Classic Turkey Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Turkey gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements your holiday turkey or roasted chicken. Made from savory drippings and a simple roux, this gravy is easy to prepare and brings comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings or turkey/chicken stock
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: If using turkey drippings, pour them through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris. Let the strained drippings cool slightly, then spoon off any fat that has risen to the top. If you don’t have 4 cups of drippings, add turkey or chicken stock to make a total of 4 cups.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Step 3: Slowly pour in the turkey drippings or stock while whisking continuously. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to use.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of fresh herbs like thyme or sage while simmering.
- Use a fat separator to easily remove excess grease from drippings before making gravy.
- If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
Store gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much upon cooling, thin with a little stock or water while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make turkey gravy without drippings?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken stock as a base instead of drippings. The gravy will still be flavorful and delicious.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Whisk continuously when adding the liquid to the roux, and pour the liquid in slowly. This helps create a smooth, lump-free gravy.
PrintClassic Turkey Gravy Recipe
This classic Turkey Gravy recipe creates a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for pouring over roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing. Made from savory turkey drippings and thickened with a buttery roux, it’s smooth and deliciously seasoned with salt and pepper. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this gravy enhances your holiday meal with a comforting, homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups of gravy 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Gravy Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings or turkey/chicken stock
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the drippings: If using turkey drippings, pour them through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris. Allow the strained drippings to cool slightly, then spoon off any fat that has risen to the top. If you don’t have 4 cups of liquid after this, add turkey or chicken stock to reach a total of 4 cups.
- Melt butter and make roux: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth, golden roux without browning it too much.
- Add drippings and thicken: Slowly pour the turkey drippings or stock into the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, about 10 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste the gravy and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve the gravy immediately over your turkey or side dishes, or keep it warm until ready to use.
Notes
- Skim the fat from the drippings to avoid greasy gravy unless you prefer it richer.
- Whisk constantly when adding liquid to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Adjust thickness by cooking longer to thicken or adding more stock to thin.
- Gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness.
Keywords: turkey gravy, Thanksgiving gravy, homemade gravy, turkey drippings sauce, stovetop gravy
