This easy Turkey Gravy recipe is made with turkey drippings, chicken stock, butter, and fresh herbs. It’s a foolproof recipe that results in results in the absolute best gravy from drippings in just 25 minutes!
The Best Turkey Gravy Recipe
Gravy is one of those must-have dishes for any Thanksgiving feast but gravy from a packet or jar just doesn’t cut it for me. If I’m making turkey gravy, I want gravy made from the drippings of my roasted turkey.
Truthfully, I used to be intimidated by the idea of making gravy from drippings. Surely it must require more effort than I had left to give after preparing a full feast…but I was wrong. This turkey gravy recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Turkey needs to rest before carving anyway, so it’s just the perfect amount of time.
Now this recipe is a staple on every holiday table, right next to green bean casserole and my favorite sweet potato casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Gravy from Drippings
- A Thanksgiving staple. No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without some gravy to drizzle over the turkey and mashed potatoes, so this turkey gravy recipe is a must-make for every Thanksgiving feast.
- Drippings add incredible flavor. Gravy from drippings has an incredibly robust, savory flavor – so much better than anything you can get from a packet or jar.
- Quick and easy. You can have this turkey gravy ready to go in the time it takes to let the turkey rest before carving. It takes just 25 minutes!
What You’ll Need
You’ll need turkey drippings, chicken stock, and a few pantry staples to make this recipe. Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Drippings – See notes below.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is best for this turkey gravy recipe, as the drippings themselves can be salty and we’re also adding salt to taste.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the gravy.
- Chicken stock – Thins out the gravy. If you have enough drippings, you can use more drippings in place of the stock or turkey stock.
- Salt & pepper
- Rosemary and thyme – Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add an aromantic touch to the gravy. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used as a substitute.
What if I Don’t Have Enough Drippings?
The drippings from the roasted turkey will provide a rich and flavorful base for the gravy. If you have a smaller amount of drippings, you can supplement with additional chicken stock.
How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings
- Prepare the drippings. Remove the turkey from the pan then carefully transfer the drippings to a measuring cup.
- Cook the flour. Melt the butter then stir in the flour for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the gravy. Whisk in the turkey drippings and stock, until a smooth consistency is reached. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the herbs to the gravy and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Strain. Strain the turkey gravy through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and herb remnants.
- Enjoy. Transfer to a serving boat and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Avoid oversalting the gravy. When seasoning the gravy, keep in mind that the drippings and stock may already contain some salt. Adjust accordingly to avoid oversalting.
- What if my turkey gravy is too thick? If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with additional chicken stock or water.
- What if my turkey gravy is too thin? Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it by cooking it a bit longer or by making a slurry with equal parts cornstarch and cold water and adding it gradually while stirring.
Ways to Serve Turkey Gravy
We tend to make this turkey gravy with our oven roasted Thanksgiving turkey, so we have our drippings to use. However, you can also use it on other turkey recipes, like slow cooker turkey and Instant Pot turkey.
I also love to drizzle my turkey over mashed potatoes and stuffing and it makes a great addition to Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches.
Proper Storage
- Fridge. Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or chicken stock to adjust the consistency if necessary.
More Holiday Recipes To Try
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Drippings From Roasted Turkey
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock if needed if you have more turkey drippings use that in place of the chicken stock
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme Sprigs or 1 teaspoon dried herbs, Finely Chopped
Instructions
- After removing the roasted turkey from the oven, carefully transfer the drippings into a separate container or a measuring cup.
- Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, stir continually for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flour is well incorporated and lightly cooked.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey drippings and the chicken stock (if using), until the mixture forms a smooth consistency. If needed, add more chicken stock until you achieve a desired thickness.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Add the fresh rosemary and thyme (or dried herbs) to the gravy. Stir well to incorporate the flavors. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Remove the gravy from the heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or herb remnants.
- Transfer the strained gravy to a serving boat or bowl, and it’s ready to be enjoyed alongside your turkey or favorite sides such as mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
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