey Frost/Unsplash
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A little gravy can become a quick, savory pasta sauce. Warm it with a splash of milk or broth, toss it with noodles, and add peas, mushrooms, or leftover chicken.

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The final dish tastes creamy and hearty, almost like a shortcut Alfredo with a deeper flavor.

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Make it into a pot pie filling

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LChuhunova/Envato Elements
LChuhunova/Envato Elements
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Leftover gravy is perfect for binding the filling of a pot pie. Mix it with chopped vegetables and cooked meat, then pour it into a baking dish topped with pie crust or puff pastry.

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The gravy keeps everything moist and flavorful, and puts leftovers to good use.

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Use it in mashed potatoes or rice

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Gravy adds instant flavor to plain sides. Stir it into mashed potatoes for extra richness or mix it with warm rice for a fast, savory upgrade.

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It's an easy way to make a simple dish feel more complete without much cooking or extra ingredients.

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Add it to a breakfast skillet

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Brett Wharton/Unsplash
Brett Wharton/Unsplash
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Give your breakfast a boost by adding gravy to a skillet of potatoes, eggs, and leftover meat.

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It melts into the dish, tying everything together. It's a cozy, filling way to prevent food waste.

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Rich and comforting results

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victoria./Unsplash
victoria./Unsplash
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Leftover gravy doesn't need to end up in the trash. With just a few small ideas, it can become the start of new meals that taste rich and comforting.

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Whether you turn it into soup, pasta, or a hearty breakfast, gravy is a simple ingredient that stretches your leftovers and adds flavor wherever it goes.