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Turkey Gravy

Turkey Gravy

Published: November 8, 2018 Last Updated: December 3, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links.  For more information, read my disclosure policy here.   

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best turkey gravy recipe

This easy turkey gravy recipe is a classic.  It works whether or not you have pan drippings from a roasted turkey.  

Turkey Gravy in a white gravy boat.

Why This Turkey Gravy Recipe Works

Why buy pre-made gravy when making the real thing is so easy?  This is my go-to turkey gravy recipe.  It comes out velvety smooth every time and works perfectly – even if you don’t have turkey drippings.

I’ll show you how easy it is to make turkey gravy that will have your family begging for more.

This homemade gravy recipe works because you start with a roux and then build in flavor from actual turkey drippings or turkey stock.  In fact, I use this same recipe for making chicken gravy too.  It’s that versatile.

Turkey Gravy on mash potatoes

Do you need pan drippings to make turkey gravy?

The great thing about this homemade turkey gravy is you don’t need to have drippings from a turkey to get a great tasting gravy.  You easily substitute an equal amount of turkey or chicken stock in place of the pan drippings.

This is definitely the best turkey gravy because you can make it even if you deep fry your turkey and don’t get any pan drippings.

Gravy in a pot, whisk in pot.

How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy

Making this homemade gravy recipe starts with a roux.  If you’re not sure what a roux is, it’s a combination of butter and flour that is used as a base to thicken sauces.

In order to make the best turkey gravy recipe, you need to build flavor with your roux. To do this, I let the butter turn a slight brown when it’s melting.  By letting the butter turn brown slightly, you’re actually toasting the milk solids in the butter.  This gives it a deep somewhat nutting flavor.

After you build your roux, you stir in the pan drippings and/or stock.  Of course, to get the best turkey gravy recipe you should use pan drippings, but if that’s not an option a good store-bought turkey stock will work too.

Once the gravy starts coming together, the last step is to season it.  It’s super simple to make homemade gravy.

Turkey Gravy on mash potatoes

Expert Tips for Making Homemade Turkey Gravy

Here are a few expert tips to help you make the best classic turkey gravy:

  • When using turkey pan drippings, make sure you strain out all of the fat.  I use this fat separator to ensure all of the fat is removed from my drippings.
  • Build a flavorful roux by allowing the butter to turn a very light brown before adding the flour.
  • Add flavor by using my homemade House Seasoning Blend and my Homemade Poultry Seasoning.

Variations for Making Homemade Gravy

This easy homemade gravy recipe can easily be adapted to fit your tastes and needs.  Here are some variations:

  • Cook and finely mince the turkey giblets and add them to the gravy.  My family has split down the middle on this so I always it both ways.
  • Substitute all chicken stock to make a great chicken gravy or base for soups/stews.
  • Change out the herbs to develop different flavors.  I like to use my Porketta Seasoning Blend when making gravy for a pork roast.
  • Substitute the stock for milk to make great cream gravy.

Tools Used to Make This Recipe

Sauce Pan: This is my go-to gravy making pan.

Whisk: I love the size of this whisk!

Fat Separator: This is my absolute favorite!

Strainer: Essential for eliminating lumps.

More Recipes You Might Like

  • Herb Roasted Turkey
  • Perfect Mashed Potatoes
  • Grandma’s Homemade Stuffing

Looking for more?  Check out all of the best Thanksgiving recipes on It Is a Keeper.

⭐⭐⭐ RATE THIS RECIPE ⭐⭐⭐

If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it in the comment section below.

Turkey Gravy Recipe

Turkey Gravy Recipe

This easy turkey gravy recipe is a classic.  It works whether or not you have pan drippings from a roasted turkey.  
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course: Sauces, Seasonings, Dressings
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gravy, Thanksgiving
Servings: 6
Calories: 47kcal
Author: Christina Hitchcock
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.21 from 53 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups turkey stock and pan drippings
  • 1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning Blend
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
  • When butter is melted, whisk in flour until a paste forms.
  • Whisk the flour paste for about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in turkey stock and/or turkey pan drippings with the fat strained out.
  • Stir in House Seasoning Blend and Poultry Seasoning Blend.
  • Simmer over medium heat until gravy thickens to desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 194mg | Vitamin A: 115IU | Iron: 0.2mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Show me on Instagram! Mention @itsakeeperblog or tag #itisakeeper! I'd love to see what you're up to in the kitchen!
Helpful Tips for All Recipes on It Is a Keeper
  • Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust! 
  • When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.  
  • I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
  • I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat.  This one is my favorite.  
  • When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
  • The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate.  Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.

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Comments

  1. Linda Geurkink says

    November 30, 2020 at 12:31 am

    Before I tried this recipe I never thought there could be a ‘fool proof’ gravy. But, I’m a believer now!! This recipe makes great tasting Turkey gravy without lumps & it’s so easy, I think my 10 year old granddaughter could make it & it would be perfect too! This recipe is my new ‘go to’ recipe for gravy!! Thank you for making my life easier during the Holidays & Sunday dinners!

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      November 30, 2020 at 10:43 am

      Thank you for your feedback! This is a great recipe I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Debz says

    November 27, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    This gravy recipe is a keeper for sure! Best I’ve ever made!

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      November 30, 2020 at 10:45 am

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  3. KATHY says

    November 23, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    GREAT GRAVY! I LOVE THE GRAVY SEPARATOR. IVE NEVER SEEN ONE LIKE THAT. COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU PURCHASED IT? THANK YOU.

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      January 21, 2021 at 9:16 am

      Glad you liked it! YOu can get the fat separator here: https://amzn.to/3bWZE9V (it’s an affiliate link)

      Reply
  4. Latasha Jones says

    May 25, 2020 at 10:11 am

    Thanks for the recipe. The gravy went great with my turkey meatballs and brown rice. I would have taken a picture but I was so hungry and the food looked great. My daughters all loved the consistency and taste of the gravy. Now I know that the trick is sauteed butter. I also added some sauteed onions and garlic, worcestire sauce, onion powder and garlic powder. We like a lot of flavor in my house.

    Reply
  5. Nathalie says

    December 23, 2019 at 11:17 am

    Can I make it a day in advance and simply warm it up the day after?

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      January 2, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Yes! You may need to thin it with a little more stock, though.

      Reply
  6. Anna says

    November 29, 2019 at 10:14 pm

    First time making gravy and I was nervous! My husbands family raved about it! They said I have to make it every year. This recipe was easy and very delicious!

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      December 5, 2019 at 11:15 am

      YAY!!!! I’m so glad everyone liked it!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Norma says

    November 29, 2019 at 12:28 am

    I am so glad I found your gravy recipe Christina in time for my family’s Thanksgiving meal today. homemade gravy. I have to confess that I’ve never made any homemade gravy as it always seemed intimidating. I made it exactly as mentioned, even making your seasoning blend and poultry blend to add to the gravy. Wow, I was knocked over with how easy and delicious it turned out. My family loved it. I was able to use turkey drippings and scraped bits and the roux is exactly how I make mine for thickening sauces. A winner! Will be making this again.

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      December 5, 2019 at 11:16 am

      That is AWESOME!! I’m so glad you liked it! It’s my go-to gravy recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Sarah says

    October 31, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Can you leave this in slow cooker for a potluck dinner?

    Reply
    • Christina Hitchcock says

      December 23, 2019 at 9:44 am

      I don’t see why not.

      Reply
  9. Wilhelmina Wessel says

    November 8, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    A good gravy recipe is essential for the holidays!

    Reply
  10. Julie says

    November 8, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    That gravy looks perfectly smooth and delicious. It’s perfect timing for the crowd that I have coming on Thanksgiving too!

    Reply
  11. Carla Cardello says

    November 8, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    I will be making this for Thanksgiving for sure! This looks great!

    Reply
  12. Tayler Ross says

    November 8, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    Totally saving this for Thanksgiving! This looks great!

    Reply

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