Thanksgiving just isn’t the same without the most perfect turkey gravy to go with your turkey and creamy mashed potatoesam i right?!
I do this every year amazing turkey with pure maple syrup and herb butter and let me tell you, the drops made all the difference. It’s like a perfect savory sauce with a hint of spicy herbs and sweet maple. TOO GOOD!
I will also make mine known turkey gravy recipe this year and I hope you’ll do the same, it’s super simple—all you need is turkey or chicken. So let’s get busy!
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Ingredients for Homemade Turkey Gravy
You’ll only need four simple ingredients to make this easy turkey gravy recipe. It comes together quickly and will be a favorite on your Thanksgiving table! Here’s what you need to do it:
- oil: you will add a little oil to a pan to help make a roll with the flour as a base for the turkey gravy.
- All purpose flour: little of all-purpose flour it will help thicken the sauce to the right consistency. No cornstarch needed! Feel free to use whole wheat or all-purpose gluten-free flour if you like.
- Turkey Drops: the key to good turkey gravy is to use the pan drippings from the turkey you are cooking. That way, it’s very rich and flavorful without the need to add extra ingredients like heavy cream. Get the best of me turkey recipe here! Some people use the turkey giblets in their gravy recipes, but I just throw them in.
- Salt and pepper: to perfectly season the turkey gravy.
- Extras: feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley and thyme.
How to Make Turkey Gravy (4 Easy Steps!)
Start with my amazing herb butter maple roast turkey and get out of there! Here’s how to make turkey gravy:
- Measure the drops. Make sure you have enough turkey drippings and stock to equal about 4 cups. If you don’t have enough turkey drippings from the roasting pan, you can always make up the difference by adding chicken stock up to a total of 4 cups.
- Make a roux, then add drippings. You will then essentially make a roux or porridge by adding butter to a a large pan or saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then stir in some flour and then slowly add the drippings/stock, a little at a time, alternating the flour and vigorously beating up any lumps.
- Let it simmer and thicken. Reduce the heat in the pan, bring the mixture to a simmer (not a boil) and let it thicken for a few minutes. Stir occasionally and add more stock to thin if needed.
- Try and adjust. Taste and add freshly ground salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I like to add an extra teaspoon or two of chopped herbs, it depends on what kind of sauce you like!
How to make turkey gravy without drippings
If you have pre-cooked turkey (or skip turkey altogether), feel free to just use turkey or chicken stock to make the sauce. However, I really recommend using real drippings or even some bacon grease as the flavor is a GAME changer. easy!
Tips for making the perfect turkey gravy
- Remember to add the drops slowly to the mixture to avoid lumps (instead of pouring it all at once)
- Note that it’s easier to thin your sauce by adding drippings than it is to thicken it, so be careful when adding more drippings or stock
- After you serve the sauce and it sits at room temperature, it will naturally thicken – so keep that in mind as you thin it out!
Save it for later
Store this simple homemade turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just warm the sauce on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
This is a great way to make the sauce ahead of time and store it until you’re ready to serve it on Thanksgiving.
Can you freeze turkey gravy?
Yes Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, bag, or even an ice tray. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stove.
What to serve with homemade turkey gravy
Check out all my Thanksgiving recipes hereplus some suggestions for what to serve with (and pour that sauce over):
And don’t forget, learn exactly how to host Thanksgiving here!
I hope you enjoy this easy homemade turkey gravy recipe! If you do, don’t forget to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
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Homemade turkey gravy
Delicious homemade turkey gravy made with just four simple ingredients! This wonderful, simple turkey gravy recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for adding to your favorite Thanksgiving main dishes and side dishes!
ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or use whole wheat or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 3-4 cups turkey drippings/stock (plus additional chicken stock if needed)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
- Additional herbs (rosemary + thyme), optional
Instructions
-
First, make sure you have enough turkey drippings + stock to equal about 4 cups. If you don’t have enough turkey drippings, you can always make up the difference by adding chicken stock up to a total of 4 cups.
-
Add oil to a large skillet and place over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in some flour and then slowly add the drippings/stock, a little at a time, alternating with the flour and vigorously beating up any lumps. I add about 3-3 ½ cups to start, then see if I need to add more to make the sauce the perfect consistency.
-
Bring the sauce to a simmer (not a boil) and let it thicken for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Add more stock to thin if needed. Taste and add freshly ground salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I like to add an extra teaspoon or two of chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to add more flavor, it depends on what kind of sauce you like! Servings 4-6. Double if you want to serve more.
Recipe Notes
To freeze: allow the turkey gravy to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, bag, or even an ice tray. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stove.
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photo by: Eat Love eats
This post was originally published on November 23, 2022, republished on November 20, 2023. and republished on November 26, 2024.
