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Let’s be honest- nothing strikes more fear into a cook’s heart than the words, “Can you make the gravy?” But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This easy turkey gravy recipe uses the turkey drippings right from your roast turkey, whisked into buttery perfection. With just a cup of broth, a little flour, and about ten minutes, you can transform those pan drippings into the most flavorful gravy your Thanksgiving menu has ever seen.
This homemade turkey gravy is the heart of every Thanksgiving gravy recipe- rich, silky, and deeply savory. It’s the ultimate gravy that turns your Thanksgiving turkey into a show stopper. This no-lump gravy recipe delivers smooth gravy with all that depth of flavor. You can pour it on everything- from mashed potatoes to fresh biscuits.
The Chemistry of Turkey Gravy
Gravy might seem mysterious, but it’s really kitchen chemistry at its finest. When your roux cooks —that’s just flour whisked into fat —the starch molecules expand and thicken the cup broth or turkey stock you add. The pan drippings from your holiday turkey contain caramelized brown bits and rendered fat, which create that rich brown color and depth of flavor. Letting the flour mixture cook for a minute before adding liquid prevents that dreaded raw flour taste. And whisking over medium heat (not medium-high heat) keeps things smooth. It’s basically edible magic.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Lumpy gravy? It usually happens when flour is dumped straight into hot liquid instead of being whisked in slowly. Combine your flour with some fat from the meat drippings first to create a smooth gravy base.
Gravy too thin or thick? This comes from incorrect flour-to-liquids ratios. Add more turkey broth or chicken stock to loosen, or let it simmer to thicken.
Drippings too salty? Balance it out with unsalted broth. If you don’t have enough drippings, use a tiny amount of chicken broth or turkey neck stock to stretch it.
Gravy too greasy? Make sure to skim excess fat; too much can turn creamy gravy greasy.
Raw flour taste? Cook long enough to get rid of that raw flour taste; about a minute or two of whisking does the trick.
Can I make gravy without flour? Sure- a cornstarch slurry works too.
What if I don’t have enough dripping? Supplement with turkey broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
How do you thicken gravy without cornstarch? Keep simmering! It’ll reduce and naturally thicken.
Step One- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat.
Step Two- Whisk and cook until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your flavorful gravy warm in a preheated gravy boat or small pitcher so it pours smoothly. Pair it with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed ham, and green bean casserole- all Thanksgiving dinner essentials. It also pairs well with brie and cranberry smashed potatoes, crisp garden salad, or a mixed vegetable medley. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for that elevated look. For drinks, it works great with homemade sparkling cider or cucumber mint lemonade. On a buffet, keep it warm in a small slow cooker or mini crock pot. For leftovers, drizzle over turkey sandwiches or open-faced turkey toast (you’ll never eat dry turkey again). And for extra richness, stir in a pat of butter or a splash of white wine right before serving.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions
During the holidays, Christmas dinner gravy and make-ahead holiday gravy are total time-savers. This recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving roundup of the best turkey gravy or for a quick turkey gravy recipe when everything else is fighting for stovetop space. It’s also great for leftover turkey uses- drizzle it over open-faced turkey toast, pour it on mashed potatoes, or toss it with slow cooker turkey breast leftovers. Around this time of year, a recipe like this practically writes itself into every holiday turkey story. It’s comfort food perfection, all season long.
Baking Tips
Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this homemade gravy will make you look like you’ve got your holiday life together- even if the cranberry sauce is still chilling and the stuffing is only “mostly done.” An important reminder: make sure to whisk over medium heat, not medium-high heat, to keep things smooth.
Storage Tips
Store cooled gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking to restore that silky texture. If it’s too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken stock or turkey broth.
Freezer- Freeze leftover gravy in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently, whisking to bring back that smooth texture.
Make-ahead- You can totally make this ahead. Prepare your homemade gravy a day or two before, refrigerate, and reheat on the big day. Whisk in extra chicken stock if needed. Making it early means less chaos when everyone’s hovering around the cutting board asking, “Is the turkey done yet?”
Recommended Products
Perfect Turkey Gravy for Roasted Turkey (without giblets)
If gravy has ever intimidated you, let this be the year you conquer it. This easy turkey gravy recipe proves that a few simple ingredients and a whisk can turn turkey drippings into something absolutely magical. It’s rich, silky, and ties your whole Thanksgiving dinner together. No fancy techniques, no panic, just good, honest homemade gravy that’ll have everyone asking for “just a little more.” And when they do- smile proudly. You made the best gravy at the table.
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Rich Turkey Gravy with Pan Drippings
Ingredients
- Turkey drippings from roasted turkey
- 1 cup turkey broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Use a fine mesh sieve, pour the drippings through to remove any solids.
- Pour the drippings into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup broth, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Whisk until the flour is fully combined.
- Cook over medium-high heat, constantly whisking, until thickened. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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