Turkey Gravy Recipe

Nothing completes a Thanksgiving feast quite like a smooth, savory gravy. This Perfect Turkey Gravy Recipe is a versatile, rich sauce that’s easy to prepare, whether you have pan drippings from your turkey or prefer using a quality stock. With its velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors, this gravy enhances every bite, from the turkey to mashed potatoes. And the best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes, so you can easily add it to your holiday menu without any extra fuss.

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Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-timer, this gravy recipe is simple and foolproof. It starts with butter and a bit of flour, which help create a luscious base, while chicken or turkey stock adds layers of flavor. For those who save the flavorful drippings from their roasted turkey, this recipe easily incorporates them to boost the taste even further. The result is a gravy so good, you’ll want to pour it on everything on your plate!

This recipe is not only perfect for Thanksgiving but also great for any holiday meal or family gathering. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a rich, satisfying gravy that complements all your favorite holiday dishes.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Turkey Gravy

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – The base for a silky texture and adds rich, buttery flavor to the gravy.
• Coarse Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Gives a bit of warmth and spice, enhancing the savory elements.
• Chicken or Turkey Stock, or Pan Drippings (4 cups) – The main liquid, providing depth and body; stock works beautifully on its own, or boost the flavor using pan drippings.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Thickens the gravy to a smooth consistency without lumps.

Simple Steps to Make Turkey Gravy

1. If you’re using turkey drippings, start by straining them to remove any solids. Let them rest for a moment so the fat rises to the top, then skim it off. If needed, add chicken or turkey stock until you have 4 cups of liquid.
2. If you’re using only stock, simply measure out 4 cups and set it aside for later.
3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, allowing it to bubble gently.
4. Add the black pepper to the melted butter, letting it infuse for about a minute.
5. Whisk in the flour gradually, stirring continuously until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Slowly pour in the drippings or stock, a little at a time, whisking constantly to keep the mixture lump-free as it thickens.
7. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Serve immediately or keep on low heat until ready to enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Gravy Every Time

• Adjust Thickness: For a thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking to the pan.
• Make Ahead: If you want to reduce stress on the big day, make the gravy up to one day in advance. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of stock if it thickens too much.
• Seasoning Check: If using salted stock or heavily seasoned drippings, taste before adding additional salt.

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Recipe Variations

For a twist on traditional turkey gravy, try adding a splash of white wine to the pan before the stock for a bit of acidity and depth. You can also incorporate fresh herbs, like thyme or sage, to give it a fragrant, earthy aroma. If you prefer a smoother consistency, strain the finished gravy to remove any bits or clumps before serving.

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover gravy, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you’d like to keep it longer, gravy freezes well for up to two months. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit more stock or water to help thin it out if it has thickened too much. This way, your gravy will retain its original flavor and texture, ready to enjoy as good as fresh!

Enjoy the rich flavors and silky texture of this perfect turkey gravy at your next gathering, and watch it become a new holiday favorite!

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Turkey Gravy Recipe

This turkey gravy is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With or without drippings, this recipe creates a deliciously smooth gravy ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings.

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Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Turkey Gravy Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 4 cups chicken or turkey stock or pan drippings
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

• If using drippings from roasted turkey or chicken: Pour the warm drippings into a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids, then let the liquid rest briefly so the fat rises to the surface. Skim off the fat with a spoon. If there are not enough drippings to make 4 cups, add chicken or turkey stock until you reach 4 cups.
• If not using drippings: Simply measure out 4 cups of chicken or turkey stock to use as your base.
• In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble.
• Stir in the black pepper, allowing it to season the butter for a minute.
• Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Continue stirring until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Slowly pour in the drippings or stock, a little at a time, while continuously whisking. This will ensure a lump-free texture as the gravy thickens.
• Allow the gravy to cook for several minutes, stirring often, until it reaches your desired thickness. Serve immediately or keep on low heat until ready to enjoy.
• Notes

Notes

For a thicker gravy, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally.