Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy
on Nov 06, 2019, Updated Mar 15, 2024
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This simple and flavorful homemade gravy comes together quickly using the leftover drippings from a roast turkey or roast turkey breast!
You can simply whip this up in a few minutes before you serve a delicious holiday feast to family and friends with the use of a few pantry staple ingredients and the drippings from turkey!
Quick Turkey Gravy Recipe
Well, friends, the holidays are officially almost here! And to me, a big part of the holidays is enjoying warm, festive meals around the table with the smiling faces of my relatives and friends. I’ll never grow tired of the holiday staples, either: the roast turkey, the mashed potatoes, the flavorful turkey gravy over top. Food just brings people together unlike anything else, and I think that’s what’s so special at the heart of these traditional holiday dishes.
And gravy? It totally brings people, and flavors, together. Think of it as the glue that holds your Thanksgiving or Christmas roundup of dishes together. It kind of tastes amazing on everything, and this recipe is such a cinch that you can throw it together minutes before you serve your feast. I’m all about simplifying ways to get big flavor, especially for the holidays when no one wants or needs to be stressing/slaving away in the kitchen. It should be a time to enjoy and gather with loved ones with ease… And this easy gravy recipe will allow you to do just that.
How do you darken turkey gravy?
When you mix half the turkey drippings with flour in a saucepan over the stove, let it brown to the color you desire in your gravy. It should be a nice, rich golden-brown.
How do you separate turkey fat from drippings?
When the turkey comes out of the oven, let it rest. Once the resting time is over, transfer your turkey to a cutting board or serving platter. Carefully add the liquid or “drippings” that remain in the bottom of the pan to a large bowl, or pour into a fat separator (that’s the one I have and love).
If you don’t have a fat separator, let the drippings sit for a minute, allowing the fat to naturally separate from the rest of the drippings. You will notice that the fat will rise to the top, leaving the drippings and liquid on the bottom. Use a large spoon or ladle to skim and remove most of the fat from the top of the the drippings.
How do I add flavor to bland turkey gravy?
Using the drippings from roast turkey and chicken broth will add a ton of delicious flavor to your gravy, and don’t underestimate the power of salt and pepper. Make sure you taste the gravy to be sure you’ve seasoned it well enough before serving.
Do you add milk to gravy?
Some gravies use milk to give them a creamy consistency, but this one does not because you want to get the rich turkey flavors to really stand out.
How to make turkey gravy:
- Remove pan drippings from the bottom of a pan of roasted turkey.
- Add part of the drippings and flour to a saucepan and stir.
- Cook the flour mixture until it browns lightly.
- Add the remaining drippings and chicken broth.
- Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Enjoy over mashed potatoes and turkey.
Easy Homemade Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 cups drippings from roast turkey or roast turkey breast
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or turkey or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Giblets and neck of uncooked turkey, optional
Instructions
- To get drippings from your turkey: When the turkey comes out of the oven, let it rest. Once the resting time is over, transfer your turkey to a cutting board or serving platter.
- Carefully add the liquid or “drippings” that remain in the bottom of the pan to a large bowl, or pour into a fat separator (that’s the one I have and love).
- If you don’t have a fat separator: Let the drippings sit for a minute, allowing the fat to naturally separate from the rest of the drippings. You will notice that the fat will rise to the top, leaving the drippings and liquid on the bottom. Use a large spoon or ladle to skim and remove most of the fat from the top of the the drippings.
- To make the gravy: Add 1 cup of drippings to a large saucepan.
- Add 1/2 cup flour to the pan and whisk together until it makes a smooth paste. (At this point, you’ll need to use a little of your own judgement. You want a pasty consistency. If yours seems a little greasy, add more flour).
- When you have found the right consistency, whisk the mixture slowly over the heat as it begins to brown.
- Once you get a nice golden-brown color, whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 additional cup of drippings.
- Allow the gravy to cook, whisking constantly for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until thickened.
- If the gravy is too thick, add more broth or drippings liquid. If gravy is too thin after cooking for 10 minutes, add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and then add to the gravy).
- Once you’re happy with the consistency of your gravy, season with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
- Store leftover gravy covered in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
More recipes for your turkey dinner:
- Whipped Sweet Potato Casserole
- Deviled Eggs
- Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples
- Katie’s Corn Casserole
- Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole
- Classic Homemade Mashed Potatoes
My easy turkey gravy recipe will bring big flavor to your holiday table with minimal effort or time on your part!
