Turkey gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce made from the pan drippings of a roasted turkey, enhanced with stock and seasonings to create a smooth, savory accompaniment to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. It’s the perfect addition to mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even roasted vegetables, bringing all the delicious flavors of the turkey to the table.
To make this Thanksgiving must-have, start by collecting the pan drippings from your roasted turkey. After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, pour off excess fat, leaving just a few tablespoons in the pan. Next, create a roux by whisking in flour to the fat over medium heat until it forms a smooth paste. This will help thicken the gravy.
Slowly add turkey stock or broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. You can also add a splash of white wine or a little bit of the turkey drippings from the pan for extra depth of flavor. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any herbs that were used to season the turkey, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
If the gravy becomes too thick, add more turkey stock or water to reach the right consistency. For a smoother texture, strain the gravy before serving to remove any leftover bits of turkey or herbs. A small amount of cream or butter can be added at the end to make the gravy extra rich and silky.
This gravy is a classic finishing touch for your holiday feast, making every bite of turkey, potatoes, and stuffing even more delicious. It’s easy to make and brings the full, savory flavor of the turkey to the plate. A rich and flavorful gravy made from turkey drippings, perfect for enhancing your holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup turkey drippings strained from roasted turkey
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for thickening
- 2 cups turkey or chicken stock unsalted preferred
- to taste salt if needed
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine turkey drippings and flour.
- Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken stock, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over turkey and enjoy your meal.
Nutrition
This gravy is fantastic! I made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Perfect consistency.
I’m a bit skeptical about using turkey drippings, do I really need that? Can I just use water instead?
Using turkey drippings really adds flavor! Water will just make it bland.
Meh. It was okay but too salty for my taste. I guess I overdid the seasoning. Next time I’ll be more cautious.
I think you just need to watch your salt! Gravy can be tricky but it’s so good when done right. Keep at it!
Too salty? I just dump salt in everything! 😂 But I get it, seasoning is hard.
Gravy is just flour and fat mixed with water anyway. Didn’t impress me much, lol.
Why do we use turkey drippings? Isn’t chicken stock enough? 🤔
Turkey drippings add a rich flavor that chicken stock just can’t match! It’s all about that depth! 😋
Gravy is gravy, am I right? 😂
Gravy heaven. It complemented my turkey perfectly! So thankful for this recipe!
Yummy! I used chicken drippings instead of turkey and it worked fine. Who cares, right?
Using chicken drippings is a smart move! Adapt, don’t break! 😊
I love gravy! This one was a little too salty for my taste, but still good. Thanks!
Can I use butter instead of drippings? Trying to make something without meat. Please help!
It was alright, nothing special. I prefer adding herbs for more kick. Peace!
This gravy is SOOOO good! Made it for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit!
I completely agree! This gravy was the star of my Thanksgiving dinner too!
Gravy is just brown water. Not a fan.
Yum! Or can you use beef drippings instead? Just curious.
I dunno, but I think turkey gravy should be from turkey, not beef. Just saying.
Yes, you can totally use beef drippings! It’ll give it a different flavor, but some folks like that.
Not bad, but I think I added too much flour. Gonna try again.
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Just keep practicing, you’ll get it right next time!
Absolutely delicious! Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit with the family.
Yum! But too much salt for my taste. I like it better with less salt. Next time I’ll do half.
Gravy is overrated. Who needs it with good turkey? 🤷♂️
But what if the turkey’s dry? Gravy is like a lifesaver for that! 😅
I totally disagree! Gravy adds so much flavor! Can’t imagine turkey without it. 😊
I don’t even eat turkey, but I think chicken would work just fine too!
Sooo delicious!!! I can’t stop eating it. Turkey day is gonna be epic!
I can’t wait to try this! Sounds super tasty! 🦃
Epic, huh? Hope it tastes better than my last turkey disaster! 🤞
Whut’s gravy? Is it like sauce? Anyway, it was okay.
Gravy is like a sauce! It makes everything better, especially turkey. I thought it was great!
Quick question: Can I use water instead of stock? I’m out of stock, help!
Love this recipe! Quick and easy, my kinda meal. Will make again.
Honestly, not impressed. Just tasted like a flour paste. Might stick to store-bought next time.
Not that great. I just used store-bought gravy instead.
This was too salty for my taste. I think I put in too much stock.
I followed the recipe but it came out too thick. I added more stock but still not great. Not sure what I did wrong.
I followed the instructions, but it turned out too thick. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you added too much flour? It can thicken up real fast. Try less next time!
Ew. I burnt mine. Not worth it! Stick to store bought!
I didn’t have turkey drippings, so I used chicken. Still turned out great!
Bad instructions, didn’t thicken up right. I think I messed it up but can’t figure out where. 😩
This recipe is too complicated for gravy! I usually just use store-bought.
This gravy was amazing! So rich and flavorful. Definitely making this for Thanksgiving!
So glad you liked it! Perfect for turkey day indeed!
It turned out really lumpy for me. I think I added the stock too fast.
Easy recipe but the flavor could use more spices. Maybe some garlic?
Mmm, garlic? Seems like too much work for gravy. Just stick with the recipe. It’s fine!
I totally agree! A bit of garlic can really elevate the taste. I might try adding some next time.
I had a hard time with the roux, it burned a bit. Maybe I cooked it too fast?
This recipe is okay, little too much flour for my liking. My grandma makes it way better.
Grandmas always have the best recipes! Maybe you just need more practice?
I think it’s pretty good! Maybe try less flour next time?
Ugh, my gravy turned out super lumpy. What did I do wrong???
Such an easy recipe! It added so much flavor to my turkey! Will make again for sure!
Turkey gravy??? Unlike any gravy my grandma made, but okay.
Simple and delicious! My family loved it, I’ll definitely make it again!
Tasty gravy! I was skeptical at first, but now I’m a fan!
Honestly thought it sounded weird, but I tried it for Thanksgiving and it was AMAZING! I’m a believer now.
I’m glad you liked it! Gravy can really elevate a meal. Do you have any tips for making it thicker?
This gravy was delish! Just like my grandma used to make. 😋
I don’t see why you need to use drippings, can’t just use chicken broth? Seems excessive.
Gravy was good but my family never wanted gravy. Did I fail Thanksgiving? LOL
Gravy? More like goop. Never making this again. 🤢
I actually loved this gravy! It’s not goop if you make it right! Maybe try following the instructions more closely. 😋
Gravy is just grease, right? Who needs it? I skipped it and loved my turkey anyway!
Gravy adds flavor and moisture! It’s not just grease. You missed out by skipping it!
This gravy was a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! So rich and flavorful.
I’m glad it turned out well for you! Gravy is the best part of the meal!
Tried it but didn’t have turkey drippings. Used chicken instead. Still tasted okay, but not the same. 🤷♂️
I dunno if chicken can replace turkey drippings properly. It must have tasted kinda diff. Maybe try it again with turkey next time??
Using chicken drippings is a good alternative! It’s not quite the same, but hey, you made it work. 😊
This gravy was a hit at Thanksgiving! Everyone loved it!
Thanksgiving or not, gravy is just alright. Never understood why people rave about it. Just my opinion!
So glad to hear it was a hit! Gravy can make or break a meal. I love that you used drippings, it’s the best part!