Just four ingredients are needed to make this simple turkey gravy recipe, which includes our favorite turkey recipe’s drippings. Discover our quick, simple, and foolproof method for making turkey gravy from drippings by watching the video and following our step-by-step instructions!
Using the drippings from our turkey, I looked for a simple gravy recipe every Thanksgiving for a long time, but I never found one that worked well, so I made my own gravy with the drippings from our Roast Turkey Recipe, and it’s the best!
I made a gravy one year that separated so much that even blending it in my Vitamix for two minutes didn’t help the layers come together. I promise you, that will not happen with this gravy recipe. With just 4 ingredients, it’s simple to make, and I’ve included advice on how to prevent separation!
Ah, turkey gravy. The golden nectar that brings Thanksgiving tables together, soaking into mashed potatoes and stuffing with its rich, savory flavor. But what if you’re not a seasoned gravy-maker? Fear not, my friend, for this guide will have you whipping up a delicious gravy in no time, using those precious turkey juices.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons turkey drippings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Gather your ingredients. Make sure you have all the ingredients readily available before you start. This will make the process smoother and less stressful.
- Separate the fat. Carefully pour the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fat rises to the top. Skim off 2 tablespoons of the fat and set it aside.
- Make the roux. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the 2 tablespoons of reserved turkey fat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This is your roux, the base of your gravy.
- Whisk in the broth. Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, a little at a time, until the gravy is smooth and thickened to your desired consistency. Be patient and keep whisking to avoid lumps.
- Season to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the turkey drippings might already have some saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
- Serve and enjoy! Pour your delicious gravy over your mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any other Thanksgiving dish that needs a little extra love.
Tips:
- Don’t have enough turkey drippings? Don’t worry, you can use butter instead. Just use 4 tablespoons of butter in total (2 for the roux, 2 for the drippings).
- Gravy too thick? Add more broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Gravy too thin? Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk this into the gravy and cook for a minute or two until thickened.
- Want to add some extra flavor? Try adding a splash of white wine, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of thyme or sage to your gravy.
Additional Resources:
- How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings – Isabel Eats: This website provides a detailed guide on making turkey gravy with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
- How to Make Gravy From Turkey Drippings – Allrecipes: This website offers another detailed guide on making turkey gravy with additional information on variations and troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can make gravy ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How do I reheat gravy? You can reheat gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- What should I do with leftover gravy? Leftover gravy can be used in a variety of ways. You can pour it over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even use it as a base for a soup or stew.
So there you have it! A simple straightforward guide to making delicious gravy with turkey juices. Now go forth and impress your Thanksgiving guests with your culinary skills!
How to make turkey gravy from drippings
Let’s make turkey gravy from scratch using the drippings method; don’t forget to watch the video.
Season the thickened turkey gravy
Once the turkey gravy has thickened, taste it and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Transfer to a gravy boat and enjoy! Naturally, I suggest pairing it with our recipe for oven-roasted turkey and the world’s best mashed potatoes.
Store any leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I recommend using a glass jar with a lid.
This turkey gravy thickens and becomes solid as it is chilled. But don’t worry, when you reheat it with your favorite thanksgiving leftovers it becomes a liquid again. Just place some of the chilled gravy on top of the leftovers that you are reheating in the oven or microwave.
Alternately, you could pour the contents into a saucepan and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or you could reheat the entire jar in the microwave.
Pour hot water with infused aromatics into your turkey’s cavity and roast it with foil covering. (see our roast turkey recipe).
Use our roast turkey recipe – the drippings from that turkey make the best gravy ever. You can also add salt and pepper, fresh herbs, etc.
If you find yourself with lots of turkey drippings, you can absolutely double this recipe.
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