This Turkey Gravy is a classic Thanksgiving staple that’s easier to make than you might think! Rich turkey drippings and flavorful broth are thickened to perfection with a roux, creating a luscious gravy that’s perfect for smothering your turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. This recipe is a must-have for any Thanksgiving feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Thanksgiving Flavor: This gravy captures the essence of Thanksgiving with its rich and savory flavor that perfectly complements turkey and all the traditional side dishes.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
Homemade Goodness: Making your own gravy from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and create a truly fresh and delicious flavor that’s far superior to store-bought options.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Turkey Gravy:

Turkey drippings: Collected from your roasted turkey, this is the key to a flavorful gravy.
Chicken or turkey broth: Low sodium, adds depth of flavor and moisture.
All-purpose flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the gravy.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the roux.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh herbs: Such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, adds a fragrant aroma and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Turkey Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Drippings and Broth

Place a large bowl under a fine-mesh sieve and set aside. This will be used to strain the gravy later for a smoother texture.

After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into the prepared bowl. Let the drippings settle for a few minutes, then skim off and reserve the fat that rises to the top. You’ll be using the remaining liquid as the base for your gravy.

In a saucepan, warm the chicken or turkey broth over low heat.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a separate large saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and bubbly. Be careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Combine and Thicken

Slowly whisk the warmed broth into the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the reserved turkey drippings to the gravy. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them now.

Bring the gravy mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

For a smoother texture, strain the gravy through the prepared sieve into the bowl. Serve the gravy hot alongside your roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving dishes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use quality drippings: The quality of your turkey drippings will significantly impact the flavor of your gravy. Be sure to use drippings from a well-seasoned and roasted turkey.
Adjust the consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken it further.
Add extra flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or sherry to the gravy while it simmers.

How to Serve

Thanksgiving Feast: This Turkey Gravy is a must-have for any Thanksgiving feast, perfect for serving alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other holiday favorites.
Versatile Sauce: You can also use this gravy for other dishes like chicken pot pie, roasted chicken, or turkey sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Turkey Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.¹

FAQs

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, you can use store-bought chicken or turkey broth, but be sure to choose a low-sodium variety to control the salt level in your gravy.

Can I make this gravy gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make a gluten-free gravy.

Can I make this gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How can I make this gravy vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian gravy, substitute the turkey drippings with vegetable broth and use vegetable shortening or vegan butter instead of regular butter for the roux.