How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy

Contents

How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy
Featured Comment
INGREDIENTS
Pan drippings
Chicken or turkey stock
Unsalted butter
Flour
Thyme
Salt and pepper
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
WHAT TO SERVE WITH TURKEY GRAVY
TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST TURKEY GRAVY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions

This is simply the most perfect gravy for your Thanksgiving turkey using pan drippings! So rich, so smooth and so easy!

Featured Comment

I’ve been making this turkey recipe for the last 3 years and it’s amazing. Everyone says my turkey is the best they’ve ever had so thank you so much!! I also make the gravy recipe, 10/10

Jessica

163 more comments

I promised you a gravy recipe, didn’t I? I always keep my promises. Plus, this isn’t just any ordinary turkey gravy recipe.

Nope. This is the world’s easiest, quickest, less-than-2o-minute recipe conveniently using the pan drippings from your foolproof turkey.

Which means, hello, this is also a foolproof gravy!

You just can’t go wrong here. All you have to do is strain your pan drippings and combine it with some butter, flour and fresh herbs.

Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and boom. You’re done.

INGREDIENTS

Pan drippings

Using pan drippings from your bird is key here! It will add so much flavor to your gravy.

Chicken or turkey stock

Good quality chicken or turkey stock is highly recommended if you do not have (or have enough) pan drippings.

Unsalted butter

This will help create the roux – the combination of flour and fat (butter) – which is the foundation of a lovely gravy.

Flour

All-purpose is best but gluten-free flour can also be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.

Thyme

Herbs – dried or fresh – are great to add flavor. Add as much or as little as desired. Rosemary, sage and oregano can also be added here.

Salt and pepper

Season to taste as your pan drippings will already be seasoned quite a bit.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS

Pan drippings. Gravy can be made with or without pan drippings, but we highly recommend using pan drippings for optimal flavor.
Use good quality stock. If you do not have enough pan drippings from your turkey, you can use chicken or turkey stock to make up for the difference but your gravy is as good as your stock. Use homemade or good quality stock, if using.
Whisk constantly. Whisking constantly is key here for lump-free gravy.

How to Make the Best Turkey Gravy Image 1

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TURKEY GRAVY

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Cranberry Orange Sauce
How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
Sheet Pan Scalloped Potatoes
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

Saucepan

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST TURKEY GRAVY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I get pan drippings for this recipe?

You can use all of the pan drippings from the easiest Thanksgiving turkey recipe.

Why use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows you to add as much salt (or as little) salt in your dish. It allows for more control and consistency.

You can replace unsalted butter with salted butter in a pinch, reducing the amount of salt indicated in the recipe, and adding to taste.

Can I use dried herbs instead?

Absolutely! But because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.

Can I still make gravy without pan drippings?

Yes! You can follow the recipe below, substituting chicken or turkey stock for the pan drippings, and adding in minced garlic, diced shallots and additional seasonings (ex. sage, rosemary and poultry seasoning), to taste.

Can I freeze turkey gravy?

Gravy freezes very well (or at least this one does)! Once cooled completely, you can freeze the leftover gravy in individual freezer bags (or ice cube trays), thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop. (Gravy recipes with milk or cream will not freeze well as it will tend to separate when frozen.)

Recipe

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Pan drippings from Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

Saucepan

Instructions

1. Strain pan drippings through a fine-mesh sieve; discard solids and reserve 2 1/2 cups pan drippings; set aside.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and thyme until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in reserved pan drippings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Serve warm.