Easy Turkey Gravy from Drippings

After all, what is gravy but a sauce made from the juices of the meat and then thickened with flour or cornstarch to get the right texture? It's easier to make turkey gravy from scratch than you might think.

This recipe starts out with the juice from our Thanksgiving turkey. The juices are easily captured when your turkey is cooked in an oven bag, then transferred to a saucepan after the turkey is finished cooking.

Ingredients

• Turkey Drippings
• All-purpose Flour
• Water
• Giblet Stock (optional)
• Cream or Milk (optional)

Ingredient Notes

If you want to make organic turkey gravy, use organic ingredients. Otherwise, this is a simple recipe made from ingredients that are easy to find.

For dairy-free gravy, do not use cream or milk. For creamy dairy-free turkey gravy, use a non-dairy substitute. Almond milk is a good choice.

How to Make Turkey Giblet Stock

After cleaning the turkey and removing the giblet packets and neck from inside, place the giblets and neck into a small saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat, cover, and simmer for two hours.

At this point, you can follow the directions for the gravy below, using the giblet stock as you would turkey drippings, or you can add it to turkey soup, turkey chili, or any dish calling for turkey or chicken stock.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from Drippings

1. Pour turkey drippings from roasting pan into a medium saucepan.
2. Add enough water to flour to make a thin paste.
3. Temper the flour paste with about ¼ cup of the turkey drippings. This raises the temperature of the flour paste so it will not form lumps when added to the hot turkey drippings.
4. Whisk the paste into the remainder of the drippings in the saucepan.
5. Bring it to a boil and stir often until it begins to thicken.
6. Your gravy should have a nice body to it when it has done.

That's it! See how easy it is! Now you've got a nice rich turkey gravy that's delicious poured on top of just about anything, think mashed potatoes and turkey dressing. No more worries of lumpy gravy. Believe me, they'll gobble it up as fast as they can! Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Use low sodium or unsalted turkey stock if there aren't enough pan drippings.
• Remember to strain the pan drippings.
• Whisk in some turkey stock if the gravy is too thick.
• Whisk in a cornstarch slurry if the gravy isn't thickening with flour. Make the slurry with 2 parts cold water and 1 part cornstarch.

Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

You can make gluten-free gravy with cornstarch instead of flour.

1. Make a cornstarch slurry with 2 parts cold water and 1 part cornstarch. Note the water must be cold. Mix it until it is smooth.
2. Slowly pour a little of the cornstarch slurry into the pan with the drippings, whisking while pouring.
3. Add a little more of the slurry if the gravy is too thin.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

You can use turkey stock or broth to make turkey gravy in advance. It will not have the same deep rich flavor as it would with being made from drippings.

Use 4 cups of turkey stock (or broth) to make the gravy.

Place the gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a saucepan over low heat.

How to Serve Turkey Gravy

A classic turkey gravy boat and ladle is the best way to serve the gravy. You can also serve it in a small pitcher.

How to Store and Reheat Turkey Gravy

Leftover gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it is warmed.

Can you freeze turkey gravy?

Yes. Freeze leftover turkey gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

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• Easy Thanksgiving Turkey in a Bag
• Classic Turkey Dressing aka Stuffing
• How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
• Traditional Green Bean Casserole
• Super Popular Sweet Potato Casserole
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