If there is one thing that instantly elevates a holiday meal from memorable to legendary, it’s a swoon-worthy Turkey Gravy. Silky, savory, and impossibly rich, this homemade version brings the perfect finishing touch to your turkey, mashed potatoes, and even those stray bites of stuffing. Making Turkey Gravy from scratch isn’t just simple—it lets you savor every last drop of your hard-earned drippings, infusing every dish on the table with warm, comforting flavor. Trust me, once you’ve ladled this golden goodness onto your plate, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gravy is all about simplicity, and each ingredient in this recipe works magic in its own way. From the golden butter forming the base to the drippings that deepen the flavor, these essentials transform into a velvety sauce you’ll want to pour over everything.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the gravy a rich base and silky texture while allowing you to control the seasoning.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency—smooth and luxurious, never gloppy.
- Turkey Drippings or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Lends all that glorious, meaty flavor; using drippings adds extra depth, while broth is a tasty backup.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor; always taste as you go, especially if your drippings are salty.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Poultry Seasoning (optional): A pinch brings classic Thanksgiving notes of sage and thyme.
- Heavy Cream (optional): Just a splash at the end creates an ultra-creamy, decadent finish that feels special.
How to Make Turkey Gravy
Step 1: Make the Roux
Start by melting your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, inhale that heavenly aroma—it’s the beginning of a deeply flavorful base. Next, whisk in the flour and keep it moving. After just a couple of minutes, your roux will shift to a beautiful light golden color. This step ensures your Turkey Gravy is lump-free, silky, and infused with rich, toasty notes. Cooking the flour for a few minutes also tames any raw taste and adds that irresistible backbone of flavor.
Step 2: Add the Drippings or Broth
Slowly—really, take your time—pour in the turkey drippings or broth, whisking constantly. This is the secret to a velvety gravy with zero lumps. If you’re using the juices from your turkey, they’ll introduce layers of roasted, savory richness. No drippings? Chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) steps in beautifully. Either way, keep whisking as you add the liquid until your roux and drippings become one smooth, inviting sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Until Thickened
Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer and watch the magic happen. As it bubbles softly for about 5 to 7 minutes, your gravy thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir often to avoid scorching the bottom, and adjust the consistency by adding a splash more broth if you like it thinner. Once it’s glossy and coats the back of a spoon, you’re ready for the final touches.
Step 4: Season and Enrich
Season generously with salt and pepper, always tasting as you go. Drippings can vary in saltiness, so don’t be shy about adjusting to your palate. A pinch of poultry seasoning brings out all the herby goodness of Thanksgiving, though it’s entirely optional. For the ultimate Turkey Gravy, stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end. This takes the texture from delicious to divine, adding just enough richness to make your guests swoon.
How to Serve Turkey Gravy
Garnishes
While Turkey Gravy shines on its own, adding a pop of color and freshness can make it even more inviting. Try a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme. If you love extra flavor, a grind of black pepper or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top adds flair without overpowering the gravy’s savory notes.
Side Dishes
Serve this luscious gravy in a warm boat or small pitcher and let everyone go wild! Turkey Gravy is a natural partner for roast turkey, of course, but don’t stop there. It’s absolute perfection poured over pillowy mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, and flaky biscuits. For a Southern touch, drizzle it over roasted sweet potatoes or fried chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your gravy presentation up a notch by swirling it onto a platter before placing thick slices of turkey on top, or serve individual portions in espresso cups for a playful starter. If you’re planning leftovers, use Turkey Gravy as a sauce for baked pasta, or layer it inside a savory pie—delicious and unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftover Turkey Gravy? Lucky you! Transfer any cooled gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to three days while staying just as flavorful for midnight feasts or next-day sandwiches.
Freezing
Gravy is a wonderful make-ahead option. Pour fully cooled Turkey Gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you need it for a quick comfort meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the gravy into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. If it looks a little thick, whisk in a splash of broth or water to bring it back to pourable perfection. Avoid overheating, which can make it split—low and slow is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I make Turkey Gravy ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the Turkey Gravy up to three days in advance, then store it in the fridge. At serving time, just reheat gently on the stove with an extra splash of broth if it’s too thick. It’s a real timesaver for busy holiday meals.
What if I don’t have turkey drippings?
No problem at all. Substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the drippings. To mimic that turkey richness, add a teaspoon of butter or even a splash of soy sauce or poultry seasoning. The result will still be savory, delicious, and perfect for your feast!
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
The key is to whisk constantly when adding your drippings or broth to the roux. Pour in the liquid slowly, in a thin stream, and keep that whisk moving. If you do get a few lumps, strain the gravy through a fine sieve for silky results.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Follow the recipe exactly the same way; your Turkey Gravy will come out just as smooth, rich, and delicious.
Is heavy cream necessary for Turkey Gravy?
Not at all, but it does add an extra layer of creaminess and luxury. If you prefer a lighter gravy (or are avoiding dairy), feel free to leave it out—your sauce will still be full of deep, savory character.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more crowd-pleasing side than a generous pour of Turkey Gravy. It’s cozy, intense, and absolutely irresistible—everything you want for a holiday feast or even an everyday comfort meal. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for happy faces and spotless plates!
Print
Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and rich Turkey Gravy that is perfect for drizzling over your Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
Ingredients:
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings or broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning if using. Stir in the heavy cream for a richer gravy, if desired. Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Notes
- If your drippings are very salty, reduce the added salt or use unsalted broth to dilute.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
