Ekani Ella The Jamie Oliver Christmas Gravy is a rich, golden, and deeply flavourful sauce that brings your festive roast to life. It’s smooth, full-bodied, and infused with the natural flavours of roasted vegetables, herbs, and pan drippings. Perfect for turkey, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian roasts, this homemade gravy turns your Christmas dinner into something truly special.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy?
Jamie Oliver’s Christmas gravy is a classic festive sauce made using the roasting juices from your meat, combined with caramelised vegetables, herbs, and stock. The mixture is simmered until thickened and full of flavour, then strained for a silky-smooth finish. It’s the secret to a perfect Christmas meal — comforting, aromatic, and deliciously savoury.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and full of flavour – Made with roasted vegetables and pan drippings.
- Perfect pairing – Complements turkey, beef, chicken, or pork.
- Make-ahead option – Can be prepared in advance and reheated easily.
- No lumps – Smooth, glossy, and professional-quality gravy every time.
- Festive aroma – Herbs like thyme and bay give it that Christmas magic.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy
- 2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 litre hot chicken or turkey stock
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A splash of red wine or port (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large roasting tray
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Fine sieve or strainer
- Measuring jug
- Whisk
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Christmas Gravy
Step 1: Roast the vegetables
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place onions, carrots, and celery in a roasting tray with olive oil. Roast for 40 minutes until golden and caramelised.
Step 2: Add herbs and flour
Add the bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and tomato purée to the tray. Stir well and sprinkle over the flour. Roast for another 10 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and the mixture to darken slightly.
Step 3: Deglaze and simmer
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large saucepan. Pour in the hot stock, scraping all the caramelised bits from the tray. Add a splash of wine or port if using. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Strain and thicken
Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean pan, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all the flavour. Simmer the strained gravy for another 10 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Step 5: Taste and serve
Season with salt and black pepper. Serve piping hot alongside your Christmas roast.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Slow-Cooked Beef Stew
- Mary Berry Pumpkin Cake
- James Martin’s Pumpkin Pie
- Jamie Oliver’s Gluten-Free Christmas Cake
What to Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy
- Roast turkey – The ultimate Christmas pairing.
- Roast beef or lamb – Adds depth and richness to the meat.
- Mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
- Stuffing and Yorkshire puddings – Complete a festive meal.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Christmas Gravy
- Roast your vegetables well – Caramelisation adds the best flavour.
- Use homemade stock – It makes the gravy richer and more authentic.
- Add wine or port – A small splash enhances depth and aroma.
- Strain carefully – For a smooth, restaurant-quality finish.
- Keep it warm – Store in a thermos jug if serving later.
- Make ahead – Prepare up to 3 days before and reheat before serving.
What are the Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy
- Vegetarian version – Use vegetable stock and skip the meat drippings.
- Herb-infused gravy – Add sage and parsley for more freshness.
- Apple and cider gravy – Replace wine with cider for a fruity twist.
- Garlic and onion gravy – Roast extra garlic cloves for a bold flavour.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy
- In the fridge – Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerate quickly – Let it cool before storing to retain freshness.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy
- On the hob – Reheat over medium heat, stirring until smooth and hot.
- In the microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
- From frozen – Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Gravy Healthier?
Use less oil and skip the wine or port to reduce calories. Replace plain flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch if needed. You can also use low-sodium stock and skim off any fat before serving.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~95 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fibre: 1g
Jamie Oliver Christmas Gravy Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Christmas gravy is a classic festive sauce made using the roasting juices from your meat, combined with caramelised vegetables, herbs, and stock. The mixture is simmered until thickened and full of flavour, then strained for a silky-smooth finish. It’s the secret to a perfect Christmas meal — comforting, aromatic, and deliciously savoury.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 55
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
-
2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped
-
2 carrots, chopped
-
2 celery sticks, chopped
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 tbsp plain flour
-
2 fresh bay leaves
-
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
-
2 sprigs fresh thyme
-
1 tbsp tomato purée
-
1 litre hot chicken or turkey stock
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
A splash of red wine or port (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place onions, carrots, and celery in a roasting tray with olive oil. Roast for 40 minutes until golden and caramelised.
Add the bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and tomato purée to the tray. Stir well and sprinkle over the flour. Roast for another 10 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and the mixture to darken slightly.
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large saucepan. Pour in the hot stock, scraping all the caramelised bits from the tray. Add a splash of wine or port if using. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean pan, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all the flavour. Simmer the strained gravy for another 10 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Season with salt and black pepper. Serve piping hot alongside your Christmas roast.
FAQs
How do you make Christmas gravy thicker?
To thicken Christmas gravy, let it simmer uncovered until it reduces naturally. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water and cook for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make Christmas gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Christmas gravy up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge, then reheat gently on the hob before serving. Add a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much while cooling.
What can I use instead of wine in Christmas gravy?
If you prefer not to use wine, replace it with extra stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Apple juice or cranberry juice also works for a subtle sweetness and festive flavour.
How do I stop gravy from being lumpy?
Always add flour or thickening agents gradually and whisk continuously. Straining the gravy through a fine sieve before serving also ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
Final Words
The Jamie Oliver Christmas Gravy is a festive essential that brings your roast dinner to life. With its deep, savoury flavour and smooth texture, it’s a show-stopping finishing touch for any holiday meal. Simple, rich, and full of love — it’s the kind of gravy that turns Christmas dinner into something truly memorable.
