Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe

Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy Recipe is so delicious and easy to make. Whether you have turkey drippings or not, this is a foolproof turkey gravy recipe to make the perfect gravy every time.

They say the star of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is turkey, but I don’t think it would be the same without gravy poured on top of mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Paired with a heaping spoon of Green Bean Casserole and Cranberry Jelly, gravy is the side dish that really binds them all together into the perfect meal.

The next day when having big dinner 2.0, or making turkey sandwiches? Again, gravy steps up to the plate.

Any holiday meal would not be complete without classic thanksgiving gravy. It doesn’t just liven up a dry meal – the flavors are moist, comforting, and rich.

What are drippings?

Drippings are what’s collected in the bottom of the roasting pan after cooking whole meat, in this case, Turkey. It includes the juices, fat, and browned bits of meat that has fallen off. Sometimes you’ll want to use a fat separator if there is a lot of fat on the surface.

Drippings have a lot of flavor from the seasoned meat and juices, making it ideal for making a tasty gravy.

So think twice before you discard drippings, they are very useful for making Thanksgiving gravy or a delicious gravy to go along with a meal.

Keep in mind, the amount of drippings you might have will depend on several factors such as the size of the turkey, cooking temperature, cooking time, and whether the turkey was stuffed or not.

What To Serve With Turkey Gravy

This easy gravy recipe is a must-have side dish for your holiday table. Gravy is a staple with any big dinner, and goes well with any thanksgiving recipes. It’s perfect served over turkey such as Smoked Turkey or even Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. 

Most recently, we had this best turkey gravy over our Air Fryer Turkey Breast.

Gravy is also great over stuffing, Cornbread Dressing, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits!

Homemade Gravy Ingredients

You’ll need the following simple ingredients to make this perfect turkey gravy recipe. As always, the full recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Turkey Gravy

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour to the butter. Stir the ingredients with a wooden spoon to make a roux. The mixture will thicken and take on a hue of toasted caramel.
   
2. Add the pan drippings or chicken broth. Season with the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Stir to combine all the ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld.
   
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until you obtain a smooth velvety texture. Taste and alter seasoning if needed.
   
4. Serve in a gravy boat, with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top of the gravy (optional). 
   
   

How to Make Turkey Gravy Without Drippings?

Sometimes you cook a turkey and the drippings are scarce. Other times you have a precooked turkey, or deep fried a turkey. Or perhaps you are blessed with leftover turkey and only need to make gravy.

Whatever the case, you can still make this easy turkey gravy recipe even if you don’t have turkey drippings.

In place of the drippings, use 1 ½ cups chicken broth to make easy homemade turkey gravy recipe without drippings.

Recipe Variations

• Other Seasonings: Experiment with rosemary, dried thyme (or fresh thyme), dried sage, or even a hint of tarragon.
• Add a burst of citrus zest: Orange or lemon zest can add a bright, refreshing twist.
• Sautéing a handful of mushrooms in butter and incorporating them into your gravy. 
• Swirl in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving. It adds a very creamy texture to gravy.

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Transfer any leftover gravy into an airtight container. Stored properly, the gravy can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

To Reheat: Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.

Can You Freeze Turkey Gravy?

Yes you can! If you want to freeze it, pour the cooled room temperature gravy into a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. You can also freeze smaller amounts into ice cube trays!

The gravy will last up to 3 months in the freezer, which makes it a wonderful make-ahead gravy for the next time it’s needed.

When the time comes to use your gravy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use. 

FAQ

Can I make turkey gravy ahead of time?

Yes, that is a good option. Prepare the gravy up to 2 days before your event, refrigerate it in an airtight container, and reheat it on the stovetop when needed. You can also freeze it for longer storage if needed.

Can I use store-bought broth when making turkey gravy?

Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth as a substitute for turkey drippings. The flavors might not be as rich as using turkey drippings, but it will still make a delicious gravy.

How do I avoid lumps in my gravy?

To avoid lumps, whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly, creating a smooth roux before adding the drippings or broth. 

What can I do with leftover turkey gravy?

Leftover turkey gravy offers endless possibilities! Pour it over reheated slices of thanksgiving turkey, or use it as a base for turkey pot pie.

Another great use for leftover gravy is to make chicken stuffing casserole which can be made with leftover turkey instead of chicken.