Turkey Gravy
Easy homemade Turkey Gravy recipe perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. Rich, flavorful, and simple to make.
What’s my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner? Hands down, it’s the rolls and the gravy! I can’t imagine a turkey dinner without a rich, flavorful gravy poured over every bite. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients to make incredible turkey gravy; just simple seasoning and good drippings are all it takes.
For the past three years, I’ve been making my Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy, and the juices from this recipe create the most delicious, silky-smooth gravy. Be sure to save this recipe for later—it’s a must for Thanksgiving! Looking for some delicious roll recipes? My Amazing Dinner Rolls, Rosemary Rolls, and World’s Best Dinner Rolls never disappoint! Find more Thanksgiving-inspired recipes under Similar Recipes below!
TURKEY GRAVY
You don’t need that exact recipe to make this gravy. You can use any turkey drippings or even turkey stock. The flavor will vary slightly depending on how your turkey is seasoned, but this easy method ensures perfect gravy every time. I do have one small secret: I add a packet of turkey gravy mix. Yep, I cheat a little! It adds extra depth and flavor without much effort. Trust me on this! You don’t have to use it, especially if you’re watching salt, but I love the extra richness it brings to my Thanksgiving table. This easy homemade turkey gravy is simple, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner. Give it a try, and watch it become a new holiday favorite!
Find my expert tips on how to make this holiday turkey gravy recipe below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal effort, even with a gravy mix for extra flavor.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: Made with turkey drippings or stock for the ultimate holiday taste.
- Silky, smooth texture: Butter and a cornstarch slurry create perfectly thick gravy every time.
- Customizable Seasoning: Salt and pepper can be adjusted to taste for your perfect gravy.
- Versatile Spread: Perfect over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or any favorite sides.
- Generous Servings: Makes 4 cups of flavorful gravy, enough for the whole table.
- Lightened Fat: Skimming drippings ensures rich flavor without excess grease.
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings OR 4 cups turkey/chicken stock
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 packet (0.87 ounce) turkey gravy (I like the McCormick brand)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Note: Make sure to strain turkey drippings first to get rid of any large chunks before using.
Place strained turkey drippings in a large saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then skim any fat from the top surface. Add butter to drippings then cook over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk slurry into the saucepan. Then whisk in gravy packet contents, if using. Continue to simmer until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings
This classic turkey gravy recipe yields 4 cups.
Storage and Reheating
Let the turkey gravy cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the gravy thickens after cooling, whisk in a little water or stock to restore its smooth, silky texture.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy:
- Strain The Drippings: Always strain turkey drippings to remove large chunks for a smooth, silky gravy.
- Skim The Fat: Let the drippings sit for a few minutes, then skim off excess fat to keep the gravy rich but not greasy.
- Make A Cornstarch Slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the gravy prevents lumps and ensures perfect thickness.
- Season To Taste: Salt and pepper can be adjusted depending on how seasoned your turkey drippings are.
- Simmer Gently: Cook over medium heat and stir often to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a splash of turkey or chicken stock until it reaches your desired texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can use turkey or chicken stock instead of drippings. The flavor will be slightly different, but the gravy will still be rich and delicious.
No, the gravy packet is optional. It adds extra depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler, all-natural gravy.
Whisk the cornstarch with water to make a slurry before adding it to the gravy. Stir constantly while simmering to ensure a silky texture.
Yes! Store cooled gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock if it thickens.
If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little turkey or chicken stock. If it’s too thin, simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Yes, you can reduce the butter slightly or omit it, but butter adds richness and smoothness that make the gravy extra flavorful.
To make this turkey gravy gluten-free, use a gluten-free gravy packet if desired, and stick with cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Ensure any turkey or chicken stock, drippings, and seasonings are gluten-free, checking labels as needed. This simple adjustment keeps your gravy rich, smooth, and safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
Similar Recipes
Looking for a classic turkey and gravy dinner? Give my Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy a try.
Looking for more classic Thanksgiving condiment recipes? Don’t forget the Cranberry Sauce!
Looking for a quick holiday snack or appetizer? My Stuffing and Turkey Roll Ups are slices of roasted turkey wrapped around stuffing, and topped with gravy.
Looking for a quick turkey-themed lunch before the main course? My Ranch Turkey Club Wraps are filled with turkey and bacon, drenched in creamy ranch dressing.
Not sure what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers? Try my Turkey Cranberry Sliders, featuring savory turkey, stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce sandwiched between buttery rolls.
Have you made this Turkey Gravy recipe? 🦃
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #TurkeyGravy #ThanksgivingRecipes #LifeInTheLofthouse
Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 4 cups turkey drippings OR 4 cups turkey/chicken stock
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 1 packet (0.87 ounce) turkey gravy (I like the McCormick brand)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- (Make sure to strain turkey drippings first to get rid of any large chunks before using)
- Place strained turkey drippings in a large saucepan. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then skim any fat from the top surface. Add butter to drippings then cook over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
- Mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk slurry into the saucepan. Then whisk in gravy packet contents, if using. Continue to simmer until gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Thank you for sharing this recipe! I made it for Thanksgiving dinner and my whole family gobbled it up! Loved it!! I was a little skeptical about the McCormick packet, but it was absolutely perfect! Thanks again!
It was delicious. Best turkey I have ever made, including the gravy. Thank you for the recipe.
This gravy is soooo good. Made it last year and can not wait to make it again Few more days !
Thank you Beks! So great to her hear you love it as much as we do 🙂