Gravy is a must-have for any Thanksgiving meal, and this recipe is delicious, simple to prepare, and sure to satisfy everyone!
What is your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving? Mine would be the rolls AND the gravy. I smother my plate with the amazing gravy that makes turkey dinner so delicious that I can’t even begin to imagine it without it! I’m not a turkey gravy connoisseur by any means. Meaning, I like really simple gravy. You don’t need a bunch of extravagant ingredients to make amazing gravy, either. As long as you season that bird right, your gravy should be spectacular!.
For the past 3 years, on Thanksgiving, I have made this SLOW COOKER TURKEY RECIPE. The juices from this recipe make the most amazing gravy, so I thought I should share it with all of you!
You don’t have to use that recipe to make this gravy either. You can use any turkey recipe drippings or even turkey stock. Of course, the way you season your bird will affect the flavor a little bit, but this easy method is how I like to make my gravy. It comes out perfect every time!.
I do use one ingredient you may not agree with. A packet of turkey gravy. Yep, you read that right. I cheat just a little and use the help of a gravy packet. I LOVE the added flavor it gives the gravy. You do NOT need to do this, especially if you’re worried about added salt. But I love it and make mine this way every time. I think it only makes it extra delicious.
Hey there, fellow foodies! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to get your gravy game on point! But let’s be real, not everyone has the time or energy to whip up a homemade gravy from scratch That’s where our trusty friend, the turkey gravy packet, comes in
Don’t let the “packet” fool you, though. This recipe is anything but basic. A few basic ingredients and a few simple steps will allow you to make a rich, flavorful gravy that will leave your guests raving.
So. grab your whisk and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 (0.87-ounce) packets McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup turkey pan drippings, fat skimmed
- 1 cup cooked, chopped turkey giblets (optional)
Optional Flavor Variations:
- Sage and Citrus: Decrease water to 2 cups. Add 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Rubbed Sage and 1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice in Step 1.
- Roasted Cinnamon and Bacon: Cook and crumble 4 slices bacon; set aside. Cook 1/4 cup chopped onion in 2 tablespoons bacon drippings until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in 1/4 cup flour, 2 packages McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Roasted Saigon Cinnamon. Stir in 2 cups cold water and 1 cup turkey drippings until well combined. Continue with Step 2 as directed above. Stir in bacon.
- Herb: Prepare as directed, but add 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Rubbed Sage or 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Poultry Seasoning in Step 1.
- Hearty Sage: Decrease water to 2 cups. Add 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Rubbed Sage in Step 1.
- Hearty Herb: Decrease water to 2 cups. Add 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Poultry Seasoning in Step 1.
- Apple and Sage: Decrease water to 1 cup and add 1 cup apple juice. Add 1 teaspoon McCormick Rubbed Sage in Step 1.
- Garlic and White Wine: Decrease water to 2 cups and add 1/4 cup white wine. Add 1/4 teaspoon McCormick California Style Garlic Powder with Parsley and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Thyme Leaves in Step 1.
- Mushroom and Onion: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms and 1/4 cup chopped onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix 1 1/2 cups cold water, 1 cup turkey drippings, and 2 packages McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix together in a bowl. Add gravy mixture to the saucepan; mix well. Continue with Step 2 as directed above.
- Cinnamon-Chipotle: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped red onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix 2 cups cold water, 1 cup turkey drippings, 1/4 cup flour, 2 packages McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix, 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Chipotle Chile Pepper together in a bowl. Add gravy mixture to the saucepan; mix well. Continue with Step 2 as directed above.
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the flour and gravy mix. Gradually whisk in the water and pan drippings until smooth. Stir in the giblets, if using.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve. Gravy will continue to thicken as it stands.
Tips:
- For a richer gravy, use the drippings from a roasted turkey.
- If you don’t have turkey giblets, you can substitute cooked ground turkey or sausage.
- To make the gravy ahead of time, prepare it as directed and then reheat it gently over low heat before serving.
And there you have it—a quick, tasty, and guaranteed recipe for turkey gravy made from a box. Now go forth and impress your guests with your culinary skills!.
And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavor variations. The possibilities are endless!.
Happy Thanksgiving!
MORE RECIPES YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- 4 cups turkey drippings OR 4 cups turkey/chicken stock
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 packet (0. 87 ounce) turkey gravy (I like the McCormick brand).
- salt and pepper to taste
- (Be sure to strain turkey drippings to get rid of any big chunks before using.) ).
- Place strained turkey drippings in a large saucepan. Let it sit for five minutes, then skim any fat that rises to the top. Add butter to drippings then cook over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir regularly for 15 minutes, or until it becomes slightly thickened.
- Mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk slurry into the saucepan. Then whisk in gravy packet contents, if using. Continue to simmer until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How To Make Turkey Gravy Packets TASTE BETTER!
FAQ
How to make gravy from a package?
What is in the gravy packet that comes with the turkey?
How do you make a turkey gravy packet?
Quick look at enhancing the recipe for a packet of turkey gravy… Roast garlic in olive oil on the stove for 2-3 minutes. Add turkey packet ingredients and water (as directed). Add lemon juice to a turkey gravy packet. Add fresh herbs to store bought gravy.
How do you make turkey gravy?
1 Mix Gravy Mix and flour in large saucepan. Gradually stir in water and turkey drippings with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in chopped turkey giblets, if desired. 2 Stirring frequently, cook on medium-high heat until gravy comes to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Can you add garlic to a turkey gravy packet?
Adding garlic is one of the easiest ways to enhance the gravy packet that comes with turkey. A little teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice goes a long way. Try chopped cilantro, a little parsley, or dill. See how Traeger smoking a turkey can be made juicy and delicious without a brine… Can you use this recipe for any turkey gravy packet?
How do you make turkey gravy taste better?
You do this on medium heat in a pan on the stove for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Adding garlic is one of the easiest ways to enhance the gravy packet that comes with turkey. A little teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice goes a long way. Try chopped cilantro, a little parsley, or dill.