Making gravy is the last thing you want to think about when you have a ton of side dishes to prepare for Thanksgiving in addition to the whole bird in the oven. Well, worry not, this make-ahead Turkey Gravy without Drippings will save the day!.
This recipe is super easy and convenient, and it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to make.
This turkey gravy is a great make-ahead and freezer friendly recipe. Make it in advance to save time and stovetop space on Thanksgiving day!.
Let’s be honest, you can’t have Thanksgiving without gravy. But really, on this day, how many times have you been annoyed by the endless amount of cooking and roasting you have to do? A whole turkey in the oven, side dishes in the oven, burners on the stovetop, kids running around, you get the idea.
The last thing you want to think about is making gravy. Or maybe your turkey drippings got burnt. This is why I always make my trusty recipe for make-ahead turkey gravy without drippings.
Making turkey gravy without drippings is not only incredibly simple, freezer-friendly, and conducive to making ahead of time, but it’s also incredibly delicious!
Now picture this: You are arranging the Thanksgiving table in a calm manner, serving your exquisitely roasted turkey and the incredibly simple gravy you prepared the day before. And of course, with some good Cranberry Orange Sauce. Everyone is happy and so are you. No fuss, no mess. Just some good quality time. Yes please.
Making gravy is an essential part of Thanksgiving, but sometimes you might not have enough turkey drippings to create that rich, flavorful sauce. Don’t worry, though! This article brings you two fantastic recipes for turkey gravy without drippings, ensuring your Thanksgiving feast is complete and delicious
Recipe #1: The Best Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
This recipe from Key to My Lime is a simple and quick solution for those who don’t have drippings but still crave that classic Thanksgiving gravy. It’s perfect for serving alongside your turkey breast, mashed potatoes, and cranberry relish.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 medium garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey broth (substitute with chicken broth if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, sauteing until aromatic.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly.
- Slowly whisk in the broth until there are no lumps.
- Add the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer until thickened.
- Enjoy your delicious gravy!
Recipe #2: How to Make Gravy Without Turkey Drippings
This recipe from Allrecipes is another excellent option for making gravy without drippings. It uses butter, flour, broth, and spices to create a flavorful sauce that will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey stock (substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian gravy)
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly brown.
- Whisk in the flour and cook until there are no lumps and the roux is lightly browned and bubbling.
- Gradually whisk in the turkey stock, stirring up any roux stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Season with poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and celery salt.
- Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips for Making the Best Gravy:
- Use a whisk to ensure a smooth and lump-free gravy.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of soy sauce, miso paste, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, bouillon, or minced onion/garlic to your roux.
- If you want to make the gravy ahead of time, simply cool it down and store it in an airtight container or plastic bag. Reheat it gently before serving.
Additional Resources:
- Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23271/make-ahead-turkey-gravy/
- Chef John’s Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/241127/chef-johns-make-ahead-turkey-gravy/
With these two delicious recipes and helpful tips, you can now confidently create a flavorful turkey gravy without drippings, making your Thanksgiving meal even more special and memorable. Enjoy!
Why Make Gravy Ahead of Time
There are so many reasons I can think of to make this turkey gravy without drippings. It’s not only a time and sanity saver, but it works well in situations where you’re cooking turkey without any drippings, like:
- You’re smoking or grilling a whole turkey
- You’re deep-frying a turkey
- Instead, you would like to make a turkey roulade.
- All you’re afraid of is burning all those turkey drippings—it does happen!
- Or maybe you burned those drippings by accident and you still want gravy?
Maybe you just want to make it ahead of time and unwind, or maybe you just don’t have enough burner space. Whatever your reason is, this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe will surely save the day. It’s flavorful and has the perfect consistency.
This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only 15 to 20 minutes to prepare and can be made up to two days ahead of time.
The great news is that you only need a handful of ingredients. Below are a few ingredients notes from recipe testing. As always, the ingredient quantities and details can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Unsalted butter: Provides fat and aids in the preparation of a roux, a paste used to thicken sauces. It builds rich flavors.
- All-purpose flour: To make the roux and thicken the gravy.
- Turkey broth or stock: The liquid component.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper: For flavor.
- Fresh thyme: For aromatic flavors. If you’d like, you can also use dried thyme or an Italian spice blend.
- You can add more seasoning if you’d like, like onion flakes, poultry seasoning, sage, rosemary, or chicken broth.
In just 15 to 20 minutes, you can make the easiest gravy for your Thanksgiving dinner. Below is an overview on how to make an easy Thanksgiving turkey gravy without drippings.
Step 1 | Make a roux
A roux is pretty much flour and fat (butter, in this case) cooked together. It’s used to thicken sauces. To make a roux, melt butter and add flour over medium-low heat. Use a wooden spoon or silicone whisk to whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to smell slightly nutty, which should take two to three minutes.
Tip: The key to making a good roux is to whisk constantly. This will get rid of the raw flour taste and ensure your gravy is lump-free.
Turkey Gravy | How To Make Turkey Gravy Without Pan Drippings | Thanksgiving Recipes | Ep. 479
FAQ
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