This turkey gravy from drippings is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, using the pan juices and drippings from your roasted turkey.
Make the most of your Thanksgiving feast with this simple yet delicious turkey gravy recipe, and forget the store bought!
Why You'll Love Turkey Gravy From Drippings
While many opt for store-bought gravy, nothing quite compares to the homemade goodness of turkey gravy made from the drippings.
Rich turkey gravy, made from the natural juices of the roasted turkey, perfectly complements the savory flavors of the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other Thanksgiving sides.
- Homemade Goodness: Making gravy from scratch adds a touch of homemade goodness to the Thanksgiving meal, demonstrating your culinary skills and love for the tradition.
- Flavorful and Authentic: The turkey drippings are infused with the rich, savory flavors of the roasted turkey, creating a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with store-bought gravy.
- Easy and Adaptable: The recipe is simple to make, and can be easily adapted to a variety of dietary restrictions like gluten free or low fat.
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Ingredients for Turkey Drippings Gravy
Turkey dripping gravy is a snap to make with the pan drippings from the roasted turkey, a simple roux made with flour and butter, and a touch of seasoning.
- Broth - See our Homemade Turkey Broth Recipe, or use chicken broth.
- Turkey drippings - Save the pan juices from your roasted turkey!
- Flour - Regular all-purpose flour.
- Butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Turkey Gravy From Drippings
This rich, savory gravy is the essence of the turkey, the caramelized onions, and herbs that have infused the pan, transformed into a velvety smooth, flavor-packed gravy.
Strain The Turkey Drippings
- After the turkey has cooled, strain the drippings into a bowl, separating the fat from the solids. Reserve 4 cups of drippings.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no lumps.
Cook The Roux Until Light Golden Brown
- Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
Add Drippings And Simmer To Thicken
- Slowly whisk in the turkey stock and drippings, a little at a time, ensuring the mixture remains smooth.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for about 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
Tips for Success
To ensure your turkey gravy turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips:
- Strain the drippings: Before using the pan drippings, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality butter and flour for the roux to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Season to taste: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cook slowly: Cook the gravy over low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this homemade turkey gravy.
- Butter Alternatives: Substitute vegetable oil or margarine for butter in the roux.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free gravy.
- Flavorful Variations: Add a touch of thyme, sage, or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the comforting aroma and rich flavor of turkey gravy. It's the crown jewel of the Thanksgiving feast, adding a touch of elegance and homeliness to the table.
Turkey gravy is pairs perfectly with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes. Drizzle turkey gravy over your Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole for a symphony of flavors and textures.
Here are a few suggestions for serving this holiday essential side dish:
- Jiffy Cornbread Dressing
- Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
- Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stuffing Meatballs
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast (Split Turkey Breast Recipe)
- Easy Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Smoked Turkey Stuffing
Storage and Reheating
- Store your leftover gravy in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop.
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- Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
- Apple Cider Cupcakes
- Copycat Mall Bourbon Chicken
- Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making turkey gravy with drippings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If your gravy is too thick, add a little more broth or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
If your gravy is too thin, cook it over low heat for a few minutes longer until it reduces and thickens.
Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth instead of turkey broth for making turkey dripping gravy. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the gravy will still be delicious.
If you don't have enough pan drippings to make the desired amount of gravy, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the pan drippings before making the roux.
The best way to skim fat off of turkey drippings is to let the drippings cool completely in the refrigerator and then spoon off the solidified fat.
In addition to salt and pepper, you can also flavor turkey dripping gravy with herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary. You can also add a splash of brandy or cognac to more depth.
More Delish Ideas
Turkey Gravy From Drippings
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Butter
- ¼ cup Flour
- 4 cup Broth turkey or chicken broth
- 4 cup Turkey drippings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Poultry seasoning
- Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- After the turkey has cooled, strain the drippings into a bowl, separating the fat from the solids. Reserve 4 cups of drippings.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.¼ cup Butter
- Gradually whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no lumps¼ cup Flour
- Cook the roux for about 1 - 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.
- Slowly whisk in the turkey stock and drippings, a little at a time, ensuring the mixture remains smooth.4 cup Broth, 4 cup Turkey drippings
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for about 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.¼ teaspoon Poultry seasoning, Salt to taste, Pepper to taste
Notes
- Strain the drippings: Before using the pan drippings, strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality butter and flour for the roux to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Season to taste: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cook slowly: Cook the gravy over low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
- Wait to Season - The turkey drippings and the broth already has salt in them, so wait until the turkey gravey is complete before adjusting salt and pepper.
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