No holiday feast is complete without delicious homemade turkey gravy! This easy, foolproof recipe uses pan drippings from a roasted turkey, butter, flour, and broth to create a rich, silky-smooth sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic turkey gravy is a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Gravy
✅ Made from Scratch – No need for store-bought gravy packets!
✅ Uses Turkey Drippings – Deep, rich flavor straight from your roasted turkey.
✅ Super Smooth & Lump-Free – A perfectly velvety consistency every time.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
✅ Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly – Prep in advance for stress-free holiday meals.
What Makes This Gravy So Good?
🦃 Pan Drippings = Maximum Flavor – Infuses the gravy with roasted turkey goodness.
🧈 Butter & Flour for a Smooth Roux – Creates a rich, creamy base.
🌿 Fresh Thyme Adds Depth – A hint of herby warmth.
🔥 Simmered to Perfection – Ensures a thick, pourable consistency.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple ingredient list creates an incredibly flavorful turkey gravy:
- Drippings from roasted turkey – The star of the recipe!
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For a smooth, rich base.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme – Optional, but adds depth.
- 1-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Adjusts the consistency.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
💡 No turkey drippings? Use chicken broth + a tablespoon of butter for a quick alternative!
How to Make Turkey Gravy
This easy method ensures perfect, lump-free gravy every time!
Step 1: Collect the Turkey Drippings
- After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup or fat separator.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, so the fat rises to the top.
- Spoon off and discard the fat, keeping the rich turkey juices.
💡 If you don’t have enough drippings, use chicken broth to make up the difference!
Step 2: Make a Roux
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and thyme (if using).
- Cook, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown.
💡 Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste and adds a nutty depth of flavor!
Step 3: Add the Turkey Drippings & Broth
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups of turkey drippings (or a mix of drippings + broth).
- Then, whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth to thin it out.
💡 Adding the liquid slowly ensures a silky-smooth texture!
Step 4: Simmer & Thicken
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking often.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened.
- If the gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in more broth, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
💡 For extra flavor, stir in a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Step 5: Season & Serve
- Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Serve warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or biscuits.
💡 For an extra silky texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving!
Ways to Customize Your Turkey Gravy
🍷 White Wine Turkey Gravy – Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding broth.
🧄 Garlic-Infused Gravy – Sauté minced garlic in butter before making the roux.
🌿 Herb Butter Gravy – Stir in chopped fresh sage, rosemary, or parsley.
🌶 Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth.
🥛 Creamy Turkey Gravy – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for extra richness.
💡 For a smoky twist, use roasted turkey drippings with smoked paprika!
What to Serve with Turkey Gravy
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing for soaking up all the deliciousness.
🍗 Roast Turkey – Drizzle over sliced turkey for extra moisture.
🥖 Biscuits or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for dipping!
🌽 Stuffing or Dressing – Enhances the flavors of a holiday meal.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Adds a rich, savory touch to greens.
💡 Pair with a bold Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir for a perfect holiday meal!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🥡 Make-Ahead: Cook the gravy up to 3 days in advance, store in an airtight container, and reheat before serving.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
💡 For a lump-free texture, always reheat gravy slowly while whisking!
FAQs About Turkey Gravy
Q: What if my gravy is too thin?
A: Simmer longer to thicken, or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water and whisk it in.
Q: What if my gravy is too thick?
A: Simply whisk in more warm broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this without turkey drippings?
A: Yes! Use chicken broth + 1 tablespoon butter for a quick, flavorful alternative.
Q: How do I make gravy darker in color?
A: Let the roux cook for an extra 1-2 minutes before adding liquid, or add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
This rich, smooth, and flavorful turkey gravy is the perfect finishing touch for any holiday meal. Whether you’re pouring it over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, this easy homemade recipe is a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Try this classic turkey gravy today, and bring extra warmth and flavor to your holiday table! 🦃✨
Short version
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- Drippings from roasted turkey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme optional
- 1-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a large liquid measuring cup or gravy fat separator. Let sit for about 5 minutes so the fat rises to the top. Spoon off and discard the fat.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour (and fresh thyme, if using). Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups of turkey drippings. (If you don’t have 2 full cups of drippings, add enough broth to make up the difference.) Then whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking often. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, whisking frequently, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If the gravy is too thick, gradually whisk in more chicken broth, a little at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
