This is the best and easiest way to make Turkey Gravy. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday side dish to pair with turkey.
Turkey gravy is a classic Thanksgiving dish that is easy to make and can be tailored to your taste. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a basic turkey gravy using pan drippings and flour.
You can add additional ingredients such as herbs, onions, or mushrooms to give your gravy a personal touch. This recipe is perfect for those who are new to making gravy – it’s simple and straightforward. So let’s get started!
PIN THIS TO SAVE FOR LATER
If there’s one thing that can make Thanksgiving dinner even better, it’s gravy. This easy turkey gravy recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, so you can focus on the rest of the meal.
But honestly, you don’t have to wait for the holiday season to make this gravy recipe. I like having gravy on a multitude of recipes throughout the year – so we make this all of the time.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make from scratch. No pre-packaged envelope full of additives and preservatives. This recipe is so much better!
Turkey Gravy Recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions
What is turkey gravy?
Turkey gravy is a type of sauce made from turkey or chicken stock, butter, flour, and sometimes other ingredients.
Make Your Gravy in Advance
Making your gravy in advance is a great way to save time on Thanksgiving Day. Not only will it save you time, but it will also ensure that your gravy is perfectly cooked and flavorful. (keep in mind that it can be difficult to use the drippings for this recipe ahead of time if you are not cooking the turkey until several days later)
There are a few things to keep in mind when making your gravy in advance. First, make sure that all of your ingredients are fresh. This will help to ensure that your gravy is flavorful and tasty.
Second, cook the gravy completely before storing it. This will prevent any bacteria from growing and will also help to keep the flavor intact.
Finally, store the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to serve the gravy, simply reheat it in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it is hot and bubbly.
WHAT IS A ROUX
A roux is a combination of fat and flour used while cooking to make a thickened sauce or gravy. A classic roux recipe contains equal parts butter to flour (1/4 cup butter to 1/4 cup four).
Since our turkey gravy is a roux gravy, keep in mind it will continue to thicken as it cools. If it has thickened too much, just add a little more liquid before it hits the table.
Generally, gravy made with pan drippings does not need any more seasonings as all of those pan juices contain all the salt, pepper, and flavor. It’s important to taste-test it once it’s done and save adding any extra seasoning at the end.
Turkey Gravy From Scratch
Turkey Gravy Ingredients
- turkey drippings from the pan or stock
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- thyme – fresh – chopped finely or dried thyme
- parsley – fresh – chopped finely or dried parsley flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Making Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
If you don’t have the turkey drippings on hand, don’t worry! You can still make delicious gravy without it.
Replace the drippings in the recipe with chicken or turkey stock. You may need to add more seasonings at the end since the stock doesn’t have all of the flavors that the drippings would add to the finished gravy recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to make a gluten-free gravy, you can substitute the flour for gluten-free flour. This will change the texture of the gravy, but it will still be delicious.
If you want to make a dairy-free gravy, you can substitute the butter with lard or bacon grease. This will change the flavor of the gravy, but it will still be delicious.
Easy Turkey Gravy
How to Make Turkey Gravy
- Strain the turkey drippings from the pan or slow cooker.
- Measure the drippings and add enough stock or broth to make 2 ¼ cups total combined.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and whisk to combine completely.
- Slowly pour about ½ cup of the drippings and whisk briskly to form a paste.
- Slowly pour the remaining liquid into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Simmer until gravy has thickened. The gravy will continue to thicken after removing from the heat.
- Add the seasonings and stir to combine well.
- Serve immediately with turkey or mashed potatoes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Thicken Your Gravy the Right Way
There are a few things you can do to thicken your gravy. If it is too thick, add broth a tablespoon or two at a time. If it is too thin, mix one tablespoon of melted butter with one tablespoon of flour and whisk into the gravy. Now, if it is lumpy, use your strainer!
What To Serve With This Turkey Gravy Recipe
In my opinion, gravy goes with just about anything. However – you don’t want to miss the other holiday side dishes linked further down in this post. But if you want the VERY BEST turkey and main dish holiday recipes – be sure to check these out too!
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
- Cajun Turkey Breast
- Applewood Smoked Ham
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Classic Roasted Turkey
- Smoked Boneless Leg of Lamb
- Applewood Smoked Turkey
Storage Information
If you have any turkey gravy left over after your feast, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Simply place it in a covered container or jar and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently over low heat while whisking occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking.
You can also freeze your turkey gravy for up to three months. Again, place it in a covered container or jar and then into the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently as mentioned above.
Why We Love This Recipe
- The gravy is a key ingredient that makes this turkey so special.
- The recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious and hearty meal.
- This gravy is a great way to add a little extra flavor to the turkey.
- The recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?
Yes, that should work. You might end up with a slightly different texture. Also, you may end up needing to add more liquid or more cornstarch to reach the right consistency.
DON’T MISS THESE HOLIDAY E-BOOKS!
Products I love when making a Homemade Turkey Gravy…
This gravy recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a homemade gravy before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this holiday side dish recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this easy turkey gravy recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
If you love this recipe for Homemade Turkey Gravy as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups turkey drippings from pan or stock **see instructions below
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ of a stick )
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons thyme fresh – chopped finely or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 teaspoons parsley fresh – chopped finely or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Strain the turkey drippings from the pan or slow cooker.
- Measure the drippings and add enough stock or broth to make 2 ¼ cups total combined.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
- Add the flour and whisk to combine completely.
- Slowly pour about ½ cup of the drippings and whisk briskly to form a paste.
- Slowly pour the remaining liquid into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Simmer until gravy has thickened. The gravy will continue to thicken after removing from the heat.
- Add the seasonings and stir to combine well.
- Serve immediately with turkey or mashed potatoes.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Share Your Thoughts