Transform your Thanksgiving meal with this rich and savory Turkey Gravy. This recipe is easy to make and adds that perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you'll have a gravy that's smooth, flavorful, and perfect for drizzling over your turkey, mashed potatoes, and more.

Overhead image of Turkey Gravy in a metal gravy boat

Why You'll Love This Holiday Classic

Quick and Easy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gravy is perfect for any occasion, not just Thanksgiving.
Rich Flavor. The depth of flavor from the turkey drippings and broth makes this gravy stand out.
Customizable. Adjust the thickness, seasoning, or even add a splash of wine for a personalized touch.

Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, this turkey gravy will elevate your meal with its rich and savory taste.

What Does Turkey Gravy Taste Like?

Turkey gravy has a rich, savory, and slightly buttery flavor that perfectly complements roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. The base of the gravy, made from turkey drippings, adds a deep, meaty flavor with a hint of roasted goodness.

The addition of broth enhances this taste, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. You will also notice subtle earthy notes from herbs like thyme or rosemary, and a slight tang if a splash of wine or sherry is added.

Overall, turkey gravy is warm, comforting, and full of umami, making it the perfect accompaniment to holiday meals.

Is It Better To Thicken Turkey Gravy With Flour Or Cornstarch?

If you’re making a classic turkey gravy with a rich, hearty feel, flour might be the better choice. For a lighter, smoother gravy, cornstarch could be more appropriate.

Ingredients You'll Need

Turkey Drippings- The flavorful fat and juices left in the pan after roasting your turkey.
Butter- Adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency.
All-Purpose Flour- Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Turkey or Chicken Broth- Adds depth to the gravy and helps control the thickness.
Salt and Pepper- Essential for seasoning to taste.
Fresh Herbs- A sprig of thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
White Wine or Sherry (optional)- Adds complexity and a touch of elegance to the gravy.

How To Make Turkey Gravy With Drippings

Gather Your Drippings. After roasting your turkey, pour the drippings into a measuring cup. Let it sit for a few minutes to separate the fat from the juices. Skim off the fat, reserving about 1 cup for the gravy.
Make the Roux. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the reserved turkey fat and flour, whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color, which will ensure your gravy doesn't taste floury.
Add the Broth. Slowly whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Season and Enhance. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a splash of white wine or sherry and a sprig of fresh herbs. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Strain and Serve. For a silky smooth gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a serving dish. Serve hot over your turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more!

Close up image of Turkey Gravy in a metal gravy boat

Tips And Tricks

Making turkey gravy can be straightforward, but a few tips and tricks can elevate your gravy to the next level. Here’s how to make it perfect:

Gradually Add Liquid. Add the liquid a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This ensures a smooth gravy.
Season Carefully. Pan drippings can be salty, so go easy on the salt. Instead, focus on adding freshly ground black pepper and herbs like thyme or sage for extra flavor.
Thicken to Your Liking. If you need to thicken it further, mix a little cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the gravy while simmering.
Strain for a Smooth Texture. This removes any lumps, pieces of turkey, or bits of herbs, leaving you with a silky gravy.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations for homemade turkey gravy that you can try to add a unique twist to your holiday meal:

Mushroom Gravy- Sauté the mushrooms in butter until they’re browned and tender, then add them to the gravy. This adds a rich, earthy flavor and a hearty texture.
Onion Gravy- Thinly slice onions and cook them slowly in butter until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Stir them into the gravy for added sweetness and depth.
Creamy Gravy- Stir in the cream towards the end of cooking, after the gravy has thickened, for a rich and smooth finish.

What To Eat With Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is a versatile and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious options to enjoy with it:

Mashed Potatoes- A classic pairing, creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich flavors perfectly.
Roast Turkey- Of course, it is traditionally served over roasted turkey, adding moisture and flavor to the meat.
Stuffing- Drizzle turkey gravy over stuffing (or dressing) to add extra moisture and a savory boost.
Roasted Vegetables- Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables are elevated with a drizzle of turkey gravy.

How Long Does It Last?

Store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water to loosen if needed.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Turkey gravy freezes well. Pour cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

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