What Sauces Go With Roast Turkey? Answered!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the star of the show: roast turkey!

But let’s talk about what’s really important: the sauce.

While turkey can be delicious on its own, a good sauce can take it to a whole new level of flavour and ensure that you have a pleasant, moist forkful of food.

From classic gravy to tangy cranberry sauce, let’s take a look at the best sauces, for Thanksgiving and beyond… 

What Sauces Go With Roast Turkey? 

Some of the most delicious sauces to serve with roast turkey include: 

  • Traditional choices such as gravy and cranberry sauce, perfect for Thanksgiving
  • Herb and butter based sauces, like garlic butter and lemon and herb 
  • Fruity options, like a pomegranate or apple cider glaze 

Read on for more ideas, as well as simple recipes for you to try… 

Classic Sauces for Roast Turkey

Gravy

Gravy is a must-have for any roast turkey meal. It adds depth and moistness to the protein, enhancing the overall flavour.

To make a simple yet delicious gravy, you’ll need:

  • Turkey pan drippings
  • Flour
  • Water or stock
  • Salt and pepper
  1. After roasting your turkey, remove it from the roasting pan, ensuring you keep the pan drippings.
  2. Place the pan with drippings on the stovetop over medium heat.
  3. Gradually add flour to the drippings, whisking continuously to incorporate well.
  4. Slowly add water or stock to the mixture, and continue whisking until smooth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer until your gravy reaches the desired consistency.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is another popular accompaniment for roast turkey, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury meat.

To make your own cranberry sauce, gather the following ingredients:

  • Fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Optional: orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon
  1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries and sugar.
  2. Add water, and heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  3. Stir occasionally, as the cranberries will start to pop and release their natural pectin.
  4. Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat. Optionally, add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour.
  5. Allow the sauce to cool before serving.

Herb and Butter Based Sauces for Turkey

Garlic Butter Sauce

A garlic butter sauce is a classic choice for your roast turkey.

It’s simple to make and adds a rich, flavourful touch to your meal.

Start by melting butter in a saucepan, then add finely minced garlic and gently cook it until fragrant.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and for an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For best results, baste your turkey with this sauce during the roasting process, and serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Rosemary and Olive Oil Sauce

Pairing your roast turkey with a rosemary and olive oil sauce can bring forward delightful herbaceous aromas.

Begin by heating olive oil in a saucepan, then add finely chopped fresh rosemary.

Cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the rosemary to release its flavours.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you may even wish to add a little Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.

This sauce can be drizzled over your sliced turkey, adding a hint of sophistication to your meal.

Lemon Herb Sauce

A lemon herb sauce instantly brightens up your roast turkey with zesty, fresh notes.

To make this sauce, mix in a bowl freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, and your choice of additional fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, or chives.

Whisk in some olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

For an extra layer of flavour, you can incorporate minced garlic or finely grated lemon zest.

Pour this sauce over your cooked turkey, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant taste.

Fruity and Sweet Sauces for Turkey

Pomegranate Glaze

A pomegranate glaze brings a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavours to your roast turkey.

To prepare this glaze, you will need:

  • Juice from one large pomegranate
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the glaze thickens.

Once it has reached your desired consistency, brush the pomegranate glaze over the turkey during the last 30 minutes of roasting.

Orange and Ginger Sauce

The zesty combination of orange and ginger in this sauce brings out the natural succulence of roast turkey.

For this sauce, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

To make the sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water.

In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Then, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens. 

Apple Cider Glaze

For a tempting balance of sweet and tangy flavours, try an apple cider glaze.

The ingredients you’ll need are:

  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a saucepan, mix together the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the glaze has reduced by half and thickened.

Generously brush the glaze on your roast turkey during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Savoury and Spicy Sauces for Turkey

Honey Mustard Sauce

A delightful honey mustard sauce is the perfect way to add a twist to your roast turkey.

This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard to create a balanced and flavourful accompaniment.

You can easily whip up this sauce in just a few minutes and adjust the spiciness to suit your taste buds.

To make the honey mustard sauce, simply combine equal parts honey and your favourite mustard.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire a little spicy kick.

This versatile sauce not only complements your roast turkey but can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a spread for your sandwiches!

Worcestershire Dip

For a savoury, tangy twist on your roast turkey, try a Worcestershire dip.

This flavourful sauce gets its unique taste from the blend of malt vinegar, tamarind extract, molasses, and other ingredients in Worcestershire sauce.

The tanginess of the sauce adds depth to the mild flavour of the turkey.

To make this dip, simply mix equal parts of Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise, along with a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper.

Adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your liking.

This delectable sauce can also be used as a marinade for your roast turkey or as a dipping sauce for chips.

Brown Sugar and Onion Sauce

A delicious and heartwarming combination of brown sugar and onion can bring out the best in your roast turkey.

A brown sugar and onion sauce has a deep, caramelised flavour and goes hand in hand with your turkey.

To make this sauce, start by caramelizing sliced onions in a pan with a bit of butter.

Once the onions are golden brown, add a mixture of brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the sugar has melted and the sauce has thickened, then serve alongside your roast turkey.

 

Storing and Using Leftover Sauces

Wondering what to do with leftover sauces from your roast turkey?

No need to worry, as there are many creative and delicious ways to use them.

Not only will this save you time and effort, but it’ll also add a tasty twist to future meals.

When storing your leftover sauces, make sure to place them in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.

This will ensure they stay fresh, maintain their flavours, and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

Most sauces will last for up to a week in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy them with various meals throughout the week.

Incorporating these sauces into your favourite dishes is an excellent way to add extra flavour and moisture, without increasing calories or saturated fat drastically. 

Here are some simple ways to use your leftover sauces:

  • Give salads a zing: Mix leftover sauce with a little olive oil and drizzle over your favourite greens. This adds a burst of flavour to an otherwise simple salad, without adding too many calories or sodium to your meal.
  • Bring life to sandwiches: Instead of mayo or traditional spreads, use leftover sauce as a tasty alternative to create a more vibrant and flavourful sandwich. This can save you a few calories and may even be lower in saturated fat than traditional options.
  • Revamp your favourite pasta dishes: Leftover sauce can make a fantastic addition to your favourite pasta or noodle dishes. Simply warm it up and toss through the pasta for a quick meal that’s full of flavour. Do check the nutritional content of the sauce to ensure a well-balanced meal.
  • Transform breakfast: A little bit of leftover sauce can turn your morning eggs or omelette into a culinary delight. It’s an easy way to add extra flavour while also using up those leftovers. Just be aware of the cholesterol content in some sauces, and adjust your ingredients accordingly.

For more inspiration for making your special meals all the more memorable, you might also want to take a look at the best sauces for prime rib, and the best sauces for pork belly!