There’s nothing like a silky, deeply savory drizzle of Easy Turkey Gravy to turn holiday meals or Sunday dinners into unforgettable feasts. Ladled over tender roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy stuffing, this classic gravy has a way of bringing everyone back for seconds. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and beginner-friendly, so you can confidently master this homemade staple for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Turkey Gravy comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, but every ingredient has a purpose—building a lush texture, layered flavor, and perfect pourability. Let’s break down what you’ll need, plus a few pro tips to get the most from each component.
- Turkey drippings or turkey broth (2 cups): The foundation of flavor, turkey drippings add depth, but low-sodium turkey or chicken broth is a fantastic substitute if you don’t have pan juices.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Melted butter creates a rich, velvety base and helps the flour brown beautifully without oversalting.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): This classic thickener forms a smooth roux with the butter, eliminating lumps for flawlessly creamy gravy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon, adjust to taste): A modest amount lets you fine-tune the seasoning, especially if your broth isn’t overly salty.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add warmth and gentle spice without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Poultry seasoning or fresh herbs (optional, 1/2 teaspoon): A dash of thyme or sage brightens and lifts the gravy, turning a simple sauce into something extra special.
How to Make Easy Turkey Gravy
Step 1: Start with Your Roux
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s just bubbling. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, and let the mixture cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a soft golden color and gives off a warm, nutty aroma. This quick step is the secret to that impossibly smooth Easy Turkey Gravy—no pesky lumps allowed!
Step 2: Add the Liquid
Slowly pour in your turkey drippings or low-sodium broth while whisking without stopping. Take it slow! Add the liquid in a thin stream, whisking vigorously to incorporate it smoothly and prevent any clumps from forming. Once all the liquid is in, you should have a thin, creamy base that’s already smelling amazing.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and keep it there for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently, scraping the sides and bottom so nothing sticks. As the gravy simmers, it will thicken to that classic, luscious consistency. If you want it thicker, keep simmering another minute or two; for a silkier, lighter texture, you can stop sooner. Taste as you go—this is your moment to make it perfect!
Step 4: Season and Finish
Once your Easy Turkey Gravy has the texture you love, add salt, pepper, and, if you’d like, a sprinkle of poultry seasoning or chopped fresh herbs. Whisk them in and taste again, adjusting as you see fit. Sometimes, a little dash of extra fresh thyme or cracked pepper can make the flavors truly pop.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Pour your finished gravy into a warmed gravy boat or jug, and serve immediately over your favorite holiday dishes. This final touch transforms humble sides into something crave-worthy—watch as everyone swoons and asks you for the recipe!
How to Serve Easy Turkey Gravy
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, try sprinkling your Easy Turkey Gravy with a touch of finely chopped parsley, a twist of freshly ground black pepper, or a couple of delicate sage leaves just before serving. These simple garnishes not only add color but also signal that a special homemade touch is on the table.
Side Dishes
Of course, Easy Turkey Gravy is delicious on roast turkey, but don’t stop there! Spoon it liberally over pillowy mashed potatoes, herby stuffing, roasted root vegetables, or even as an extra layer on turkey sandwiches. It’s the ultimate comfort-food upgrade for a variety of side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the gravy in an elegant gravy boat or a rustic mason jar with a ladle. If you’re hosting a buffet, try placing the gravy in a slow cooker or small crockpot on warm to keep it perfectly pourable throughout your meal. For a playful touch, label with a mini chalkboard or tie on a sprig of herbs for instant homemade charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Turkey Gravy is a gift for future you! Simply cool the gravy to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to go for weeknight meals or leftovers sandwiches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Easy Turkey Gravy for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a bit of headspace for expansion). Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—you’ll be amazed at how fresh it tastes!
Reheating
Gently reheat your gravy on the stovetop over low heat, whisking often until warm and smooth. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch—just do it in short bursts and mix well each time to keep that velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Turkey Gravy without pan drippings?
Yes, you can! Substitute low-sodium turkey or chicken broth for the drippings—the result will still be rich, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. For even more depth, stir in an extra pinch of poultry seasoning or a splash of white wine.
What if my gravy turns out lumpy?
No worries—lumpy gravy happens to the best of us! Simply pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth things out. Next time, whisk constantly while adding the liquid, and add it slowly for perfect results.
How do I make this Easy Turkey Gravy gluten-free?
Just swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1). The gravy will thicken and taste just as wonderful, and no one will notice the difference.
Can I freeze Easy Turkey Gravy even if it has dairy?
Yes! The small amount of butter in this recipe freezes well, so your gravy will reheat beautifully. If any separation occurs after thawing, just whisk vigorously over low heat until smooth.
How can I add more flavor to my gravy?
Try adding a splash of pan juices, white wine, or even Worcestershire sauce while simmering. Fresh herbs, a pinch of cayenne, or a little garlic powder can also amp up the complexity for a signature twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried homemade gravy before, let this be the year you wow everyone with your Easy Turkey Gravy. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this recipe is a game-changer for any festive feast. Whip up a batch, pour generously, and watch the smiles light up around your table—you’re about to become everyone’s favorite gravy maker!
Print
Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to easily make delicious turkey gravy from scratch using simple ingredients. This homemade gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups turkey drippings or low-sodium turkey broth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or sage
Turkey Gravy:
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and smooth.
- Add Drippings: Slowly whisk in the turkey drippings or broth, breaking up any lumps.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- If you don’t have turkey drippings, low-sodium chicken or turkey broth works well.
- For extra flavor, add white wine or Worcestershire sauce while simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
